Marco Tomasetti1, Jiri Neuzil2, Lanfeng Dong3. 1. Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy. Electronic address: m.tomasetti@univpm.it. 2. Apoptosis Research Group, School of Medical Science and Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia; Molecular Therapy Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague 4 142 20, Czech Republic. 3. Apoptosis Research Group, School of Medical Science and Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia. Electronic address: l.dong@griffith.edu.au.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mitochondria, essential to the cell homeostasis maintenance, are central to the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and their dysfunction is associated with multiple diseases. Recent research documents that microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate important signalling pathways in mitochondria, and many of these miRNAs are deregulated in various diseases including cancers. SCOPE OF REVIEW: In this review, we summarise the role of miRNAs in the regulation of the mitochondrial bioenergetics/function, and discuss the role of miRNAs modulating the various metabolic pathways resulting in tumour suppression and their possible therapeutic applications. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: MiRNAs have recently emerged as key regulators of metabolism and can affect mitochondria by modulating mitochondrial proteins coded by nuclear genes. They were also found in mitochondria. Reprogramming of the energy metabolism has been postulated as a major feature of cancer. Modulation of miRNAs levels may provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of mitochondria-related pathologies, including neoplastic diseases. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The elucidation of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of mitochondrial activity/bioenergetics will deepen our understanding of the molecular aspects of various aspects of cell biology associated with the genesis and progression of neoplastic diseases. Eventually, this knowledge may promote the development of innovative pharmacological interventions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Frontiers of Mitochondrial Research.
BACKGROUND: Mitochondria, essential to the cell homeostasis maintenance, are central to the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and their dysfunction is associated with multiple diseases. Recent research documents that microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate important signalling pathways in mitochondria, and many of these miRNAs are deregulated in various diseases including cancers. SCOPE OF REVIEW: In this review, we summarise the role of miRNAs in the regulation of the mitochondrial bioenergetics/function, and discuss the role of miRNAs modulating the various metabolic pathways resulting in tumour suppression and their possible therapeutic applications. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: MiRNAs have recently emerged as key regulators of metabolism and can affect mitochondria by modulating mitochondrial proteins coded by nuclear genes. They were also found in mitochondria. Reprogramming of the energy metabolism has been postulated as a major feature of cancer. Modulation of miRNAs levels may provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of mitochondria-related pathologies, including neoplastic diseases. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The elucidation of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of mitochondrial activity/bioenergetics will deepen our understanding of the molecular aspects of various aspects of cell biology associated with the genesis and progression of neoplastic diseases. Eventually, this knowledge may promote the development of innovative pharmacological interventions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Frontiers of Mitochondrial Research.
Authors: Ela Toxopeus; N Lynam-Lennon; K Biermann; G Dickens; P E de Ruiter; Jjb van Lanschot; J V Reynolds; Bpl Wijnhoven; J O'Sullivan; Ljw van der Laan Journal: Exp Biol Med (Maywood) Date: 2019-08-07
Authors: Erika T Rhone; Elissa Bardhi; Sai Vineela Bontha; Patrick D Walker; Jorge A Almenara; Catherine I Dumur; Helen Cathro; Daniel Maluf; Valeria Mas Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2021-05-21 Impact factor: 5.923