Bone metabolism is a lifelong process for maintaining skeletal system homeostasis, which is regulated by bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. Aberrant differentiation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts leads to imbalanced bone metabolism, resulting in ossification and osteolysis diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal factors in regulating bone metabolism via post-transcriptional inhibition of target genes. Recent studies have revealed that miR-223 exerts multiple effects on bone metabolism, especially in the processes of osteoclast and osteoblasts differentiation. In this review, we highlight the roles of miR-223 during the processes of osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation, as well as the potential clinical applications of miR-223 in bone metabolism disorders.
Keywords: bone metabolism; miR-223; osteoblast; osteoclast.