LncRNA, Important Player in Bone Development and Disease

Background: Bone is an important tissue and its normal function requires tight coordination of transcriptional networks and signaling pathways, and many of these networks/ pathways are dysregulated in pathological conditions affecting cartilage and bones. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to a class of RNAs with a length of more than 200 nucleotides, lack of protein-coding potential, and exhibiting a wide range of biological functions. Although studies on lcnRNAs are still in their infancy, they have emerged as critical players in bone biology and bone diseases. The functions and exact mechanism of bone-related lncRNAs have not been fully classified yet. Objective: The objective of this article is to summarize the current literature on lncRNAs on the basis of their role in bone biology and diseases, focusing on their emerging molecular mechanism, pathological implications and therapeutic potential. Discussion: A number of lncRNAs have been identified and shown to play important roles in multiple bone cells and bone disease. The function and mechanism of bone-related lncRNA remain to be elucidated. Conclusion: At present, majority of knowledge is limited to cellular levels and less is known on how lncRNAs could potentially control the development and homeostasis of bone. In the present review, we highlight some lncRNAs in the field of bone biology and bone disease. We also delineate some lncRNAs that might have deep impacts on understanding bone diseases and providing new therapeutic strategies to treat these diseases.