Potential function of miR-146b-5p in Chondrocyte

MicroRNA (miR, miRNA) is a small RNA molecule between 20 and 25 nucleotides in length that regulates gene expression by specifically binding to a sequence in 3’UTR on the target mRNA. We previously found circulating miR-146b-5p increased significantly in the serum of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and might have huge potential for early disease diagnosis. However, the function of this miRNA in OA was still unknown and needs to explore. This research aimed to identify miR-146b-5p function in chondrocyte. Bioinformatics was performed to predict the potential signaling pathways miRNA-146b-5p interacting in chondrocyte in which Next-generation sequencing data available for mRNA expressed in primary cells. Data showed that miR-146b-5p could interact with several crucial signaling pathways, including Wnt, Notch, Toll like receptor, P38 MAPK, Anti apoptosis, Adhesion, Cadherin, Intergin. Therefore, abnormal expression of microRNA 146-5p could lead to osteoarthritis at least through the disorder of these signaling pathways.