The Research Progress of LncRNA in Osteoarthritis: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

In recent years, long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) has garnered widespread attention in the study of osteoarthritis (OA). LncRNA not only plays an important role in the pathogenesis of OA, but also may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. A large number of studies have shown that LncRNA regulates inflammatory responses and cartilage degeneration, playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of OA. Meanwhile, the expression and function of LncRNA in chondrocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts have been extensively studied, revealing its importance in cell-cell interactions. The potential of LncRNA as a biomarker has also been preliminarily validated, especially in early diagnosis and assessment of disease severity. Furthermore, the prospects of gene silencing technology and other intervention approaches in targeted LncRNA therapy are promising. However, LncRNA research still faces technical challenges and obstacles in clinical translation. This review summarizes the latest research progress of LncRNA in osteoarthritis, discusses its role mechanisms, relationship with inflammatory responses, effects on chondrocyte metabolism, and potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target, providing a new perspective for future research and clinical applications.