Small non-coding RNAome changes during human chondrocyte senescence as potential epigenetic targets in age-related osteoarthritis1

Chondrocyte senescence is a decisive component of age-related osteoarthritis, however, the function of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) in chondrocyte senescence remains underexplored. Human hip joint cartilage chondrocytes were cultivated up to passage 4 to induce senescence. RNA samples were extracted and then analyzed using small RNA sequencing and qPCR. 8-galactosidase staining was used to detect the effect of sncRNA on chondrocyte aging. Results of small RNA sequencing showed that 279 miRNAs, 136 snoRNAs, 30 snRNAs, 102 piRNAs, and 5 rasiRNAs were differentially expressed in senescent chondrocytes. The differential expression of 150 sncRNAs was further validated by qPCR. Transfection of sncRNAs and 8-galactosidase staining were also performed to further revealed that hsa-miR-135b-5p, SNORA80B-201, and RNU5E-1-201 have the function to restrain chondrocyte senescence, while has-piR-019102 has the function to promote chondrocyte senescence. Our data suggest that sncRNAs have therapeutic potential as novel epigenetic targets in age-related osteoarthritis.

Automated summary

This study explores the role of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) in chondrocyte senescence. Small RNA sequencing and qPCR analysis reveal differential expression of multiple types of sncRNAs in senescent chondrocytes. Further experiments demonstrate that certain sncRNAs can restrain or promote chondrocyte senescence. These findings suggest that sncRNAs may serve as therapeutic targets for age-related osteoarthritis.