MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that contain 22 to 25 nucleotides and play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation of target genes. MiRNAs are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammation, and cancer development. Alveolar bone resorption is the main clinical manifestation of periodontitis. Osteoclasts are unique cells regulated by osteoblasts and inflammatory cytokines and are responsible for bone resorption in periodontitis. Recently, miRNAs have emerged as an important regulator of osteoclast differentiation and function. In this study, we review the recent research progress on the effects of miRNAs on osteoclast differentiation and function, particularly the mechanisms of miRNAs-mediated osteoclast formation and bone loss in periodontitis.
微小RNAs（miRNAs）是一组由22~25个核苷酸构成的非编码单链RNA，具有基因转录后调控功能，广泛参与细胞增殖、分化、凋亡、组织炎症及肿瘤发生等过程。破骨细胞是体内唯一具有骨吸收功能的细胞，受成骨细胞及炎症因子的调控，在牙周炎骨吸收过程中具有重要作用。miRNAs对破骨细胞的分化、成熟及功能具有多重调控作用。本文就miRNAs调控破骨细胞分化和功能的可能机制，及其在牙周炎骨吸收过程中的作用进行综述。