# MicroRNAs in the Mitochondria–Telomere Axis: Novel Insights into Cancer Development and Potential Therapeutic Targets

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how microRNAs influence mitochondria and telomeres, impacting cancer development and possible treatments.

## Contribution

It highlights novel roles of miRNAs in the mitochondria–telomere axis and their potential as cancer biomarkers or therapies.

## Key findings

- miRNAs regulate telomeric stability and mitochondrial behavior, affecting cancer cell proliferation.
- MitomiRs influence the cGAS/STING pathway, linking mitochondrial DNA to immune responses in cancer.
- miRNAs are potential therapeutic targets due to their roles in metabolic changes and oncogenesis.

## Abstract

The mitochondria–telomere axis is recognized as an important factor in the processes of metabolism, aging and oncogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential function in this complex interaction, having an impact on aspects such as cellular homeostasis, oxidative responses and apoptosis. In recent years, miRNAs have been found to be crucial for telomeric stability, as well as for mitochondrial behavior, factors that influence cell proliferation and viability. Furthermore, mitochondrial miRNAs (mitomiRs) are associated with gene expression and the activity of the cGAS/STING pathway activity, linking mitochondrial DNA recognition to immune system responses. Hence, miRNAs maintain a link to mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolic changes in cancer and cellular organelles. This review focuses on the roles of a variety of miRNAs in cancer progression and their potential application as biomarkers or therapeutic agents.