Mohit Kapoor
University Health Network, Canada
Title: MicroRNAs: Potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in osteoarthritis
Biography
Biography: Mohit Kapoor
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and ageing-related joint pathology associated with degradation of the articular cartilage, synovial inflammation/fibrosis, subchondral bone remodeling and osteophyte formation. This disease results from alterations in the joint tissues that lead to pain, loss of motion and instability. The economic burden associated with this disease is substantial. Specific mechanisms associated with the joint destruction and associated pain during OA is largely unknown. Due to the lack of biomarkers, it is impossible to identify patients exhibiting early stages of OA, leading to severe joint destruction. Furthermore, due to poor understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms, no disease-modifying therapies to treat OA exist. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are expressed as primary stem loop precursors and undergo maturation by enzymatic processes. It is estimated that miRNAs regulate more than 60% of all coding genes and play pivotal roles in pathophysiological processes; including cell proliferation, differentiation, genomic stability, metabolism, apoptosis and aging. In this lecture, I will talk about how we employed a combination of gene expression analyses, computational biology and in vitro biological functional assays to identify panel of microRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in osteoarthritis.