Molecular mediators of motion: RNA–RBP networks in exercise-induced osteoarthritis protection

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a relatively common chronic degenerative disease of joints that was originally considered an imbalance between mechanical loads and tissue repair. Emerging evidence indicates that exercise confers protection not merely through mechanical loading, but also by acting as a systemic regulator of RNA metabolism. This modulation mainly happens by regulating RNA-RNA-binding protein interaction networks that can regulate joint homeostasis and delay the OA process. This article is a review of current understanding of how physical activity alters networks of RNA-RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in different joint-related tissues, such as cartilage, synovium, skeletal muscle, and systemic circulation, and changes the metabolic and inflammatory pathways necessary for joint health. The article will examine molecular mechanisms by which exercise induces RNA metabolism reprogramming and protection from OA. It also studies the promising prospects of RNA-RBP networks in early detection of OA and targeting innovative treatment strategies. By combining what we know about RNA-RBP interaction with exercise physiology, this overview could clear the way to personalized exercise interventions and novel RNA-targeted therapies for OA.