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Review
. 2023 Dec;15(12):3015-3025.
doi: 10.1111/os.13851. Epub 2023 Oct 6.

Emerging roles of RNA binding proteins in intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoarthritis

Wen Li  1 , Xing-Hua Li  1 , Yang Gao  2 , Cheng-Jie Xiong  2 , Zhong-Zhi Tang  1
Affiliations
Review

Emerging roles of RNA binding proteins in intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoarthritis

Wen Li et al. Orthop Surg. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

The etiology of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and osteoarthritis (OA) is complex and multifactorial. Both predisposing genes and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of IDD and OA. Moreover, epigenetic modifications affect the development of IDD and OA. Dysregulated phenotypes of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and OA chondrocytes, including apoptosis, extracellular matrix disruption, inflammation, and angiogenesis, are involved at all developmental stages of IDD and OA. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have recently been recognized as essential post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. RBPs are implicated in many cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Recently, several RBPs have been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of IDD and OA. This review briefly summarizes the current knowledge on the RNA-regulatory networks controlled by RBPs and their potential roles in the pathogenesis of IDD and OA. These initial findings support the idea that specific modulation of RBPs represents a promising approach for managing IDD and OA.

Keywords: Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Osteoarthritis; Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation; RNA Binding Proteins.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) induce RNA life in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and osteoarthritis (OA). RBPs play a central role in PTGR, including transcription, splicing, and export. Appropriate function of RBPs is critical for coordinating various post‐transcriptional events, and dysfunction of RBPs might lead to apoptosis, extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption, angiogenesis, and inflammation, which cause IDD and OA.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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