lncRNAs: novel players in intervertebral disc degeneration and osteoarthritis.

The term long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to a group of RNAs with length more than 200 nucleotides, limited protein-coding potential, and having widespread biological functions, including regulation of transcriptional patterns and protein activity, formation of endogenous small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and natural microRNA (miRNA) sponges. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and osteoarthritis (OA) are the most common chronic, prevalent and age-related degenerative musculoskeletal disorders. Numbers of lncRNAs are differentially expressed in human degenerative nucleus pulposus tissue and OA cartilage. Moreover, some lncRNAs have been shown to be involved in multiple pathological processes during OA, including extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, inflammatory responses, apoptosis and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize current knowledge concerning lncRNAs, from their biogenesis, classification and biological functions to molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential in IDD and OA.

Chen WK ，Yu XH ，Yang W ，Wang C ，He WS ，Yan YG ，Zhang J ，Wang WJ ... -  《-》

Emerging evidence on noncoding-RNA regulatory machinery in intervertebral disc degeneration: a narrative review.

Guo HY ，Guo MK ，Wan ZY ，Song F ，Wang HQ ... -  《-》

Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR modulates intervertebral disc degenerative changes via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Zhan S ，Wang K ，Song Y ，Li S ，Yin H ，Luo R ，Liao Z ，Wu X ，Zhang Y ，Yang C ... -  《-》

Comprehensive evaluation of differential lncRNA and gene expression in patients with intervertebral disc degeneration.

Qu Z ，Quan Z ，Zhang Q ，Wang Z ，Song Q ，Zhuang X ，Fu C ，Xu F ，Liu Y ，Wang Y ，Wang Z ，Liu Y ... -  《-》

Mechanisms and functions of long noncoding RNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a key pathological process underlying low back pain. Although, to date, specific molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated, at the cellular level, it is mainly due to pathological changes in the life process of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in the intervertebral disc (IVD). These changes are closely related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, autophagy, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gradually become a focus of scientific research because of their functional complexity and local tissue specific expression. Moreover, they mediate a series of cellular signaling pathways in NP cells by competing for microRNA (miRNA) or directly targeting gene expression by mRNA adsorption, thereby regulating cell life activities that play a vital role in the mechanism underlying IDD. In-depth studies on lncRNAs can help identify new therapeutic targets or aid in developing IDD treatment strategies at the gene level and those based on regenerative medicine, thus providing new ideas for researchers. This article reviews the classification, biological functions, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of lncRNAs in IDD.

Ran R ，Liao HY ，Wang ZQ ，Gong CY ，Zhou KS ，Zhang HH ... -  《-》