Role of mitochondria in regulating microRNA activity and its relevance to the central nervous system

Mitochondria, known as the cell's powerhouses, are critical for cell signaling, differentiation, and survival. Their dysfunction is linked to various diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They are involved in key brain processes like development and synaptic plasticity, and their dysregulation is linked to diseases. miRNAs are found in different parts of the cell, including mitochondria, suggesting they regulate gene expression in specific cellular compartments. This allows for selective responses to different demands.

• 1
  Nuclear-encoded miRNAs can be found in mitochondria and can directly regulate mitochondrial proteins, such as miR-181c targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1).
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  Mitochondria may regulate miRNA activities by acting as a warehouse for miRNAs, a vehicle for delivering miRNAs to cellular compartments, or as a network for exchanging miRNAs.
• 3
  Traumatic brain injury can cause changes in the levels of specific miRNAs associated with mitochondria in the hippocampus, suggesting a response to cellular stressors.