MicroRNA in intervertebral disc degeneration.
Aetiology of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is complex, with genetic, developmental, biochemical and biomechanical factors contributing to the disease process. It is becoming obvious that epigenetic processes influence evolution of IDD as strongly as the genetic background. Deregulated phenotypes of nucleus pulposus cells, including differentiation, migration, proliferation and apoptosis, are involved in all stages of progression of human IDD. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, have recently been recognized as important regulators of gene expression. Research into roles of microRNAs in IDD has been very active over the past 5 years. Our review summarizes current research enlightenment towards understanding roles of microRNAs in regulating nucleus pulposus cell functions in IDD. These exciting findings support the notion that specific modulation of microRNAs may represent an attractive approach for management of IDD.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100007, China.
Zheng
Z
Li
Xin
X
Yu
Jianxiong
J
Shen
Matthew T V
MT
Chan
William Ka Kei
WK
Wu
D017209:Apoptosis; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D035683:MicroRNAs