Long non coding RNA in osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis (OP) is the most common skeletal disease, caused by a lack of balance between osteoclast and osteoblast activity. This results in erosion overriding the deposition of new bone matrix, consequently leading to low-quality bone and an increased risk of incurring fragility fractures. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry is the gold standard for the diagnosis of OP, while anti-osteoporotic drugs are the gold standard for its treatment. However, due to limitations to their use, researchers have turned to epigenetics as a substantial source of molecules that could potentially be used as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers for OP. In particular, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) possess special biological properties that could open new horizons in the field of personalized medicine. This mini review seeks to offer an overview of the studies carried out in the last year on the different lncRNAs that could be involved in the pathogenesis of OP and that could pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for this disease.