An insertion/deletion polymorphism at the microRNA-122 binding site in the interleukin-1α 3'-untranslated region is associated with a risk for osteoarthritis.

Polymorphisms located at microRNA (miRNA) binding sites may affect the expression of genes. The present study aimed to identify the association between an insertion/deletion (Ins/Del) polymorphism (rs3783553) in the 3'‑untranslated region (3'‑UTR) of interleukin‑1α (IL‑1A) and the risk for osteoarthritis (OA). Using a luciferase reporter system, IL‑1A was identified in the present study as an effective target gene of miR‑122 in synovial cells that were obtained from patients who had received a synovectomy.