Overexpression of HSA-MIR-7 enhances cartilage regeneration by osteoarthritic chondrocytes and prevents hypertrophy

Abstract

Purpose: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression through base-specific interactions. We recently identified 66 miRNA that were differentially expressed between normal and osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes. One of these, hsa-miR-7-5p was 4.5 times lower expressed in OA cartilage. miR-7 targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and several kinases in the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway. Activation of the EGFR pathway leads to decreased matrix production, increased matrix degradation and chondrocyte hypertrophy.