MICROmanagement of Runx2 Function in Skeletal Cells

Purpose of Review Precise and temporal expression of Runx2 and its regulatory transcriptional network is a key determinant for the intricate cellular and developmental processes in adult bone tissue formation. This review analyzes how microRNA functions to regulate this network, and how dysregulation results in bone disorders. Recent Findings Similar to other biologic processes, microRNA (miRNA/miR) regulation is undeniably indispensable to bone synthesis and maintenance. There exists a miRNA–RUNX2 network where RUNX2 regulates the transcription of miRs or is post-transcriptionally regulated by a class of miRs, forming a variety of miR-RUNX2 regulatory pathways which regulate osteogenesis. Summary The current review provides insights to understand transcriptional–post-transcriptional regulatory network governed by Runx2 and osteogenic miRs, and is based largely from in vitro and in vivo studies. When taken together, this article discusses a new regulatory layer of bone tissue-specific gene expression by RUNX2 influenced via miRNA.