The role of miR-29 family in disease

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that can bind to the target sites in the 3'-untranslated region of messenger RNA to regulate posttranscriptional gene expression. Increasing evidence has identified the miR-29 family, consisting of miR-29a, miR-29b-1, miR-29b-2, and miR-29c, as key regulators of a number of biological processes. Moreover, their abnormal expression contributes to the etiology of numerous diseases. In the current review, we aimed to summarize the differential expression patterns and functional roles of the miR-29 family in the etiology of diseases including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cardiorenal, and immune disease. Furthermore, we highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting members of miR-29 family in these diseases. We present miR-29s as promoters of osteoblast differentiation and apoptosis but suppressors of chondrogenic and osteoclast differentiation, fibrosis, and T cell differentiation, with clear avenues for therapeutic manipulation. Further research will be crucial to identify the precise mechanism of miR-29 family in these diseases and their full potential in therapeutics.