The role and mechanism of RNA-binding proteins in bone metabolism and osteoporosis

• Published in: Ageing research reviews 2024-04, Vol.96, p.102234, Article 102234
• Main Authors: Wu, Jiaqiang, Niu, Liyan, Yang, Kangping, Xu, Jingdong, Zhang, Deju, Ling, Jitao, Xia, Panpan, Wu, Yuting, Liu, Xiao, Liu, Jianping, Zhang, Jing, Yu, Peng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bone metabolism; Osteoporosis; RNA-binding proteins; Therapy
• ISSN: 1568-1637; 1872-9649; 1872-9649
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102234

Osteoporosis is a prevalent chronic metabolic bone disease that poses a significant risk of fractures or mortality in elderly individuals. Its pathophysiological basis is often attributed to postmenopausal estrogen deficiency and natural aging, making the progression of primary osteoporosis among elderly people, especially older women, seemingly inevitable. The treatment and prevention of osteoporosis progression have been extensively discussed. Recently, as researchers delve deeper into the molecular biological mechanisms of bone remodeling, they have come to realize the crucial role of posttranscriptional gene control in bone metabolism homeostasis. RNA-binding proteins, as essential actors in posttranscriptional activities, may exert influence on osteoporosis progression by regulating the RNA life cycle. This review compiles recent findings on the involvement of RNA-binding proteins in abnormal bone metabolism in osteoporosis and describes the impact of some key RNA-binding proteins on bone metabolism regulation. Additionally, we explore the potential and rationale for modulating RNA-binding proteins as a means of treating osteoporosis, with an overview of drugs that target these proteins. •Osteoporosis increases fracture and mortality risks in the elderly, especially older women.•Post-transcriptional regulation and RNA-binding proteins play critical roles in bone metabolic homeostasis.•RNA-binding proteins regulate RNA and influence osteoporosis progression.•This review compiles findings on key RNA-binding proteins regulating bone metabolism.•This review explores drugs that target RNA-binding proteins as potential osteoporosis therapies.