siRNAs, tRNAs, and rRNAs in Osteoarthritis: Biological Functions and Therapeutic Opportunities

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic disease, characterized by progressive joint degeneration and primarily affects older adults. OA leads to reduced functional abilities, a lower quality of life, and an increased mortality rate. Currently, effective treatment options for OA are lacking. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional RNAs transcribed from DNA but not translated into proteins. Among ncRNAs, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) have become significant in the field, which is intricately linked to the progression of OA and perform significant regulatory functions in transcription, post-transcription, and post-translation, making them potential biological targets for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of OA. This review summarizes the general functions of siRNAs, tRNAs, and rRNAs and their application in OA. The primary focus has been on regulating cartilage degradation. Other participations include regulating synovium, protecting anterior cruciate ligament cells, and diagnosis. No clinical trials were found as challenges such as effective delivery systems, immune responses, long-term effects, and interactions between therapies need to be demonstrated first.