The Role of MicroRNAs in Mitochondrial Homeostasis and their Involvement in the Pathogenesis of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: A Focus on MicroRNAs

The maintenance of the functional potential of mitochondria is directly related to epigenetic factors, microRNAs (miRs), and mitomicroRNAs (mitomiRs). An important role in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS)/obesity is attributed to miRs, which have pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory potential and can penetrate the mitochondrial matrix. Deciphering the mechanisms responsible for the transport of miRs into the mitochondria would, we believe, allow us to use the knowledge obtained to build designs for the transport of drugs/mitomiRs into cells/mitochondria with low toxicity. A thorough understanding of the polyfunctionality/versatility of individual mitomiRs in specific cells (cell cultures, tissues: adipocytes, brain cells) will allow targeting cellular metabolism to comprehensively block the central link in disease pathogenesis with low potential side effects of this treatment. In this review, we have attempted to identify the key miRs/mitomiRs associated with MetS that affect mitochondrial function. In our opinion, further research should focus specifically on the miR/mitomiRs described here and further investigate their potential in the development of MetS and its components.