Modulation of mitochondrial functions by xenobiotic-induced microRNA: From environmental sentinel organisms to mammals

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2018-12, Vol.645, p.79-88
• Main Authors: Burgos-Aceves, Mario Alberto, Cohen, Amit, Paolella, Gaetana, Lepretti, Marilena, Smith, Yoav, Faggio, Caterina, Lionetti, Lillà
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Environmental Monitoring; Haemocytes; Hepatocytes; Mammals - physiology; microRNA; MicroRNAs; Mitochondria - drug effects; Mitochondria - physiology; Mitochondrial dysfunction; Oxidative Stress; Pollutants; Reactive Oxygen Species; ROS; Sentinel Species; Xenobiotics - toxicity
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.109

Mitochondria play a crucial role in energetic metabolism, signaling pathways, and overall cell viability. They are in the first line in facing cellular energy requirements in stress conditions, such as in response to xenobiotic exposure. Recently, a novel regulatory key role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in important signaling pathways in mitochondria has been proposed. Consequently, alteration in miRNAs expression by xenobiotics could outcome into mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species overexpression, and liberation of apoptosis or necrosis activating proteins. The aim of this review is to show the highlights about mitochondria-associated miRNAs in cellular processes exposed to xenobiotic stress in different cell types involved in detoxification processes or sensitive to environmental hazards in marine sentinel organisms and mammals. [Display omitted] •This review summarizes the current knowledge of miRNA role in condition of xenobiotic exposure.•miRNA in regulating mitochondria and the effect of xenobiotic on mitochondrial function•Modulation of miRNA levels may provide a new therapeutic approach.