miR-29a modulates tumor necrosis factor-α-induced osteogenic inhibition by targeting Wnt antagonists.

We previously found that miR-29a was significantly downregulated in Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, a chronic inflammatory disease associated with bone metabolic disorder, however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-29a regulates tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mediated bone loss mainly by targeting DKK1 and GSK3β, thus activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Our findings may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of the bone metabolism disorder in inflammation environment and provide promising therapeutic target.