Epigenetic aspects of osteoporosis

Abstract

This review describes the epigenetic regulation of osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis and its future implementation in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. A considerable part of the review is dedicated to the microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small regulatory factors that regulate gene expression, by post-transcriptional regulation of genes playing an important role in numerous cellular processes, including cell differentiation and apoptosis. Recently, a number of studies have revealed that miRNAs participate in bone homeostasis and their role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis is practically evident. In this review, we highlight the miRNAs involved in bone remodelling and their roles in osteoporosis. miRNAs are stable molecules which make them promising potential markers for bone remodeling and osteoporosis.