title: Do MicroRNAs have a key epigenetic role in osteoarthritis and in mechanotransduction?
abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative disease affecting joint tissues. The pathogenesis of OA is complex and poorly understood, as well as the multiple factors contributing to its development and progression. Accumulating evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role as regulators of cartilage biology and in the pathogenesis of OA. It has been demonstrated that mechanical loading, important for the regulation of cartilage metabolism, affects miRNAs expression. Furthermore, miRNAs present in human plasma and in synovial fluid could represent promising biological markers for OA. Herein, we have reviewed the current state of research on miRNAs in cartilage homeostasis and OA pathogenesis and their potential clinical applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena; and Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Italy. annadepalma90@live.it.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Palma
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena; and Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cheleschi
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico "Le Scotte", University of Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola Antonio
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Pascarelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tenti
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galeazzi
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico "Le Scotte", University of Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fioravanti
mesh_terms: D002356:Cartilage / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005819:Genetic Markers; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular / Q000235:genetics*; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers; D035683:MicroRNAs