MicroRNA-222 regulates MMP-13 via targeting HDAC-4 during osteoarthritis pathogenesis

• MiR-222 controls OA pathogenesis by targeting HDAC-4.
• HADC-4 regulated by miR-222 modulates MMP-13 expression during cartilage destruction.
• Our study indicates the possibility that miR-222 could act as a protective factor against OA.

BackgroundEven though increasing evidences on miRNA involvement in human pathological responses, the distinct roles and related mechanisms of miRNAs in the pathology of osteoarthritis (OA) are not yet fully understood.MethodRNA levels or protein levels of Apoptotic genes, HDACs, MMP-13, and miRNAs in human chondrocytes isolated from normal biopsy sample and OA cartilages were analyzed by real-time PCR or western blotting. Exogenous modulation of miR-222 level was performed using delivery of its specific precursor or specific inhibitor and target validation assay was applied to identify its potent target. In vivo study using DMM mice model was performed and assessed the degree of cartilage degradation.ResultsAccording to miRNA profiling, miR-222 was significantly down-regulated in OA chondrocytes. Over-expression of miR-222 significantly suppressed apoptotic death by down-regulating HDAC-4 and MMP-13 level. Moreover, 3′-UTR reporter assays showed that HDAC-4 is a direct target of miR-222. The treatment of chondrocytes with the HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), suppressed MMP-13 protein level and apoptosis, whereas the over-expression of HDAC-4 displayed opposite effects. The introduction of miR-222 into the cartilage of medial meniscus destabilized mice significantly reduced cartilage destruction and MMP-13 level.ConclusionTaken together, our data suggest that miR-222 may be involved in cartilage destruction by targeting HDAC-4 and regulating MMP-13 level.