The mitochondrial genome encodes abundant small noncoding RNAs

Small noncoding RNAs identified thus far are all encoded by the nuclear genome. Here, we report that the murine and human mitochondrial genomes encode thousands of small noncoding RNAs, which are predominantly derived from the sense transcripts of the mitochondrial genes (host genes), and we termed these small RNAs mitochondrial genome-encoded small RNAs (mitosRNAs). DICER inactivation affected, but did not completely abolish mitosRNA production. MitosRNAs appear to be products of currently unidentified mitochondrial ribonucleases. Overexpression of mitosRNAs enhanced expression levels of their host genes in vitro, and dysregulated mitosRNA expression was generally associated with aberrant mitochondrial gene expression in vivo. Our data demonstrate that in addition to 37 known mitochondrial genes, the mammalian mitochondrial genome also encodes abundant mitosRNAs, which may play an important regulatory role in the control of mitochondrial gene expression in the cell.