MicroRNAs: Synthesis, gene regulation and osteoblast differentiation

Abstract

The central dogma of transfer of genetic information from DNA to protein via mRNA is now challenged by small fragment of non coding RNAs typically 19-25 nucleotides in length namely microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs regulate expression of the protein coding genes by interfering in their mRNAs and, thus, act as key regulators of diverge cellular activities. Osteoblast differentiation, a key step in skeletal development involves activation of several signaling pathways including TGFβ, BMP, Wnt and transcription factors, which are tightly regulated by miRNAs. In this review, we provide information on recent developments of the synthesis and gene regulation of miRNAs as well as the potential nature of miRNAs that regulate mesenchymal stem cell towards osteoblast differentiation for therapeutic purpose.