Mechanobiology of MicroRNAs in Intervertebral Disk Degeneration

Intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) is an intricate pathological process contributing to one of the major causes of low back pain. The degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), inflammation, and apoptosis have all been investigated as critical factors involved in the pathology of degenerative disk disease. Additionally, the presence of aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs), conserved molecules that regulate the amount protein post-transcriptionally, may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IDD. Research regarding the dysfunction of miRNAs in IDD has been well researched over the past five years. Here, we provide a critical overview of the current knowledge of miRNAs, emphasizing the processes involved in the degenerative disk pathology.