MicroRNA-9-5p regulates apoptosis of human osteoarthritis chondrocytes through suppressing TnC

Xinming Yi1, Jun Lei1,2, Ye Hua1

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Xinyang Vocational and Technical College, Xinyang, China.

African Health Sciences
|February 5, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p) inhibits osteoarthritis progression by targeting Tenascin C (TnC) in chondrocytes. This study highlights miR-9-5p as a potential therapeutic target for osteoarthritis treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease, with obesity as a key risk factor.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression with therapeutic potential for OA.
  • miRNAs offer promising avenues for developing novel OA treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of miR-9-5p in osteoarthritis.
  • To determine the regulatory relationship between miR-9-5p and Tenascin C (TnC) in chondrocytes.
  • To explore miR-9-5p as a potential therapeutic target for OA.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) to measure miR-9-5p and TnC expression.
  • Western blot and qPCR to assess protein and gene expression (TnC, Bax, Bcl-2) following miR-9-5p manipulation.
  • Dual luciferase reporter assay to confirm the targeting interaction between miR-9-5p and TnC.

Main Results:

  • Overexpression of miR-9-5p significantly decreased TnC and Bax protein levels while increasing Bcl-2 protein levels in chondrocytes.
  • Silencing miR-9-5p produced opposite effects on TnC, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression.
  • Upregulation of miR-9-5p was associated with reduced expression of inflammatory factors and inhibition of chondrocyte apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • miR-9-5p inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis by directly targeting TnC.
  • The miR-9-5p/TnC axis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
  • miR-9-5p represents a promising therapeutic target for osteoarthritis treatment.

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