MicroRNAs in osteoblast differentiation and fracture healing: From pathogenesis to therapeutic implication

The term "fracture" pertains to the occurrence of bones being either fully or partially disrupted as a result of external forces. Prolonged fracture healing can present a notable danger to the patient's general health and overall quality of life. The significance of osteoblasts in the process of new bone formation is widely recognized, and optimizing their function could be a desirable strategy. Therefore, the mending of bone fractures is intricately linked to the processes of osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are RNA molecules that do not encode for proteins, but rather modulate the functioning of physiological processes by directly targeting proteins. The participation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in experimental investigations has been extensive, and their control functions have earned them the recognition as primary regulators of the human genome. Earlier studies have shown that modulating the expression of miRNAs, either by increasing or decreasing their levels, can initiate the differentiation of osteoblasts. This implies that miRNAs play a pivotal function in promoting osteogenesis, facilitating bone mineralization and formation, ultimately leading to an efficient healing of fractures. Hence, focusing on miRNAs can be considered a propitious therapeutic approach to accelerate the healing of fractures and forestall nonunion. In this manner, the information supplied by this investigation has the potential to aid in upcoming clinical utilization, including its possible use as biomarkers or as resources for devising innovative therapeutic tactics aimed at promoting fracture healing.