Mitochondrial long non-coding RNA GAS5 tunes TCA metabolism in response to nutrient stress

The localization of long non-coding RNAs plays a vital role in regulating cellular processes. In addition to compiling a database of organelle-associated lncRNAs, Sang et al. identify a role for the lncRNA GAS5 in regulating tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes during nutrient stress. Organelles use specialized molecules to regulate their essential cellular processes. However, systematically elucidating the subcellular distribution and function of molecules such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cellular homeostasis and diseases has not been fully achieved. Here, we reveal the diverse and abundant subcellular distribution of organelle-associated lncRNAs from mitochondria, lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum. Among them, we identify the mitochondrially localized lncRNA growth-arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) as a tumour suppressor in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis. Mechanistically, energy-stress-induced GAS5 modulates mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid flux by disrupting metabolic enzyme tandem association of fumarate hydratase, malate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase, the canonical members of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. GAS5 negatively correlates with levels of its associated mitochondrial metabolic enzymes in tumours and benefits overall survival in individuals with breast cancer. Together, our detailed annotation of subcellular lncRNA distribution identifies a functional role for lncRNAs in regulating cellular metabolic homeostasis, highlighting organelle-associated lncRNAs as potential clinical targets to manipulate cellular metabolism and diseases.

Automated summary

The research found that long non-coding RNAs play a crucial role in regulating cellular processes, with lncRNA GAS5 identified as a regulator of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes during nutrient stress. By annotating and studying the subcellular distribution of organelle-associated lncRNAs, it revealed their functional role in cellular metabolic homeostasis.