Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small (20–24 nucleotides), highly conserved, non-coding RNA molecules whose main function is the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression through sequence-specific manners, such as mRNA degradation or translational repression. Since these key regulatory molecules are implicated in several biological processes, their altered expression affects the preservation of cellular homeostasis and leads to the development of a wide range of pathologies. Over the last few years, relevant investigations have elucidated that miRNAs participate in different stages of bone growth and development. Moreover, the abnormal expression of these RNA molecules in bone cells and tissues has been significantly associated with the progression of numerous bone diseases, including osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, osteonecrosis and bone metastasis, among others. In fact, miRNAs regulate multiple pathological mechanisms, including altering either osteogenic or osteoblast differentiation, metastasis, osteosarcoma cell proliferation, and bone loss. Therefore, in this present review, aiming to impulse the research arena of the biological implications of miRNA transcriptome in bone diseases and to explore their potentiality as a theragnostic target, we summarize the recent findings associated with the clinical significance of miRNAs in these ailments.
Highlights
Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Campus Querétaro, Av
Throughout the past years, extensive research has been performed to understand the functional roles of miRNAs within the etiology and progression of numerous bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, osteonecrosis, and bone metastasis, among others
The combination of bioinformatic tools with experimental procedures has allowed scientists to detect dysregulated miRNAs that could work as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the abovementioned bone diseases
Summary
Bones are mineralized structures of connective tissue that are made up of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, and bone lining cells. The search for novel therapeutic targets for treating bone diseases with minimum side effects represents a medical challenge that must be addressed in the upcoming years. Novel therapeutic targets for treating bone diseases with minimum side effects represents a medical challenge that must be addressed in the upcoming years. The existence of miRNAs was first reported (1993) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (20–24 nucleotides), non-coding RNA molecules later in other relevant organisms, including Homo sapiens (humans), Mus musculus (mice), that can modulate gene expression in eukaryotic organisms post-transcriptionally [5]. One of the strands of the RNase III, with the support of Dicer-associated proteins, interacts with the pre-miRNAs miRNA duplex, known as the guide[8]. We discuss some of the most relevant concerns that should be addressed in future research for better miRNAmediated disease management
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