BNA enhanced microRNA (miRNA) probes are powerful tools for the development of highly specific in situ hybridization (ISH) assays allowing studying miRNA expression levels in cellular tissues. In recent decades, miRNA have emerged as essential regulators in skeletal physiology. However, their exact roles in mesenchymal progenitor cells-derived skeletal tissue cells still need to be clarified. miRNAs regulate cellular growth and survival post-transcriptionally. Therefore, misregulated miRNA pathways can lead to cellular growth defects, as well as the development of chronic diseases and possibly chemotherapeutic resistance.
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Huang et al. recently showed that two homologous microRNAs, miR-204 and miR-211, maintain joint homeostasis to suppress osteoarthritic pathogenesis. During osteoarthritis, the joint cartilage and the underlying bone degenerate leading to pain and stiffness, mainly occurring in the hip, knee, and thumb joints. More than 10% of the adult population is affected by this disease.
In their recent study, Huang et al. utilized genetically modified mice with a miR-204/-211 deficiency in mesenchymal progenitor cells. The study revealed that the miR-204/-211- Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) axis is crucial for maintaining joint tissue homeostasis. Runx2 regulates osteoblastic differentiation and skeletal morphogenesis.
Joint tissue homeostasis is essential for the maturation of osteoblasts, intra-membranous and endochondral bone formation, as well as bone remodeling known as ossification.
BNA enhanced miRNA probes are well suited for the study of complex molecular mechanisms of pathogenic osteoarthritis and to help elucidate pathways involved in osteoarthritis progression.
Reference
Huang J, Zhao L, Fan Y, Liao L, Ma PX, Xiao G, Chen D. The microRNAs miR-204 and miR-211 maintain joint homeostasis and protect against osteoarthritis progression. Nat Commun. 2019 Jun 28;10(1):2876.[Pubmed].
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