Differential expression of miRNAs in a cellular model of MELAS.

We investigate the participation of miRNAs in the cell response to the mitochondrial dysfunction associated with m.3243A>G mutation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is the most common cause of MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes) syndrome.Through small-RNA sequencing and in silico analysis, we identified 246 differentially-expressed in a transmitochondrial cybrid model of MELAS (100% m.3243A>G mutant mitochondrial DNA), with 126 being up-regulated and 120 down-regulated. The enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) terms revealed that target genes for dysregulated miRNAs were involved in muscle and nervous system development, heart development, and signaling pathways controlling cardiac events.These data suggest that the miRNA program triggered by the MELAS m.3243A>G mutation could explain for some of the clinical manifestations of the MELAS syndrome. Examination of dysregulated miRNAs in MELAS.