The Regulation of Collagen Processing by miRNAs in Disease and Possible Implications for Bone Turnover

Abstract

This article describes several recent examples of miRNA governing the regulation of the gene expression involved in bone matrix construction. We present the impact of miRNA on the subsequent steps in the formation of collagen type I. Collagen type I is a main factor of mechanical bone stiffness because it constitutes 90–95% of the organic components of the bone. Therefore, the precise epigenetic regulation of collagen formation may have a significant influence on bone structure. We also describe miRNA involvement in the expression of genes, the protein products of which participate in collagen maturation in various tissues and cancer cells. We show how non-collagenous proteins in the extracellular matrix are epigenetically regulated by miRNA in bone and other tissues. We also delineate collagen mineralisation in bones by factors that depend on miRNA molecules. This review reveals the tissue variability of miRNA regulation at different levels of collagen maturation and mineralisation. The functionality of collagen mRNA regulation by miRNA, as proven in other tissues, has not yet been shown in osteoblasts. Several collagen-regulating miRNAs are co-expressed with collagen in bone. We suggest that collagen mRNA regulation by miRNA could also be potentially important in bone metabolism.

An automated 3D-printed perfusion bioreactor combinable with pulsed electromagnetic field stimulators for bone tissue investigations

“…This result represents a promising evidence that the combination of bi-directional perfusion and PEMF stimulation leads to a positive synergic contribution in promoting the expression of COL1, which is a fundamental component of the bone matrix. Indeed, collagen type I represents the 90–95% of the organic components of the bone tissue and is one of the key factors in determining the bone mechanical properties (particularly elasticity and flexibility) 83 . At the cellular and subcellular level, this synergic effect is due to the combination of the fluid flow-induced shear stress and the PEMF secondary electric field induced in the constructs.…”

Micro Ribonucleic Acid−29a (miR−29a) Antagonist Normalizes Bone Metabolism in Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Mice Model

“…Moreover, they could be delivered very easily to the site of infection, a limitation of employing conventional therapeutics [11]. In addition, 39.7% of miRNAs are tissue-specific, making tissue-specific expression possible [30]. The advantages mentioned above make harnessing miRNAs for the treatment of OI a worth investigating revenue.…”

The MicroRNAs in the Pathophysiology of Osteoporosis

“…Recent reports also indicate that miR-29b is significantly reduced in the bone tissue of osteoporotic patients compared to controls. Additionally, miR-29b has been shown to regulate the expression of genes related to the synthesis of type I collagen, which may affect bone structure and strength [ 81 ]. Overexpression of miR-29b was implicated in osteoblast differentiation in the MC3T3-E1 cell line [ 58 ].…”