title: Targeting miRNAs in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bone tissue arises from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) differentiated into the osteoblast lineage by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Emerging evidence indicates that the class of small non-coding single-stranded RNAs known as "microRNAs (miRNAs)" also plays a critical role in this process.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this short review, we summarize the biology and functional mechanisms of miRNAs. Importantly, we discuss miRNA expression, miRNA function, miRNA target prediction, miRNA overexpression and inhibition methods applied in osteoblastogenesis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We discuss the potential therapeutic opportunities and challenges for improving the treatment of bone-related diseases by using miRNAs as a therapeutic target.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although various microRNAs regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, only a few miRNAs has been reported so far to play a key role in the regulation of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation.
authors.affiliation: The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Institute of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China.
authors.forename: Rong
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yan-Fei
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Xiang-Hang
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Luo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D010012:Osteogenesis
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs