Pre-microRNA and Mature microRNA in Human Mitochondria
2011

MicroRNA Presence in Human Mitochondria

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Barrey Eric, Saint-Auret Gaelle, Bonnamy Blandine, Damas Dominique, Boyer Orane, Gidrol Xavier

Primary Institution: Unité de Biologie Intégrative des Adaptations à l'Exercice – INSERM U902, Genopole Evry, France

Hypothesis

Some miRNA could be present in the mitochondria for post-transcriptomic regulation by RNA interference.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated the presence of pre-miRNA and miRNA in human mitochondria isolated from skeletal muscular cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • Twenty five human pre-miRNA and 33 miRNA alignments were found in the reference mitochondrial sequence.
  • In situ hybridization demonstrated that these miRNA were localized in mitochondria of human myoblasts.
  • Forty six miRNA were significantly expressed for the smallest RNA input concentration.

Takeaway

Scientists found tiny molecules called microRNAs in the powerhouses of our cells, which help control how genes work.

Methodology

In-silico analysis and in situ hybridization were used to identify and confirm the presence of miRNA in mitochondria.

Limitations

The origin of the detected miRNA remains unclear and requires further investigation.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0020220

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