Altered trafficking of miRNAs at mitochondria modulates mitochondrial functions and cell death in brain ischemia

Stroke is one of the major causes of death and disabilities worldwide. The rapid induction of cell death by ne-crosis and apoptosis is observed at the ischemic core, while long lasting apoptosis and brain inflammation continue in the penumbra. The emerging evidence suggests a critical role of mitochondria in acute and chronic inflammation and cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction may result in the release of mitokines and/or mito-chondrial DNA into the cytoplasm and activate multiple cytosolic pathways which in turn triggers inflammation. The role of miRNA, specifically mitochondria-associated miRNAs (mitomiRs) in the regulation of mitochondrial functions is emerging. In the current study, we hypothesized that ischemia-induced mitomiRs may modulate the mitochondrial functions and such alterations under stress conditions may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. We have demonstrated the specific pattern of miRNAs associated with mitochondria that is altered under ischemic condition induced by transient middle artery occlusion (tMCAo) in rats. The putative targets of altered miRNAs include several mitochondrial proteins which signifies their involvement in maintaining mito-chondrial homeostasis. The alteration of selected miRNAs in mitochondria was further detected in a cellular models when hypoxia was induced using a chemical agent CoCl2, in three cell lines. Two candidate mitomiRs, hsa-miR-149-3p and hsa-miR-204-5p were further analyzed for their functional role during in vitro hypoxia by transfecting mitomiR mimics into cells and determining critical mitochondrial functions and cell viability. The results here emphasize the role of certain mitomiRs as an important modulator of mitochondrial function under the ischemic condition.

Automated summary

Stroke is a major cause of death and disabilities globally. Mitochondria play a critical role in inflammation and cell death, and mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to inflammatory responses. This study found that the pattern of miRNAs associated with mitochondrial functions changes under ischemic conditions, and the altered miRNAs target mitochondrial proteins involved in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis.