The problem of insufficient bone usually occurs during oral implantology treatment. The use of bone substitute materials is one of the most important methods to reconstruct bone defects clinically. Therefore, the properties and molecular mechanisms of these bone substitute materials have been a controversial topic in research. MicroRNA(miRNA) is a short, non-coding RNA. It regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and other pathophysiological processes by post-transcription. In addition, miRNA can regulate the dynamic remodeling of bone tissue by affecting the expression of osteogenic factors and the activation of osteogenic signal transduction pathway. This paper reviews the role of miRNA in osterix, core binding factor α1,Smad, and transforming growth factor-β. The regulating function of miRNA in the signal transduction pathways of bone morphogenetic protein, wingless-type mice mammary tumor virus integration site family, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and adipogenesis is investigated. The relation of miRNA with dental materials and its application in repairing bone defects are also reviewed.
