Microstructure changes and miRNA–mRNA network in a developmental dysplasia of the hip rat model

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) interact with mRNAs in various pathophysiological processes. In developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), the miRNA–mRNA pairs affecting acetabular cartilage (AC) development remain unknown. We investigated dynamic microstructure changes and mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in the AC proliferative zone in a DDH rat model. Abnormal chondrocyte proliferation was observed, and several differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were identified. Downregulated mRNAs and target genes of upregulated miRNAs were primarily enriched in bone and cartilage development. Six hub genes were identified using the predicted miRNA–mRNA interaction network and gene expression pattern analysis. The expression levels of these hub genes and paired miRNAs aligned with our predictions, and most of the pairs were significantly negatively correlated. Excessive chondrocyte proliferation in the AC proliferative zone can delay AC ossification, which might be crucial to DDH development. Specific miRNA–mRNA interaction pairs may serve as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.