Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (18): 4713-4725.doi: 10.12307/2026.767

Previous Articles    

Molecular mechanisms underlying non-coding RNA regulation of ferroptosis in osteoarthritis

Liao Xingzhuan1, Li Guangdi1, 2, Wu Yabin1, Liu Xingyu3, Wan Jiajia1   

  1. 1Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China; 2Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China; 3Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Guizhou Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
  • Received:2025-09-03 Accepted:2025-10-18 Online:2026-06-28 Published:2025-12-08
  • Contact: Li Guangdi, MD, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China; Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
  • About author:Liao Xingzhuan, MS candidate, Physician, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Regional Science Fund of National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 82160432 (to LGD); Basic Research Project of Guizhou Provincial Department of Science and Technology, No. Qiankeheji ZK[2022]-General 427 (to LGD); National Natural Science Foundation of Guizhou Medical University, No. 20NSP045 (to LGD)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although the role of non-coding RNAs and ferroptosis in the development of osteoarthritis has been initially established and has become a research hotspot, current studies still face many challenges.
OBJECTIVE: To systematically analyze and review the role of non-coding RNAs in regulating ferroptosis during osteoarthritis pathogenesis and summarize related research advances.
METHODS: Literature searches were performed in CNKI, WanFang, VIP Chinese Journal Database, and PubMed. The search timeline was from database inception to December 2024. Search terms included “osteoarthritis, non-coding RNA, microRNA, long non-coding RNA, circular RNA, ferroptosis” in both Chinese and English. After excluding outdated or redundant publications, 86 relevant articles were ultimately selected for review and analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs can act as competitive endogenous RNAs by binding to microRNAs, thereby regulating the expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes and influencing osteoarthritis development. (2) The mechanisms of ferroptosis primarily involve dysregulated iron metabolism, accumulation of lipid peroxidation, and collapse of the antioxidant defense system, with lipid peroxidation accumulation being the core biochemical feature. (3) Ferroptosis in chondrocytes has been shown to exacerbate osteoarthritis pathological progression. (4) Current research on non-coding RNAs influencing osteoarthritis by regulating ferroptosis is still in its early stages. Future studies are needed to extensively validate their feasibility as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. 

Key words: osteoarthritis, non-coding RNA, microRNA, long non-coding RNA, circular RNA, ferroptosis, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system, iron metabolism

CLC Number: