Autophagy unleashes noncanonical microRNA functions.

Autophagy unleashes noncanonical microRNA functions.
Autophagy. 2020 Oct 15;:1-3
Authors: Santovito D, Egea V, Bidzhekov K, Natarelli L, Mourão A, Blanchet X, Wichapong K, Aslani M, Brunßen C, Horckmans M, Hristov M, Geerlof A, Lutgens E, Daemen MJAP, Hackeng T, Ries C, Chavakis T, Morawietz H, Naumann R, Hundelshausen PV, Steffens S, Duchêne J, Megens RTA, Sattler M, Weber C
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression which act by guiding AGO (argonaute) proteins to target RNA transcripts in the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). This macromolecular complex includes multiple additional components (e.g., TNRC6A) that allow for interaction with enzymes mediating inhibition of translation or RNA decay. However, miRNAs also reside in low-molecular weight complexes without being engaged in target repression, and their function in this context is largely unknown. Our recent findings show that endothelial cells exposed to protective high-shear stress or MTORC inhibition activate the macroautophagy/autophagy machinery to sustain viability by promoting differential trafficking of MIR126 strands and by enabling unconventional features of MIR126-5p. Whereas MIR126-3p is degraded upon autophagy activation, MIR126-5p interacts with the RNA-binding protein MEX3A to form a ternary complex with AGO2. This complex forms on the autophagosomal surface and facilitates its nuclear localization. Once in the nu...

Source: Autophagy - October 15, 2020 Category: Cytology Authors: Santovito D, Egea V, Bidzhekov K, Natarelli L, Mourão A, Blanchet X, Wichapong K, Aslani M, Brunßen C, Horckmans M, Hristov M, Geerlof A, Lutgens E, Daemen MJAP, Hackeng T, Ries C, Chavakis T, Morawietz H, Naumann R, Hundelshausen PV, Steffens S, Duchê Tags: Autophagy Source Type: research