Long Non-Coding RNAs in Osteoarthritis Mechanisms
Summary
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that lack protein-coding potential yet exert wide-ranging regulatory functions at the epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In osteoarthritis (OA), dysregulated lncRNAs influence chondrocyte survival, extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, inflammatory signalling and mechanical sensing. They commonly act as molecular sponges for microRNAs (miRNAs), scaffolds for ribonucleoprotein complexes and regulators of mRNA stability. Aberrant lncRNA networks contribute to cartilage erosion, subchondral bone remodelling and synovial inflammation, driving disease progression. Recent work has begun to unravel lncRNA-mediated axes that control chondrocyte senescence, apoptosis and autophagy, offering prospects for RNA-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring joint homeostasis in ageing populations worldwide.
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Long Non-Coding RNAs in Osteoarthritis Mechanisms publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in long non-coding rnas in osteoarthritis mechanisms across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA): A transcript longer than 200 nucleotides that does not encode a protein but regulates gene expression at multiple levels.
Chondrocyte: A specialised cell responsible for the synthesis and maintenance of cartilage extracellular matrix.
Extracellular matrix (ECM): The network of collagens, proteoglycans and glycoproteins that provides structural support to cartilage tissue.
MicroRNA (miRNA): A small non-coding RNA (~22 nucleotides) that binds complementary sequences in mRNAs to repress their translation or induce degradation.
Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA): A molecule, often an lncRNA, that sequesters miRNAs through shared binding sites, modulating the availability of miRNAs to target mRNAs.
Autophagy: A cellular degradation process that removes damaged organelles and proteins via lysosomal pathways, maintaining cellular homeostasis under stress.
References
- LncRNA AC006064.4–201 serves as a novel molecular marker in alleviating cartilage senescence and protecting against osteoarthritis by destabilizing CDKN1B mRNA via interacting with PTBP1. Biomarker Research (2023).
- LncRNA WDR11-AS1 Promotes Extracellular Matrix Synthesis in Osteoarthritis by Directly Interacting with RNA-Binding Protein PABPC1 to Stabilize SOX9 Expression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Mechanosensitive lncRNA H19 promotes chondrocyte autophagy, but not pyroptosis, by targeting miR-148a in post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Non-coding RNA Research (2024).
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