Exploring Mitomirs in Breast Cancer: an In-Vitro Study of Their Emerging Roles

Abstract

Objective: Breast cancer is associated with a 5% genetic predisposition in women. Mitochondria play a role in important cellular events such as metabolism, cell death, and inflammation. Recent studies have highlighted precursor micro-RNA (pre-miRNA) to be located in mitochondria as well as mature miRNA. This study aims to reveal the occurrence of mitochondrial miRNA (mitomiR) in breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The study has prepared the mitochondrial fractions using the magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) method and performed small RNA (sRNA) sequencing. Results: The study has identified known and novel mitomiR sequences aligned to the mitochondrial genome. Conclusion: Identifying new mitomiRs can provide significant contributions and illuminate the molecular mechanism underlying mitomiR biogenesis.