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Circulating miRNAs in bone health and disease
Johannes Grillari1, Riikka E Mäkitie2, Roland Kocijan3
1Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria; Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Austria.
Bone
|December 10, 2020
Summary
MicroRNAs are key regulators of bone health and disease. Circulating microRNAs in biofluids show promise as biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring various bone conditions, including osteoporosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs regulate biological pathways crucial for bone homeostasis.
- Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are detectable in biofluids, offering minimally invasive detection methods.
- miRNA research has advanced understanding of bone health and disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular basics of miRNA function and release.
- To provide recommendations for best practices in circulating miRNA research for reproducibility.
- To summarize clinical evidence on miRNA utility as biomarkers in musculoskeletal disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular basics of miRNA function and release.
- Analysis of studies on circulating miRNAs in bone diseases.
- Compilation of data on miRNA utility in diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Main Results:
- Circulating miRNAs can be released from bone cells (osteoblasts, osteoclasts), potentially mediating cell communication.
- Studies explore miRNA utility beyond osteoporosis diagnosis, including treatment monitoring and other bone diseases.
- Recommendations for standardized analytical practices are provided to ensure data quality.
Conclusions:
- Circulating microRNAs hold significant potential as biomarkers for bone health and disease.
- Standardized research practices are essential for reliable and reproducible miRNA biomarker discovery.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the clinical utility of miRNAs in diverse musculoskeletal disorders.
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