title: The role of microRNAs in cellular senescence and age-related conditions of cartilage and bone.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We reviewed the current state of research on microRNAs in age-related diseases in cartilage and bone.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed searches were conducted using separate terms to retrieve articles on (1) the role of microRNAs on aging and tissue degeneration, (2) specific microRNAs that influence cellular and organism senescence, (3) microRNAs in age-related musculoskeletal conditions, and (4) the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of microRNAs in age-related musculoskeletal conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An increasing number of studies have identified microRNAs associated with cellular aging and tissue degeneration. Specifically in regard to frailty, microRNAs have been found to influence the onset and course of age-related musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis. Both intracellular and extracellular microRNAs may be suitable to function as diagnostic biomarkers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The research data currently available suggest that microRNAs play an important role in orchestrating age-related processes and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Further research may help to improve our understanding of the complexity of these processes at the cellular and extracellular level. The option to develop microRNA biomarkers and novel therapeutic agents for the degenerating diseases of bone and cartilage appears to be promising.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology , VIBT-BOKU , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences.
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Weilner
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grillari-Voglauer
authors.forename: Heinz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Redl
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grillari
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nau
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics*; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000235:genetics; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000235:genetics*; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000502:physiology*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000235:genetics*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs