BO4 - The Powerhouse Under Pressure: miR-718 and Mitochondrial Stress
SCURS Disciplines
Cell Biology
Document Type
General Presentation (Oral)
Invited Presentation Choice
Not Applicable
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play an important role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. MiRNAs use translational inhibition and mRNA destabilization to influence key processes such as development, cell differentiation, and metabolism. Elevated miR-718 levels are linked to poor tumor prognosis and tumor progression, and our preliminary data indicates elevated miR-718 may impact neurodevelopment. One of the many gene’s miRNAs can influence are those for mitochondrial gene expression, however, the further implications related to disease due to its impact on mitochondrial gene expression are not known thus far. With the use of the bioinformatics from TargetScan.org, we have been able to identify seven mitochondrial genes that are predicted as targets, which are as follows: MRPL30 (mitochondrial ribosome protein L30), MRPS26 (mitochondrial ribosome protein S26), RP11-113D6.10 (LOC494141, putative mitochondrial carrier protein), CLUH (clustered mitochondria homolog), MTG2 (mitochondrial ribosome associated GTPase 2), RARS2 (mitochondrial Arginyl-tRNA synthetase 2), and MRPL23 (mitochondrial ribosome protein L23). Because these genes are involved in mitochondrial translation and functioning of the inner membrane of the mitochondria, we expect that protein production in the mitochondria will be significantly affected by upregulating miR-718. More specifically, we suspect miR-718 will negatively impact cellular respiration and mitochondrial ability to produce ATP. Our preliminary data demonstrates miR-718 upregulation affects mitochondrial stress during cellular respiration. With this knowledge, we aim to further investigate how miR-718 affects mitochondria. We are using RT-qPCR to examine gene expressions of the listed mitochondrial target genes after upregulating miR-718. In addition, we are using microscopy to examine mitochondrial health by testing turnover and function. Finally, we are using ELISA-based assays to measure functioning of mitochondrial inner membrane complexes.
Keywords
mitochondria, miR-718, microRNA, cellular stress
Start Date
10-4-2026 3:10 PM
Location
CASB 101
End Date
10-4-2026 3:25 PM
BO4 - The Powerhouse Under Pressure: miR-718 and Mitochondrial Stress
CASB 101
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play an important role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. MiRNAs use translational inhibition and mRNA destabilization to influence key processes such as development, cell differentiation, and metabolism. Elevated miR-718 levels are linked to poor tumor prognosis and tumor progression, and our preliminary data indicates elevated miR-718 may impact neurodevelopment. One of the many gene’s miRNAs can influence are those for mitochondrial gene expression, however, the further implications related to disease due to its impact on mitochondrial gene expression are not known thus far. With the use of the bioinformatics from TargetScan.org, we have been able to identify seven mitochondrial genes that are predicted as targets, which are as follows: MRPL30 (mitochondrial ribosome protein L30), MRPS26 (mitochondrial ribosome protein S26), RP11-113D6.10 (LOC494141, putative mitochondrial carrier protein), CLUH (clustered mitochondria homolog), MTG2 (mitochondrial ribosome associated GTPase 2), RARS2 (mitochondrial Arginyl-tRNA synthetase 2), and MRPL23 (mitochondrial ribosome protein L23). Because these genes are involved in mitochondrial translation and functioning of the inner membrane of the mitochondria, we expect that protein production in the mitochondria will be significantly affected by upregulating miR-718. More specifically, we suspect miR-718 will negatively impact cellular respiration and mitochondrial ability to produce ATP. Our preliminary data demonstrates miR-718 upregulation affects mitochondrial stress during cellular respiration. With this knowledge, we aim to further investigate how miR-718 affects mitochondria. We are using RT-qPCR to examine gene expressions of the listed mitochondrial target genes after upregulating miR-718. In addition, we are using microscopy to examine mitochondrial health by testing turnover and function. Finally, we are using ELISA-based assays to measure functioning of mitochondrial inner membrane complexes.