The potential mechanisms and application prospects of non-coding RNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal symptoms and severely affects patient quality of life. The majority of people may suffer from LBP during their life-span, which leading to huge economic burdens to family and society. According to the series of the previous studies, intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is considered as the major contributor resulting in LBP. Furthermore, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), mainly including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), can regulate diverse cellular processes, which have been found to play pivotal roles in the development of IDD. However, the potential mechanisms of action for ncRNAs in the processes of IDD are still completely unrevealed. Therefore, it is challenging to consider ncRNAs to be used as the potential therapeutic targets for IDD. In this paper, we reviewed the current research progress and findings on ncRNAs in IDD: i). ncRNAs mainly participate in the process of IDD through regulating apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, metabolism of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammatory response; ii). the roles of miRNAs/lncRNAs/circRNAs are cross-talk in IDD development, which is similar to the network and can modulate each other; iii). ncRNAs have been attempted to combat the degenerative processes and may be promising as an efficient bio-therapeutic strategy in the future. Hence, this review systematically summarizes the principal pathomechanisms of IDD and shed light on the therapeutic potentials of ncRNAs in IDD.

Exploring lncRNA Expression Patterns in Patients With Hypertrophied Ligamentum Flavum

“…LFH is a major cause of LSS, leading to remarkable disability and morbidity [ 2 ]. Growing evidence shows that noncoding RNAs, including lncRNAs, play a role in the development and progression of various disorders, including spinal diseases [ 9 , 29 ]. Previous studies have investigated molecular mechanisms underlying LFH; however, the role of lncRNAs in LFH progression is only partially understood [ 22 , 23 , 30 , 31 ].…”

Dynamics of N6‐methyladenosine modification during aging and their potential roles in the degeneration of intervertebral disc

“…Moreover, it was found that the levels of global Mechanical, traumatic, genetic and nutritional factors can contribute to the progression of IDD. 43 Significantly, aging is considered as one of important factors leading to the pathogenesis of IDD. 44 The aging promoting the progression of IVD degeneration and NP cell senescence.…”

“…The etiologies of IDD remain quite complicated. Mechanical, traumatic, genetic and nutritional factors can contribute to the progression of IDD 43 . Significantly, aging is considered as one of important factors leading to the pathogenesis of IDD 44 .…”

microRNA‐365 attenuated intervertebral disc degeneration through modulating nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation by targeting EFNA3

“…LBP makes the individuals suffering torment and increases economic and social burdens, especially in the health care field 7,8 . To the best of our knowledge, the normal intervertebral disc (IVD) in mammals is composed of three integral parts: the nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, annulus fibrosus (AF) and cartilage endplates 4,9 . Long‐term overloading, along with factors such as injury, smoking and ageing, can lead to IVD degeneration.…”

“…Numerous studies have demonstrated that various epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA methylation (m 6 A) and mitochondrial quality control, play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration 10,12 . NP cells are critical for sustaining the integrity of the IVD and function by producing the ECM, which is required for cell differentiation and proliferation 9 . In addition, many other factors, including environmental and genetic factors (e.g.…”