Future prospect of long non-coding RNAs and mitochondrial respiration in obesity : A bioinformatics perspective

Obesity is a complex multifactorial disease which is commonly considered to be the consequence of an imbalance between energy consumption and expenditure. Given the importance of mitochondria in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction can be directly linked to obesity. The link between obesity and mitochondrial dysfunction are bidirectional, meaning that obesity can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial dysfunction can contribute to excessive fat accumulation, leading to obesity. Considering the potential link between mitochondrial health and obesity, unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunctions will provide insights into the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders and facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies. Emerging evidence indicates a putative role of long noncoding RNAs in regulating mitochondrial functions and metabolism. This article discusses the relationship between mitochondrial respiration and long noncoding RNAs, as well as the implications of these interactions in obesity. In addition, bioinformatics approaches are used to provide in silico evidence for the relationship between long noncoding RNAs and mitochondrial gene interaction in obesity. This perspective article may contribute to a better understanding of the critical regulatory role of long noncoding RNAs in mitochondrial function in the context of obesity.