[Regulation of microRNA in osteoblast differentiation and its clinical significance].
OBJECTIVE To summary the functional roles and molecular mechanisms of microRNA (miRNA) in osteoblast differentiation so as to supply information for basic and clinical researches.


METHODS
Recent literature concerning miRNA in osteoblast differentiation was reviewed. The information was classified and summarized.


RESULTS
miRNAs critically regulate bone morphogenetic protein, transforming growth factor beta, and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways during osteoblast differentiation. In pathological conditions, especially in some disorders of abnormal osteoblast differentiation, down-regulated miRNA expression has been observed.


CONCLUSIONS
miRNA may represent a novel biomarker for diagnosis, and a candidate target therapies for the disorders with abnormal osteoblast differentiation.
Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, P.R.China.
Mingliang
M
Zhou
Mi
M
Li
Xijie
X
Yu
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D050659:Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000378:metabolism
D050659:Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit; D035683:MicroRNAs; C493709:RUNX2 protein, human; D051153:Wnt Proteins; D051176:beta Catenin; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase