The microRNA-23a has limited roles in bone formation and homeostasis in vivo

Recent studies have demonstrated that some microRNAs (miRNAs) inhibit bone formation by inhibiting the translation of specific genes. Several in vitro studies have suggested that miR-23a inhibits osteogenic differentiation by suppressing the translation of Runx2, a transcription factor essential for osteoblastogenesis, and of Satb2, a member of the special AT-rich binding protein family. In the present study, we used a gain-of-function approach to determine the roles of miR-23a in bone formation and homeostasis in vivo. The miR-23a transgenic (Tg) mice grew normally and their body size and weight were similar to those of wild-type (WT) littermates. Bone structure and morphology were similar in Tg and WT mice. Furthermore, the numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, as well as their activities in bone were similar between Tg and WT mice. Our results indicate that miR-23 has limited roles in bone formation and maintenance in vivo in mice.