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Updated: Sep 19, 2025

A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders
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MiR-217 participates in the progression of postmenopausal osteoporosis by regulating the OPG/RANKL/RANK pathway

Xiaoxia Yang1,2, Qihua Jin3,4, Lihua Guo5,6

  • 1Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No.155, Hanzhong Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, 210023, China.

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
|June 18, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-217 (miR-217) is upregulated in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). It targets Osteoprotegerin (OPG), inhibiting bone formation and promoting disease progression via the OPG/RANKL/RANK pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of the Osteoprotegerin (OPG)/Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa-B Ligand (RANKL)/Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa-B (RANK) signaling pathway.
  • This pathway is critical in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of miR-217 in PMO.
  • To elucidate its regulatory mechanism involving the OPG/RANKL/RANK signaling pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells and a rat model of PMO.
  • Employed reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) for gene expression analysis.
  • Western blotting and ELISA were used to assess protein and indicator levels.

Main Results:

  • miR-217 expression decreased during osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.
  • Overexpression of miR-217 inhibited osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and promoted apoptosis.
  • miR-217 directly targets OPG, influencing the OPG/RANKL/RANK pathway and bone metabolism in PMO models.

Conclusions:

  • miR-217 is upregulated in PMO.
  • It plays a significant role in PMO progression by modulating the OPG/RANKL/RANK signaling pathway.
Keywords:
MC3T3-E1 cellOPG/RANKL/RANK pathwayPMOmiR-217

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