Circular RNAs in osteoporosis: expression, functions and roles

Abstract Osteoporosis, which is caused by an imbalance in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, is a global age-related metabolic disease. Osteoblasts induce osteocyte and bone matrix formation, while osteoclasts play an important role in bone resorption. Maintaining a balance between osteoblast formation an...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yinzhou Luo, Guanzhen Qiu, Yize Liu, Shanshan Li, Yeqiu Xu, Yuanzhuang Zhang, Yuan Cao, Yong Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Publishing Group 2021-09-01
Series:Cell Death Discovery
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41420-021-00624-8
Description
Summary:Abstract Osteoporosis, which is caused by an imbalance in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, is a global age-related metabolic disease. Osteoblasts induce osteocyte and bone matrix formation, while osteoclasts play an important role in bone resorption. Maintaining a balance between osteoblast formation and osteoclastic absorption is crucial for bone remodeling. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are characterized by closed-loop structures, are a class of novel endogenous transcripts with limited protein-coding abilities. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNAs play important roles in various bone diseases, such as osteosarcoma, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, and osteoporosis. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs regulate osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and may be potential biomarkers for osteoporosis. In the current review, we summarize the expression, function, and working mechanisms of circRNAs involved in osteoblasts, osteoclast differentiation, and osteoporosis.
ISSN:2058-7716