Micro RNA expression in human skeletal muscle mitochondria

MiRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. MiRNAs mostly localise within the cytosol but are also found in the mitochondria where they can regulate the expression of mitochondrial-encoded transcripts. Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic metabolic conditions. However, the role of miRNAs in the regulation of mitochondrial function in healthy tissue, such as in response to exercise, is not known. The aim of this study was to use a small RNA library preparation approach to profile the entire population of miRNAs in human skeletal muscle mitochondria and investigate if mitochondrial miRNA expression was altered following an acute endurance exercise.