Cartilage microRNA dysregulation during the onset and progression of mouse osteoarthritis is independent of aggrecanolysis and overlaps with candidates from end-stage human disease [miRNA]

The purpose of this study is to characterize the expression profile of microRNAs and their target mRNAs in cartilage and subchondral bone (SCB) in a mouse model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). OA was induced in adult male C57BL6 mice by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). RNA from medial tibial cartilage and SCB of DMM and sham-operated mice was isolated by laser micro-dissection at 1 and 6 weeks post-surgery (n=3-4/time point/group). Expression profiling was performed using Agilent microarrays. Joint pathology was scored histologically.