Role of Mitochondria-Associated Non-Coding RNAs in Intracellular Communication

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Background

It has become increasingly clear that mitochondria, which have been recognized as the powerhouse of eukaryotic cells, fulfill additional essential roles aside from providing the cell with the bulk of ATP. Mitochondria have an active role in apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, regulation of innate immunity, amino acid metabolism and stem cell regulation, among others. The human mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) encodes 2 rRNAs (16S and 12S), 22 tRNAs and 13 polypeptides involved in oxidative phosphorylation. There is evidence that the mitochondrial genome possibly contains lncRNAs and miRNAs. However, whether and how these ncRNAs function is not fully understood. Proteomic evaluations have identified more than 1500 proteins that are found in mitochondria. The majority of mitochondrial proteins are products of nuclear genes and are synthesized in the cytosol, then translocated into mitochondria. Increasing reports have shown evidence of a bidirectional communication between mitochondria and the nucleus, coordinating multiple cellular functions. This connection, nonetheless, is not limited to mitochondrial import of nuclear-encoded proteins and export of metabolites, but involves other processes, including noncoding RNAs engaged in this inter-organellar communication.

Since the identification of miRNAs in the mitochondrial compartment in early 2011, publications on this topic have increased exponentially. Most of these reports provide novel information about how these ncRNAs within the mitochondria alter cellular function. However, some reports have been misleading. Therefore, collecting all the experts studying mitochondria-associated ncRNAs in one edition will be tremendously helpful for educating the scientific community. Recent advancements in RNA-sequencing technology have enticed new researchers to begin investigating mitochondrial ncRNAs. Therefore, there is a great need for basic information and standardized guidelines, such as normalization controls and mitochondria isolation procedures, to conduct rigorous research in this field. By gathering all the experts exploring mitochondrial ncRNAs, we believe that we can generate a comprehensive report for the broader community, including areas that require further research and validation.

The connection between the nucleus and other cellular organelles, such as the mitochondrion, are critically mediated by a myriad of long and small noncoding RNAs, which are increasingly gaining attention. The dissection of the multiple aspects of this process will shed light on the pathways involved in the mechanisms underlying normal and pathological involvement of noncoding RNAs in the communication between mitochondria and other organelles, particularly the nucleus. Expansion of the knowledge on these cellular events will lay the groundwork for the development of potential therapeutic strategies for different human pathologies.
This Research Topic aims to garner knowledge on the role of noncoding RNAs that participate in communication pathways between mitochondria and the cell. We welcome Original Research Articles, Brief Research Reports, Reviews, Mini Reviews and Perspectives on the following (or related) research areas:

• Mitochondria- or nuclear-encoded ncRNA.
• Mitochondrial Export/Import of noncoding RNAs.
• LncRNAs and miRNAs regulating mitochondrial-intracellular communication under normal conditions such as development, aging, immunology or reproduction, and pathophysiological conditions such as cancer, vascular and neuro-degenerative disorders, diabetes or other diseases.
• lncRNA-miRNA interplay in mitochondrial-organellar communication
• Potential therapeutic strategies based on mitochondria-associated noncoding RNAs
• Methods of isolating high-quality ncRNAs from mitochondrial pellets.
• Future of mitochondria-associated ncRNAs in human health.

Keywords: non-coding RNA, microRNA, lncRNA, mitochondria, intracellular communication, human health

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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