Long non-coding RNAs are transcripts with lengths exceeding 200 nucleotides that do not translate into proteins. Recently, they have been studied in the context of osteoporosis – a metabolic bone tissue disease, defined by lower bone density, which affects over 200 million people worldwide. Several lncRNAs, including DANCR, HoxA-AS3, H19, MEG3, Linc-ROR, CRNDE, GAS5, MSC-AS1, AK077216 and MIRG, involved in bone metabolism, and in osteoporosis, have already been identified using molecular genetic methods and tools (cell cultures, PCR, microarrays, immunoprecipitation, etc.). As such, they present potential biomarkers and therapeutic agents and/or targets. By regulating their expression using gene therapy or RNA silencing, modern medicine could delay the onset of osteoporosis and reduce the severity of its consequences. However, studies describing these lncRNAs are few and mostly done in in vitro conditions. Before any clinical application of lncRNAs, more studies will have to take place to properly assess the entirety of their functions, interactions, and possible side effects in humans. Currently, the main obstacle to using lncRNAs as biomarkers for osteoporosis is the lack of data describing their expression patterns during the development of the disease, while the main obstacle to using lncRNAs (or molecules for altering their function) as therapeutics is the lack of suitable delivery systems for their delivery into the cells of bone metabolism.
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