Circulating microRNAs May Serve as Osteoporosis Biomarkers

Scientists still do not know the precise cellular locations of these miRNAs in bone cells associated with osteoporosis. Both miR-122-5p and miR-4516 have been found in osteosarcoma cells and are also likely found in osteoblasts. Although miR-4516 is found throughout the body, particularly in the esophagus and in keratinocytes, miR-122-5p appears to be located primarily in bone tissue.

Lara C. Pullen, PhD, is a medical writer based in the Chicago area.

Reference

1. Mandourah AY, Ranganath L, Barraclough R, et al. Circulating microRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for osteoporosis. Sci Rep. 2018 May 30;8(1):8421