Circulating microRNAs associated with bone metabolism (c-miRNAs) (c-miRNAs)

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with bone metabolism are a class of small, non-coding RNA molecules, typically 19-25 nucleotides in length, that play a critical role in regulating bone homeostasis by modulating the expression of genes involved in osteoblast and osteoclast activity (PubMed: 23913869). These molecules are released into the bloodstream from bone cells and can be detected in serum or plasma, serving as stable biomarkers for bone-related pathologies (PubMed: 25433910). Key miRNAs such as miR-21-5p, miR-133a-3p, and miR-148a-3p have been identified as significant regulators of bone mineral density and are often dysregulated in conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia (PubMed: 28810110, 30114414). While they are primarily utilized as diagnostic and prognostic tools, they also represent potential therapeutic targets; for example, antagomirs can be designed to silence miRNAs that over-promote bone resorption (PubMed: 31253647). However, the clinical application of miRNA-based therapies faces significant hurdles, including the need for bone-specific delivery systems to avoid off-target effects in other tissues and the potential for triggering innate immune responses (PubMed: 29463432).

Other names

OsteomiRsBone-related circulating miRNAsCirculating bone-specific microRNAsBone-metabolism-associated microRNAs

Post-transcriptional gene silencing through sequence-specific binding to the 3' UTR of target mRNAs, leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression (PubMed: 23913869).