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Non-coding RNA in osteoarthritis: mechanistic insights and future perspectives
Manali Jain1, Anamika Kumari Anuja2, Soniya Yadav1
1Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key regulators in osteoarthritis (OA) development, influencing gene expression and disease pathways. While microRNAs show promise as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, challenges remain for long-term clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) critically regulate gene expression in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis.
- ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), influence key OA processes like cartilage degradation and inflammation.
- These ncRNAs modulate critical OA-associated signaling pathways, contributing to joint homeostasis failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review ncRNA-mediated mechanisms in OA.
- To emphasize mechanistic validation, biomarker development, and therapeutic translation of ncRNAs in OA.
- To highlight the potential of ncRNAs in precision medicine for OA management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ncRNA functions in OA pathogenesis.
- Analysis of experimental and translational evidence for different ncRNA classes.
- Evaluation of diagnostic potential of circulating ncRNAs as biomarkers.
- Critical discussion of ncRNA-based therapeutic strategies and their challenges.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit the strongest experimental and translational evidence, with miR-140-5p being a validated cartilage-protective miRNA.
- Other miRNAs (e.g., miR-146a, miR-21, miR-34a) regulate inflammatory and survival pathways.
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) require further validation in human OA tissues.
- Circulating ncRNAs show potential as minimally invasive OA biomarkers, but require methodological standardization and longitudinal validation.
- ncRNA-based therapeutics demonstrate preclinical efficacy but face challenges in delivery, specificity, and safety.
Conclusions:
- ncRNAs are crucial regulators and potential therapeutic targets for OA.
- miRNAs are the most advanced ncRNA class for OA research and therapy.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in biomarker validation and therapeutic translation for ncRNAs in OA.
- ncRNAs hold promise for future precision medicine strategies in OA management.
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