MicroRNAs in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Comprehensive Literature Review and In-Silico Analysis of Therapeutic Potential

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are non-coding RNAs that range from 19 to 23 nucleotides in length, play a crucial role in various biological processes and diseases. Intervertebral disc degeneration, frequently leading to low back pain, is linked to such factors as mechanical stress, aging, and inflammation. MicroRNAs are involved in numerous biological processes related to the pathogenesis of IVDD by regulating gene expression in cells. The potential of miRNAs in IVDD is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment. Identifying miRNAs associated with IVDD may assist developing future therapeutic strategies. In this study, in-silico approaches were employed to investigate miRNAs that regulate the expression of genes involved in intervertebral disc degeneration, leading to the identification of potential biomarker miRNAs. For the analysis, differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were examined using datasets GSE167199 and GSE186542, as well as GSE63492 and GSE19943 from the NCBI GEO Datasets database. Enrichment analyses were conducted for all genes and miRNAs, and the results were visualized. Potential gene targets and binding sites for miRNAs were analyzed through bioinformatics databases. The findings indicate that the RAB11FIP4 gene has a significant interaction with miR-486-5p, with miRNA expression decreasing in degenerated cells, and RAB11FIP4 expression increasing in degenerated nucleus pulposus cells. The results of the in-silico analyses suggest that miR-486-5p may serve as a marker miRNA in intervertebral disc degeneration, and targeting this miRNA also promises success in reversing the degeneration process.