Few studies have examined the role of microRNAs (miRs) during development of the osteoblast. Osteoblasts (OBs) produce bone tissue matrix that supports tissue mineralization. Here we identified and characterized miRs expressed during 3 stages of OB differentiation. Our results show that many miRs are upregulated from growth to mineralization. Database analysis revealed that these miRs target well established pathways for bone formation. Our studies focused on one representative miR, miR-218, which we found directly targets TOB1 and SOST both negative regulators of OB differentiation. Functional studies show that miR-218 regulates OB differentiation at the late stage of differentiation.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Jafferji, Mohammad Shamsuddin

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042709-115853

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2009

Sponsor

• UMass Medical School

Date created

• 2009-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright