We held a special lecture by Professor Takumi Koshiba (Fukuoka University) titled “MicroRNAs target mitochondrial-mediated antiviral innate immunity by regulating mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic demand” on January 23 (Tue) at PK hall.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that act as suppressors of multiple genes, are involved in numerous biologic functions, including disease processes. Here Dr. Koshiba’s group report that two miRNAs, miR-302b and miR-372, target mitochondrial-mediated antiviral innate immunity by regulating the mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic demand. Both miR-302b and miR-372 are upregulated in cells late after viral infection and ultimately terminate production of type I interferons and inflammatory cytokines. They found that both miRNAs are involved in DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fragmentation and also disruption of mitochondrial metabolism by attenuating SLC25A12, a member of the solute carrier family. Neutralizing the effects of the miRNAs by supplying their inhibitors re-established the mitochondrial dynamics and the antiviral responses. They revealed that SLC25A12 functions in the regulation of the antiviral response by inducing mitochondrial-related metabolites changes in the organelle. Their results provide insight into how miRNAs function to modulate the innate immune response by altering the mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic demand.
（Reported by Yoshifumi Nishikawa）
