Control of mesenchymal lineage progression by microRNAs targeting skeletal gene regulators Trps1 and Runx2

Multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) that target the osteogenic Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) define an interrelated network of miRNAs that control osteoblastogenesis. We addressed whether these miRNAs have functional targets beyond RUNX2 that coregulate skeletal development. Here, we find that seven RUNX2-targeting miRNAs (miR-23a, miR-30c, miR-34c, miR-133a, miR-135a, miR-205, and miR-217) also regulate the chondrogenic GATA transcription factor tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome I (TRPS1). Although the efficacy of each miRNA to target RUNX2 or TRPS1 differs in osteoblasts and chondrocytes, each effectively blocks maturation of precommitted osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Furthermore, these miRNAs can redirect mesenchymal stem cells into adipogenic cell fate with concomitant up-regulation of key lineage-specific transcription factors. Thus, a program of multiple miRNAs controls mesenchymal lineage progression by selectively blocking differentiation of osteoblasts and chondrocytes to control skeletal development.