Keywords
Competing endogenous RNA
LncRNA MALAT1
Chondrocytes
ceRNA network
Molecular mechanism
Submitted : 2026-03-22
Accepted : 2026-04-06
Published : 2026-04-21
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex degenerative joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, synovial inflammation, and osteophyte formation, with its exact pathogenesis not yet fully elucidated. In recent years, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks, particularly the role of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) within them, have garnered increasing attention. This review focuses on LncRNA MALAT1, summarizing its ceRNA mechanism in the initiation and progression of OA. The article systematically elaborates on how MALAT1 acts as a molecular sponge to adsorb specific microRNAs (miRNAs), thereby relieving the inhibition of downstream target genes, and consequently regulating key pathological processes such as chondrocyte metabolism, extracellular matrix homeostasis, inflammatory response, and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, this review summarizes the potential value and latest research progress in targeting the MALAT1-ceRNA axis for early OA diagnosis, disease monitoring, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies, aiming to provide a new theoretical basis and perspective for the precise diagnosis and treatment of OA.
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