Exploring microRNAs in craniofacial regenerative medicine

microRNAs (miRs) have been reported over the decades as important regulators in bone development and bone regeneration. They play important roles in maintaining the stem cell signature as well as regulating stem cell fate decisions. Thus, delivering miRs and miR inhibitors to the defect site is a potential treatment towards craniofacial bone defects. However, there are challenges in translation of basic research to clinics, including the efficiency, specificity, and efficacy of miR manipulation methods and the safety of miR delivery systems. In this review, we will compare miR oligonucleotides, mimics and antagomirs as therapeutic reagents to treat disease and regenerate tissues. Newer technology will be discussed as well as the efficiency and efficacy of using these technologies to express or inhibit miRs in treating and repairing oral tissues. Delivery of these molecules using extracellular vesicles and nanoparticles can achieve different results and depending on their composition will elicit specific effects. We will highlight the specificity, toxicity, stability, and effectiveness of several miR systems in regenerative medicine.