MicroRNAs Modulate Signaling Pathways in Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2021 Mar 6

PMID 33673409

Citations 26

Authors

Chiara Mazziotta

Carmen Lanzillotti

Maria Rosa Iaquinta

Francesca Taraballi

Elena Torreggiani

John Charles Rotondo

Lucia Oton-Gonzalez

Elisa Mazzoni

Francesca Frontini

Ilaria Bononi

Monica De Mattei

Mauro Tognon

Fernanda Martini

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in many adult tissues and they have been closely studied in recent years, especially in view of their potential use for treating diseases and damaged tissues and organs. MSCs are capable of self-replication and differentiation into osteoblasts and are considered an important source of cells in tissue engineering for bone regeneration. Several epigenetic factors are believed to play a role in the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, including microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are small, single-stranded, non-coding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides that are able to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by binding the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target mRNAs, which can be subsequently degraded or translationally silenced. MiRNAs control gene expression in osteogenic differentiation by regulating two crucial signaling cascades in osteogenesis: the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and the Wingless/Int-1(Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathways. This review provides an overview of the miRNAs involved in osteogenic differentiation and how these miRNAs could regulate the expression of target genes.

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