Recent advances in the role of miRNAs in bone disease.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review explores the potential of circulating miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for osteoporosis and bone associated disease, highlighting challenges in translating miRNA findings into clinical practice, including variability in circulating miRNA levels, the need for robust assay methods, and the importance of preanalytical and postanalytical variables.

Recent finding: Recent finding in miRNA research have identified miRNAs involved in bone cells differentiation, function, and in the regulation of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts. Novel miRNAs associated with osteoporosis, fracture risk, and bone turnover, as well as their utility in distinguishing between primary and secondary forms of osteoporosis have been recently identified. On the other hand, clinical implementation of miRNAs is still limited due to the lack of standardized analytical procedures.

Summary: miRNAs are noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, making them key players in complex biological processes, such as bone metabolism. The altered expression of several miRNAs may contribute to bone disorders, including osteoporosis. While significant progress has been made in identifying circulating miRNAs associated with bone disorders, the clinical implementation of miRNA-based diagnostics requires further research and standardization of methods before becoming part of clinical practice.