Stress-induced changes in miRNA biogenesis and functioning

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that play key roles in the regulation of cellular homeostasis in eukaryotic organisms. There is emerging evidence that some of these processes are influenced by various forms of cellular stresses, including DNA damage, pathogen invasion or chronic stress associated with diseases. Many reports over the last decade demonstrate examples of stress-induced miRNA deregulation at the level of transcription, processing, subcellular localization and functioning. Moreover, core miRNA biogenesis proteins and their interactions with partners can be selectively regulated in response to stress signaling. However, little is known about the role of isomiRs and the interactions of miRNA with non-canonical targets in the context of the stress response. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on miRNA functions under various stresses, including chronic stress and miRNA deregulation in the pathogenesis of age-associated neurodegenerative disorders. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00018-017-2591-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.