MicroRNAs and Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease. It is characterized by degenerative changes of articular cartilage and chondrocyte apoptosis. The prevalence of OA increases with age and affects most individuals over the age of 65. However, due to the various influencing factors and complicated molecular mechanisms of OA pathogenesis, at present, there is no effective method to cure OA except total joint replacement surgery. Interventions could be taken to slow the progression of OA and prevent the irreversible degradation of cartilage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding single-stranded small molecule RNAs, which involve in a series of important processes in life. In recent years, more and more researchers have found that many miRNAs are inseparable from the occurrence of OA. This chapter mainly focuses on summarizing those microRNAs which participate in the occurrence and development of OA (e.g., the proliferation and apoptosis of chondrocytes, the degenerative changes of articular cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), the process of chondrocyte inflammation and joint pain) as well as the related signal regulation pathways. We will discuss the latest research progress of microRNA in the treatment of OA and provide new insights into potential molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of OA.