Work

Control of mitochondrial activity by miRNAs

Year: 2011

Type: review

Abstract: Mitochondria supply energy for physiological function and they participate in the regulation of other cellular events including apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, and production of reactive oxygen species. Thus, mitochondria play a critical role in the cells. However, dysfunction of mitochondria is related to a variety of pathological processes and diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs about 22 nucleotides long, and they can bind to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of mRNAs, thereby inhibiting mRNA translation or promoting mRNA degradation. We summarize the molecular regulation of mitochondrial metabolism, structure, and function by miRNAs. Modulation of miRNAs levels may provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of mitochondria-related diseases.

Source: Journal of Cellular Biochemistry

DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24004

Authors: Peifeng Li, Jianqing Jiao, Guifeng Gao, Bellur S. Prabhakar

Institutions: University of Illinois Chicago, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: MicroRNA in disease regulation

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Cancer Institute