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Damerau A, Kirchner M, Mertins P, Buttgereit F, Gaber T. A point-of-research decision in synovial tissue engineering: Mesenchymal stromal cells, tissue derived fibroblast or CTGF-mediated mesenchymal-to-fibroblast transition. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151455. [PMID: 39293131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are prevalent inflammatory joint diseases characterized by synovitis, cartilage, and bone destruction. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) of the synovial membrane are a decisive factor in arthritis, making them a target for future therapies. Developing novel strategies targeting FLSs requires advanced in vitro joint models that accurately replicate non-diseased joint tissue. This study aims to identify a cell source reflecting physiological synovial fibroblasts. Therefore, we newly compared the phenotype and metabolism of "healthy" knee-derived FLSs from patients with ligament injuries (trauma-FLSs) to mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), their native precursors. We differentiated MSCs into fibroblasts using connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and compared selected protein and gene expression patterns to those obtained from trauma-FLSs and OA-FLSs. Based on these findings, we explored the potential of an MSC-derived synovial tissue model to simulate a chronic inflammatory response akin to that seen in arthritis. We have identified MSCs as a suitable cell source for synovial tissue engineering because, despite metabolic differences, they closely resemble human trauma-derived FLSs. CTGF-mediated differentiation of MSCs increased HAS2 expression, essential for hyaluronan synthesis. It showed protein expression patterns akin to OA-FLSs, including markers of ECM components and fibrosis, and enzymes leading to a shift in metabolism towards increased fatty acid oxidation. In general, cytokine stimulation of MSCs in a synovial tissue model induced pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic gene expression, hyperproliferation, and increased glucose consumption, reflecting cellular response in human arthritis. We conclude that MSCs can serve as a proxy to study physiological synovial processes and inflammatory responses. In addition, CTGF-mediated mesenchymal-to-fibroblast transition resembles OA-FLSs. Thus, we emphasize MSCs as a valuable cell source for tools in preclinical drug screening and their application in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Damerau
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany; German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Marieluise Kirchner
- Core Unit Proteomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Core Unit Proteomics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany; German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timo Gaber
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Berlin, Germany; German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany.
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Liu D, Kuang Y, Chen S, Li R, Su F, Zhang S, Qiu Q, Lin S, Shen C, Liu Y, Liang L, Wang J, Xu H, Xiao Y. NAT10 promotes synovial aggression by increasing the stability and translation of N4-acetylated PTX3 mRNA in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:1118-1131. [PMID: 38724075 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies indicate that N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10)-mediated ac4C modification plays unique roles in tumour metastasis and immune infiltration. This study aimed to uncover the role of NAT10-mediated ac4C in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) functions and synovial immune cell infiltration in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS FLSs were obtained from active established patients with RA. Protein expression was determined by western blotting or immunohistochemistry or multiplexed immunohistochemistry. Cell migration was measured using a Boyden chamber. ac4C-RIP-seq combined with RNA-seq was performed to identify potential targets of NAT10. RNA immunoprecipitation was used to validate the interaction between protein and mRNA. NAT10 haploinsufficiency, inhibitor remodelin or intra-articular Adv-NAT10 was used to suppress arthritis in mice with delayed-type hypersensitivity arthritis (DYHA) and collagen II-induced arthritis (CIA) and rats with CIA. RESULTS We found elevated levels of NAT10 and ac4C in FLSs and synovium from patients with RA. NAT10 knockdown or specific inhibitor treatment reduced the migration and invasion of RA FLSs. Increased NAT10 level in the synovium was positively correlated with synovial infiltration of multiple types of immune cells. NAT10 inhibition in vivo attenuated the severity of arthritis in mice with CIA and DTHA, and rats with CIA. Mechanistically, we explored that NAT10 regulated RA FLS functions by promoting stability and translation efficiency of N4-acetylated PTX3 mRNA. PTX3 also regulated RA FLS aggression and is associated with synovial immune cell infiltration. CONCLUSION Our findings uncover the important roles of NAT10-mediated ac4C modification in promoting rheumatoid synovial aggression and inflammation, indicating that NAT10 may be a potential target for the treatment of RA, even other dysregulated FLSs-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Kuang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Simin Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiru Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fan Su
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuoyang Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Qiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuyu Shen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingli Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liuqin Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingnan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanshi Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Youjun Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Sendo S, Machado CRL, Boyle DL, Benschop RJ, Perumal NB, Choi E, Wang W, Firestein GS. Dysregulated NUB1 and Neddylation Enhances Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocyte Inflammatory Responses. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:1252-1262. [PMID: 38566346 DOI: 10.1002/art.42856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in part due to activation of the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB. Neddylation is modulated by the negative regulator of ubiquitin-like protein (NUB) 1. We determined whether NUB1 and neddylation are aberrant in the models with RA FLS, thereby contributing to their aggressive phenotype. METHODS Models with RA or osteoarthritis (OA) FLS were obtained from arthroplasty synovia. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis assessed gene and protein expression, respectively. NUB1 was overexpressed using an expression vector. NF-κB activation was assessed by stimulating FLS with interleukin (IL)-1β. Neddylation inhibitor (MLN4924) and proteasome inhibitor were used in migration and gene expression assays. MLN4924 was used in the model with K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis. RESULTS Enhanced H3K27ac and H3K27me3 peaks were observed in the NUB1 promoter in the OA FLS compared with the RA FLS. NUB1 was constitutively expressed by FLS, but induction by IL-1β was significantly greater in the OA FLS. The ratio of neddylated cullin (CUL) 1 to nonneddylated CUL1 was lower in the OA FLS than the RA FLS. NUB1 overexpression decreased NF-κB nuclear translocation and IL-6 messenger RNA (mRNA) in IL-1β-stimulated the RA FLS. MLN4924 decreased CUL1 neddylation, NF-κB nuclear translocation, and IL-6 mRNA in IL-1β-stimulated the RA FLS. MLN4924 significantly decreased arthritis severity in the model with K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis. CONCLUSION CUL1 neddylation and NUB1 induction is dysregulated in the models with RA, which increases FLS activation. Inhibition of neddylation is an effective therapy in an animal model of arthritis. These data suggest that the neddylation system contributes to the pathogenesis of RA and that regulation of neddylation could be a novel therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Sendo
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla
| | | | - David L Boyle
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla
| | | | - Narayanan B Perumal
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California
| | - Eunice Choi
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Wei Wang
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Gary S Firestein
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla
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Wu P, Liu Z, Zheng L, Zhou Z, Wang W, Lu C. Comprehensive multimodal and multiomic profiling reveals epigenetic and transcriptional reprogramming in lung tumors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.06.597667. [PMID: 38895479 PMCID: PMC11185586 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.06.597667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Epigenomic mechanisms are critically involved in mediation of genetic and environmental factors that underlie cancer development. Histone modifications represent highly informative epigenomic marks that reveal activation and repression of gene activities and dysregulation of transcriptional control due to tumorigenesis. Here, we present a comprehensive epigenomic and transcriptomic mapping of 18 tumor and 20 non-neoplastic tissues from non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma patients. Our profiling covers 5 histone marks including activating (H3K4me3, H3K4me1, and H3K27ac) and repressive (H3K27me3 and H3K9me3) marks and the transcriptome using only 20 mg of tissue per sample, enabled by low-input omic technologies. Using advanced integrative bioinformatic analysis, we uncovered cancer-driving signaling cascade networks, changes in 3D genome modularity, and differential expression and functionalities of transcription factors and noncoding RNAs. Many of these identified genes and regulatory molecules showed no significant change in their expression or a single epigenomic modality, emphasizing the power of integrative multimodal and multiomic analysis using patient samples.
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Choi E, Machado CR, Okano T, Boyle D, Wang W, Firestein GS. Joint-specific rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocyte regulation identified by integration of chromatin access and transcriptional activity. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e179392. [PMID: 38781031 PMCID: PMC11383168 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.179392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms responsible for the distribution and severity of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not known. To explore whether site-specific fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) biology might be associated with location-specific synovitis and explain the predilection for hand (wrist/metacarpal phalangeal joints) involvement in RA, we generated transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility data from FLS to identify the transcription factors and pathways. Networks were constructed by integration of chromatin accessibility and gene expression data. Analysis revealed joint-specific patterns of FLS phenotype, with proliferative, migratory, proinflammatory, and matrix-degrading characteristics observed in resting FLS derived from the hand joints compared with hip or knee. TNF stimulation amplified these differences, with greater enrichment of proinflammatory and proliferative genes in hand FLS compared with hip and knee FLS. Hand FLS also had the greatest expression of markers associated with an "activated" state relative to the "resting" state, with the greatest cytokine and MMP expression in TNF-stimulated hand FLS. Predicted differences in proliferation and migration were biologically validated with hand FLS exhibiting greater migration and cell growth than hip or knee FLS. Distinctive joint-specific FLS biology associated with a more aggressive inflammatory response might contribute to the distribution and severity of joint involvement in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wei Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
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Laragione T, Harris C, Gulko PS. KIF1C and new Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 binding proteins regulate rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes' phenotypes. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1323410. [PMID: 38726004 PMCID: PMC11079228 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1323410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Huntingtin-interacting protein-1 (HIP1) is a new arthritis severity gene implicated in the regulation of the invasive properties of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). These invasive properties of FLS strongly correlate with radiographic and histology damage in patients with RA and rodent models of arthritis. While HIP1 has several intracellular functions, little is known about its binding proteins, and identifying them has the potential to expand our understanding of its role in cell invasion and other disease-contributing phenotypes, and potentially identify new targets for therapy. Methods FLS cell lines from arthritic DA (highly invasive) and from arthritis-protected congenic rats R6 (minimally invasive), which differ in an amino-acid changing HIP1 SNP, were cultured and lysed, and proteins were immunoprecipitated with an anti-HIP1 antibody. Immunoprecipitates were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Differentially detected (bound) proteins were selected for functional experiments using siRNA knockdown in human RA FLS to examine their effect in cell invasiveness, adhesion, cell migration and proliferation, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Results Proteins detected included a few known HIP1-binding proteins and several new ones. Forty-five proteins differed in levels detected in the DA versus R6 congenic mass spectrometry analyses. Thirty-two of these proteins were knocked down and studied in vitro, with 10 inducing significant changes in RA FLS phenotypes. Specifically, knockdown of five HIP1-binding protein genes (CHMP4BL1, COPE, KIF1C, YWHAG, and YWHAH) significantly decreased FLS invasiveness. Knockdown of KIF1C also reduced RA FLS migration. The binding of four selected proteins to human HIP1 was confirmed. KIF1C colocalized with lamellipodia, and its knockdown prevented RA FLS from developing an elongated morphology with thick linearized actin fibers or forming polarized lamellipodia, all required for cell mobility and invasion. Unlike HIP1, KIF1C knockdown did not affect Rac1 signaling. Conclusion We have identified new HIP1-binding proteins and demonstrate that 10 of them regulate key FLS phenotypes. These HIP1-binding proteins have the potential to become new therapeutic targets and help better understand the RA FLS pathogenic behavior. KIF1C knockdown recapitulated the morphologic changes previously seen in the absence of HIP1, but did not affect the same cell signaling pathway, suggesting involvement in the regulation of different processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Percio S. Gulko
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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7
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Zhu B, Ainsworth RI, Wang Z, Liu Z, Sierra S, Deng C, Callado LF, Meana JJ, Wang W, Lu C, González-Maeso J. Antipsychotic-induced epigenomic reorganization in frontal cortex of individuals with schizophrenia. eLife 2024; 12:RP92393. [PMID: 38648100 PMCID: PMC11034945 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have revealed >270 loci associated with schizophrenia risk, yet these genetic factors do not seem to be sufficient to fully explain the molecular determinants behind this psychiatric condition. Epigenetic marks such as post-translational histone modifications remain largely plastic during development and adulthood, allowing a dynamic impact of environmental factors, including antipsychotic medications, on access to genes and regulatory elements. However, few studies so far have profiled cell-specific genome-wide histone modifications in postmortem brain samples from schizophrenia subjects, or the effect of antipsychotic treatment on such epigenetic marks. Here, we conducted ChIP-seq analyses focusing on histone marks indicative of active enhancers (H3K27ac) and active promoters (H3K4me3), alongside RNA-seq, using frontal cortex samples from antipsychotic-free (AF) and antipsychotic-treated (AT) individuals with schizophrenia, as well as individually matched controls (n=58). Schizophrenia subjects exhibited thousands of neuronal and non-neuronal epigenetic differences at regions that included several susceptibility genetic loci, such as NRG1, DISC1, and DRD3. By analyzing the AF and AT cohorts separately, we identified schizophrenia-associated alterations in specific transcription factors, their regulatees, and epigenomic and transcriptomic features that were reversed by antipsychotic treatment; as well as those that represented a consequence of antipsychotic medication rather than a hallmark of schizophrenia in postmortem human brain samples. Notably, we also found that the effect of age on epigenomic landscapes was more pronounced in frontal cortex of AT-schizophrenics, as compared to AF-schizophrenics and controls. Together, these data provide important evidence of epigenetic alterations in the frontal cortex of individuals with schizophrenia, and remark for the first time on the impact of age and antipsychotic treatment on chromatin organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Zhu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia TechBlacksburgUnited States
| | - Richard I Ainsworth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Zengmiao Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Zhengzhi Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia TechBlacksburgUnited States
| | - Salvador Sierra
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondUnited States
| | - Chengyu Deng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia TechBlacksburgUnited States
| | - Luis F Callado
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, CIBERSAM, Biocruces Health Research InstituteBizkaiaSpain
| | - J Javier Meana
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, CIBERSAM, Biocruces Health Research InstituteBizkaiaSpain
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Chang Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia TechBlacksburgUnited States
| | - Javier González-Maeso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondUnited States
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Robert M, Miossec P. Structural cell heterogeneity underlies the differential contribution of IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-23 to joint versus skin chronic inflammation. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103529. [PMID: 38492906 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The current therapeutic strategy used in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) primarily targets immune cells or associated-pathways. However, recent evidence suggests that the microenvironment modulates immune cell development and responses. During inflammation, structural cells acquire a pathogenetic phenotype and the interactions with immune cells are often greatly modified. Understanding the importance of these tissue-specific interactions may allow to explain why some biologics are effective in some IMIDs but not in others. The differential effects of interleukin (IL)-17 A, IL-17F and IL-23 in joint versus skin inflammation depends on structural cell heterogeneity. In addition, the sometimes opposite effects of immune/structural cell interactions on the production of these cytokines illustrate the importance of these cells in chronic inflammation, using the examples of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and spondyloarthritis. This review describes these concepts, shows their interests through clinical observations, and finally discusses strategies to optimize therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Robert
- Immunogenomics and Inflammation Research Unit, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Miossec
- Immunogenomics and Inflammation Research Unit, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.
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Feng D, Zhao H, Wang Q, Wu J, Ouyang L, Jia S, Lu Q, Zhao M. Aberrant H3K4me3 modification of immune response genes in CD4 + T cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111748. [PMID: 38432146 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence has highlighted the significant role of histone modifications in pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, few studies have comprehensively analyzed trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) features at specific immune gene loci in SLE patients. METHODS We conducted H3K4me3 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) on CD4+ T cells from SLE patients and healthy controls (HC). Differential H3K4me3 peaks were identified, followed by enrichment analysis. We integrated online RNA-seq and DNA methylation datasets to explore the relationship between H3K4me3 modification, DNA methylation and gene expression. We validated several upregulated peak regions by ChIP-qPCR and confirmed their impact on gene expression using RT-qPCR. Finally, we investigated the impact of H3K4 methyltransferases KMT2A on the expression of immune response genes. RESULTS we identified 147 downregulated and 2701 upregulated H3K4me3 peaks in CD4+ T cells of SLE. The upregulated peaks primarily classified as gained peaks and enriched in immune response genes such as FCGR2A, C5AR1, SERPING1 and OASL. Genes with upregulated H3K4me3 and downregulated DNA methylations in the promoter were highly expressed in SLE patients. These genes, including OAS1, IFI27 and IFI44L, were enriched in immune response pathways. The IFI44L locus also showed increased H3K27ac modification, chromatin accessibility and chromatin interactions in SLE. Moreover, knockdown of KMT2A can downregulate the expression of immune response genes in T cells. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers dysregulated H3K4me3 modification patterns in immune response genes loci, which also exhibit downregulated DNA methylation and higher mRNA expression in CD4+ T cells of SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delong Feng
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongjun Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiali Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lianlian Ouyang
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sujie Jia
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Wang Y, Riaz F, Wang W, Pu J, Liang Y, Wu Z, Pan S, Song J, Yang L, Zhang Y, Wu H, Han F, Tang J, Wang X. Functional significance of DNA methylation: epigenetic insights into Sjögren's syndrome. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1289492. [PMID: 38510251 PMCID: PMC10950951 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1289492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is a systemic, highly diverse, and chronic autoimmune disease with a significant global prevalence. It is a complex condition that requires careful management and monitoring. Recent research indicates that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the pathophysiology of SjS by modulating gene expression and genome stability. DNA methylation, a form of epigenetic modification, is the fundamental mechanism that modifies the expression of various genes by modifying the transcriptional availability of regulatory regions within the genome. In general, adding a methyl group to DNA is linked with the inhibition of genes because it changes the chromatin structure. DNA methylation changes the fate of multiple immune cells, such as it leads to the transition of naïve lymphocytes to effector lymphocytes. A lack of central epigenetic enzymes frequently results in abnormal immune activation. Alterations in epigenetic modifications within immune cells or salivary gland epithelial cells are frequently detected during the pathogenesis of SjS, representing a robust association with autoimmune responses. The analysis of genome methylation is a beneficial tool for establishing connections between epigenetic changes within different cell types and their association with SjS. In various studies related to SjS, most differentially methylated regions are in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus. Notably, the demethylation of various sites in the genome is often observed in SjS patients. The most strongly linked differentially methylated regions in SjS patients are found within genes regulated by type I interferon. This demethylation process is partly related to B-cell infiltration and disease progression. In addition, DNA demethylation of the runt-related transcription factor (RUNX1) gene, lymphotoxin-α (LTA), and myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) is associated with SjS. It may assist the early diagnosis of SjS by serving as a potential biomarker. Therefore, this review offers a detailed insight into the function of DNA methylation in SjS and helps researchers to identify potential biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqing Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Farooq Riaz
- Center for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jincheng Pu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengnan Pan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiamin Song
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lufei Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youwei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihong Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Gao Y, Zhang Y, Liu X. Rheumatoid arthritis: pathogenesis and therapeutic advances. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e509. [PMID: 38469546 PMCID: PMC10925489 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the unresolved synovial inflammation for tissues-destructive consequence, which remains one of significant causes of disability and labor loss, affecting about 0.2-1% global population. Although treatments with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are effective to control inflammation and decrease bone destruction, the overall remission rates of RA still stay at a low level. Therefore, uncovering the pathogenesis of RA and expediting clinical transformation are imminently in need. Here, we summarize the immunological basis, inflammatory pathways, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and metabolic disorders in RA, with highlights on the abnormality of immune cells atlas, epigenetics, and immunometabolism. Besides an overview of first-line medications including conventional DMARDs, biologics, and small molecule agents, we discuss in depth promising targeted therapies under clinical or preclinical trials, especially epigenetic and metabolic regulators. Additionally, prospects on precision medicine based on synovial biopsy or RNA-sequencing and cell therapies of mesenchymal stem cells or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell are also looked forward. The advancements of pathogenesis and innovations of therapies in RA accelerates the progress of RA treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gao
- Department of RheumatologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yunkai Zhang
- Naval Medical CenterNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xingguang Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & InflammationNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Pathogen BiologyNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
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12
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Ma K, Yin K, Li J, Ma L, Zhou Q, Lu X, Li B, Li J, Wei G, Zhang G. The Hypothalamic Epigenetic Landscape in Dietary Obesity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306379. [PMID: 38115764 PMCID: PMC10916675 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamus in the brain plays a pivotal role in controlling energy balance in vertebrates. Nutritional excess through high-fat diet (HFD) feeding can dysregulate hypothalamic signaling at multiple levels. Yet, it remains largely unknown in what magnitude HFD feeding may impact epigenetics in this brain region. Here, it is shown that HFD feeding can significantly alter hypothalamic epigenetic events, including posttranslational histone modifications, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility. The authors comprehensively analyze the chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq), methylated DNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (MeDIP-seq), single nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (snATAC-seq), and RNA-seq data of the hypothalamus of C57 BL/6 mice fed with a chow or HFD for 1 to 6 months. The chromatins are categorized into 6 states using the obtained ChIP-seq data for H3K4me3, H3K27ac, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and H3K36me3. A 1-month HFD feeding dysregulates histone modifications and DNA methylation more pronouncedly than that of 3- or 6-month. Besides, HFD feeding differentially impacts chromatin accessibility in hypothalamic cells. Thus, the epigenetic landscape is dysregulated in the hypothalamus of dietary obesity mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic DiseaseThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310003China
| | - Kaili Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental HealthMinistry of EducationDepartment of ToxicologySchool of Public HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Institute for Brain ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Jiong Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental HealthMinistry of EducationDepartment of ToxicologySchool of Public HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Institute for Brain ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Li Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational BiologyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)CASShanghai200031China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental HealthMinistry of EducationDepartment of ToxicologySchool of Public HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Institute for Brain ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Xiyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of EndocrinologyXinhua HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200092China
| | - Juxue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Gang Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational BiologyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)CASShanghai200031China
| | - Guo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental HealthMinistry of EducationDepartment of ToxicologySchool of Public HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Institute for Brain ResearchCollaborative Innovation Center for Brain ScienceHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengHenan475004China
- Institute of Metabolism and HealthHenan UniversityKaifengHenanChina
- Zhongzhou LaboratoryZhengzhouHenan450046China
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13
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Jiang F, Hu SY, Tian W, Wang NN, Yang N, Dong SS, Song HM, Zhang DJ, Gao HW, Wang C, Wu H, He CY, Zhu DL, Chen XF, Guo Y, Yang Z, Yang TL. A landscape of gene expression regulation for synovium in arthritis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1409. [PMID: 38360850 PMCID: PMC10869817 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45652-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The synovium is an important component of any synovial joint and is the major target tissue of inflammatory arthritis. However, the multi-omics landscape of synovium required for functional inference is absent from large-scale resources. Here we integrate genomics with transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility features of human synovium in up to 245 arthritic patients, to characterize the landscape of genetic regulation on gene expression and the regulatory mechanisms mediating arthritic diseases predisposition. We identify 4765 independent primary and 616 secondary cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTLs) in the synovium and find that the eQTLs with multiple independent signals have stronger effects and heritability than single independent eQTLs. Integration of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and eQTLs identifies 84 arthritis related genes, revealing 38 novel genes which have not been reported by previous studies using eQTL data from the GTEx project or immune cells. We further develop a method called eQTac to identify variants that could affect gene expression by affecting chromatin accessibility and identify 1517 regions with potential regulatory function of chromatin accessibility. Altogether, our study provides a comprehensive synovium multi-omics resource for arthritic diseases and gains new insights into the regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Shou-Ye Hu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, P.R. China
| | - Wen Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Nai-Ning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Ning Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Shan-Shan Dong
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Miao Song
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Da-Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Wu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Chen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Hao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Chang-Yi He
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Feng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Yan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, P.R. China.
| | - Tie-Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P.R. China.
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14
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Goldmann K, Spiliopoulou A, Iakovliev A, Plant D, Nair N, Cubuk C, McKeigue P, Barnes MR, Barton A, Pitzalis C, Lewis MJ. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis in rheumatoid arthritis identifies tissue specific variants associated with severity and outcome. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:288-299. [PMID: 37979960 PMCID: PMC10894812 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genome-wide association studies have successfully identified more than 100 loci associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, our understanding of the functional effects of genetic variants in causing RA and their effects on disease severity and response to treatment remains limited. METHODS In this study, we conducted expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis to dissect the link between genetic variants and gene expression comparing the disease tissue against blood using RNA-Sequencing of synovial biopsies (n=85) and blood samples (n=51) from treatment-naïve patients with RA from the Pathobiology of Early Arthritis Cohort. RESULTS This identified 898 eQTL genes in synovium and genes loci in blood, with 232 genes in common to both synovium and blood, although notably many eQTL were tissue specific. Examining the HLA region, we uncovered a specific eQTL at HLA-DPB2 with the critical triad of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs3128921 driving synovial HLA-DPB2 expression, and both rs3128921 and HLA-DPB2 gene expression correlating with clinical severity and increasing probability of the lympho-myeloid pathotype. CONCLUSIONS This analysis highlights the need to explore functional consequences of genetic associations in disease tissue. HLA-DPB2 SNP rs3128921 could potentially be used to stratify patients to more aggressive treatment immediately at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katriona Goldmann
- Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Athina Spiliopoulou
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrii Iakovliev
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Darren Plant
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, University of Manchester Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Manchester, UK
| | - Nisha Nair
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, University of Manchester Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Manchester, UK
| | - Cankut Cubuk
- Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Paul McKeigue
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael R Barnes
- Centre for Translational Bioinformatics, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Anne Barton
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, University of Manchester Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Manchester, UK
| | - Costantino Pitzalis
- Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Myles J Lewis
- Centre for Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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15
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Choi E, Machado CRL, Okano T, Boyle D, Wang W, Firestein GS. Joint-specific rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocyte regulation identified by integration of chromatin access and transcriptional activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.12.575379. [PMID: 38293079 PMCID: PMC10827126 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.12.575379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The mechanisms responsible for the distribution and severity of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not known. To explore whether site-specific FLS biology might be associated with location-specific synovitis and explain the predilection for hand (wrist/metacarpal phalangeal joints) involvement in RA, we generated transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility data from FLS to identify the transcription factors (TFs) and pathways. Networks were constructed by integration of chromatin accessibility and gene expression data. Analysis revealed joint-specific patterns of FLS phenotype, with proliferative, migratory, proinflammatory, and matrix-degrading characteristics observed in resting FLS derived from the hand joints compared with hip or knee. TNF-stimulation amplified these differences, with greater enrichment of proinflammatory and proliferative genes in hand FLS compared with hip and knee FLS. Hand FLS also had the greatest expression of markers associated with an 'activated' state relative to the 'resting' state, with the greatest cytokine and MMP expression in TNF-stimulated hand FLS. Predicted differences in proliferation and migration were biologically validated with hand FLS exhibiting greater migration and cell growth than hip or knee FLS. Distinctive joint-specific FLS biology associated with a more aggressive inflammatory response might contribute to the distribution and severity of joint involvement in RA.
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16
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Pelissier A, Laragione T, Harris C, Martínez MR, Gulko PS. Gene Network Analyses Identify Co-regulated Transcription Factors and BACH1 as a Key Driver in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.28.573506. [PMID: 38234777 PMCID: PMC10793426 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.28.573506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
RNA-sequencing and differential gene expression studies have significantly advanced our understanding of pathogenic pathways underlying Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Yet, little is known about cell-specific regulatory networks and their contributions to disease. In this study, we focused on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), a cell type central to disease pathogenesis and joint damage in RA. We used a strategy that computed sample-specific gene regulatory networks (GRNs) to compare network properties between RA and osteoarthritis FLS. We identified 28 transcription factors (TFs) as key regulators central to the signatures of RA FLS. Six of these TFs are new and have not been previously implicated in RA, and included BACH1, HLX, and TGIF1. Several of these TFs were found to be co-regulated, and BACH1 emerged as the most significant TF and regulator. The main BACH1 targets included those implicated in fatty acid metabolism and ferroptosis. The discovery of BACH1 was validated in experiments with RA FLS. Knockdown of BACH1 in RA FLS significantly affected the gene expression signatures, reduced cell adhesion and mobility, interfered with the formation of thick actin fibers, and prevented the polarized formation of lamellipodia, all required for the RA destructive behavior of FLS. This is the first time that BACH1 is shown to have a central role in the regulation of FLS phenotypes, and gene expression signatures, as well as in ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. These new discoveries have the potential to become new targets for treatments aimed at selectively targeting the RA FLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelien Pelissier
- IBM Research Europe, 8803 Ruschlikon, Switzerland
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Currently at Institute of Computational Life Sciences, ZHAW, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Teresina Laragione
- Division of Rheumatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029 New York, United States
| | - Carolyn Harris
- Division of Rheumatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029 New York, United States
| | - María Rodríguez Martínez
- IBM Research Europe, 8803 Ruschlikon, Switzerland
- Currently at Yale School of Medicine, 06510 New Haven, United States
| | - Percio S. Gulko
- Division of Rheumatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029 New York, United States
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17
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Jeljeli MM, Adamopoulos IE. Innate immune memory in inflammatory arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:627-639. [PMID: 37674048 PMCID: PMC10721491 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01009-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The concept of immunological memory was demonstrated in antiquity when protection against re-exposure to pathogens was observed during the plague of Athens. Immunological memory has been linked with the adaptive features of T and B cells; however, in the past decade, evidence has demonstrated that innate immune cells can exhibit memory, a phenomenon called 'innate immune memory' or 'trained immunity'. Innate immune memory is currently being defined and is transforming our understanding of chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. In this Review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the memory-like features of innate immune cells in inflammatory arthritis and the crosstalk between chronic inflammatory milieu and cell reprogramming. Aberrant pro-inflammatory signalling, including cytokines, regulates the metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming of haematopoietic progenitors, leading to exacerbated inflammatory responses and osteoclast differentiation, in turn leading to bone destruction. Moreover, imprinted memory on mature cells including terminally differentiated osteoclasts alters responsiveness to therapies and modifies disease outcomes, commonly manifested by persistent inflammatory flares and relapse following medication withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime M Jeljeli
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Iannis E Adamopoulos
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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18
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Martínez-Ramos S, Rafael-Vidal C, Malvar-Fernández B, Rodriguez-Trillo A, Veale D, Fearon U, Conde C, Conde-Aranda J, Radstake TRDJ, Pego-Reigosa JM, Reedquist KA, García S. HOXA5 is a key regulator of class 3 semaphorins expression in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:2621-2630. [PMID: 36398888 PMCID: PMC10321103 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Class 3 semaphorins are reduced in the synovial tissue of RA patients and these proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this study was to identify the transcription factors involved in the expression of class 3 semaphorins in the synovium of RA patients. METHODS Protein and mRNA expression in synovial tissue from RA and individuals at risk (IAR) patients, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) was determined by ELISA, immunoblotting and quantitative PCR. TCF-3, EBF-1 and HOXA5 expression was knocked down using siRNA. Cell viability, migration and invasion were determined using MTT, calcein, wound closure and invasion assays, respectively. RESULTS mRNA expression of all class 3 semaphorins was significantly lower in the synovium of RA compared with IAR patients. In silico analysis suggested TCF-3, EBF-1 and HOXA5 as transcription factors involved in the expression of these semaphorins. TCF-3, EBF-1 and HOXA5 silencing significantly reduced the expression of several class 3 semaphorin members in FLS and HUVEC. Importantly, HOXA5 expression was significantly reduced in the synovium of RA compared with IAR patients and was negatively correlated with clinical disease parameters. Additionally, TNF-α down-regulated the HOXA5 expression in FLS and HUVEC. Finally, HOXA5 silencing enhanced the migratory and invasive capacities of FLS and the viability of HUVEC. CONCLUSION HOXA5 expression is reduced during the progression of RA and could be a novel therapeutic strategy for modulating the hyperplasia of the synovium, through the regulation of class 3 semaphorins expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Martínez-Ramos
- Rheumatology & Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Carlos Rafael-Vidal
- Rheumatology & Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Beatriz Malvar-Fernández
- Rheumatology & Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Angela Rodriguez-Trillo
- Laboratorio de Reumatología Experimental y Observacional, Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Hospital Clínico, Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Servizo Galego de Saude (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Douglas Veale
- Rheumatology EULAR Centre of Excellence, St Vincent's University Hospital and University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ursula Fearon
- Rheumatology EULAR Centre of Excellence, St Vincent's University Hospital and University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Molecular Rheumatology, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Carmen Conde
- Laboratorio de Reumatología Experimental y Observacional, Servicio de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Hospital Clínico, Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Servizo Galego de Saude (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Javier Conde-Aranda
- Molecular and Cellular Gastroenterology, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Timothy R D J Radstake
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jose María Pego-Reigosa
- Rheumatology & Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Kris A Reedquist
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel García
- Correspondence to: Samuel García, Rheumatology & Immune-mediated Diseases (IRIDIS) Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Estrada Clara Campoamor No. 341, Beade, 36312 Vigo (Pontevedra), Spain. E-mail:
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19
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Ren R, Tan H, Huang Z, Wang Y, Yang B. Differential expression and correlation of immunoregulation related piRNA in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175924. [PMID: 37325646 PMCID: PMC10266269 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have recently been associated with germline development and many human diseases, their expression pattern and relationship in autoimmune diseases remain indistinct. This study aimed to investigate the presence and correlation of piRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods We first analyzed the expression profile of piRNAs using small RNA sequencing in peripheral leukocytes of three new-onset untreated RA patients and three healthy controls (HCs). We then selected piRNAs related to immunoregulation by bioinformatics analysis and verified them in 42 new-onset RA patients and 81 HCs by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, a receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to quantify the diagnostic performance of these piRNAs. A correlation analysis was conducted to observe the link between piRNA expression and RA clinical characteristics. Results A total of 15 upregulated and 9 downregulated piRNAs among 1,565 known piRNAs were identified in peripheral leukocytes of RA patients. Dysregulated piRNAs were enriched in numerous pathways related to immunity. After selection and validation, two immunoregulation piRNAs (piR-hsa-27620 and piR-hsa-27124) were significantly elevated in RA patients and have good abilities to distinguish patients from controls, which have the potential to serve as biomarkers. PIWI and other proteins implicated in the piRNA pathway were also associated with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyu Ren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huiling Tan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuochun Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanyi Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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20
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Kehayova YS, Wilkinson JM, Rice SJ, Loughlin J. Osteoarthritis genetic risk acting on the galactosyltransferase gene COLGALT2 has opposing functional effects in articulating joint tissues. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:83. [PMID: 37208701 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03066-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigation of cartilage and chondrocytes has revealed that the osteoarthritis risk marked by the independent DNA variants rs11583641 and rs1046934 mediate their effects by decreasing the methylation status of CpG dinucleotides in enhancers and increasing the expression of shared target gene COLGALT2. We set out to investigate if these functional effects operate in a non-cartilaginous joint tissue. METHODS Nucleic acids were extracted from the synovium of osteoarthritis patients. Samples were genotyped, and DNA methylation was quantified by pyrosequencing at CpGs within the COLGALT2 enhancers. CpGs were tested for enhancer effects using a synovial cell line and a reporter gene assay. DNA methylation was altered using epigenetic editing, with the impact on gene expression determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In silico analysis complemented laboratory experiments. RESULTS The rs1046934 genotype did not associate with DNA methylation or COLGALT2 expression in the synovium, whereas the rs11583641 genotype did. Surprisingly, the effects for rs11583641 were opposite to those previously observed in cartilage. Epigenetic editing in synovial cells revealed that enhancer methylation is causally linked to COLGALT2 expression. CONCLUSIONS This is the first direct demonstration for osteoarthritis genetic risk of a functional link between DNA methylation and gene expression operating in opposite directions between articular joint tissues. It highlights pleiotropy in the action of osteoarthritis risk and provides a cautionary note in the application of future genetically based osteoarthritis therapies: an intervention that decreases the detrimental effect of a risk allele in one joint tissue may inadvertently increase its detrimental effect in another joint tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia S Kehayova
- Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - J Mark Wilkinson
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarah J Rice
- Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
| | - John Loughlin
- Newcastle University, Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
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21
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Ding H, Mei X, Li L, Fang P, Guo T, Zhao J. RUNX1 Ameliorates Rheumatoid Arthritis Progression through Epigenetic Inhibition of LRRC15. Mol Cells 2023; 46:231-244. [PMID: 36625319 PMCID: PMC10086557 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.2136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat containing 15 (LRRC15) has been identified as a contributing factor for cartilage damage in osteoarthritis; however, its involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the underlying mechanisms have not been well characterized. The purpose of this study was to explore the function of LRRC15 in RA-associated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) and in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and to dissect the epigenetic mechanisms involved. LRRC15 was overexpressed in the synovial tissues of patients with RA, and LRRC15 overexpression was associated with increased proliferative, migratory, invasive, and angiogenic capacities of RA-FLS and accelerated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. LRRC15 knockdown significantly inhibited synovial proliferation and reduced bone invasion and destruction in CIA mice. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) transcriptionally represses LRRC15 by binding to core-binding factor subunit beta (CBF-β). Overexpression of RUNX1 significantly inhibited the invasive phenotype of RA-FLS and suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Conversely, the effects of RUNX1 were significantly reversed after overexpression of LRRC15 or inhibition of RUNX1-CBF-β interactions. Therefore, we demonstrated that RUNX1-mediated transcriptional repression of LRRC15 inhibited the development of RA, which may have therapeutic effects for RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ding
- Department of Orthopedics, Jinling Hospital, Jinling Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaoliang Mei
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Lintao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Jinling Hospital, Jinling Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Peng Fang
- Department of Orthopedics, Jinling Hospital, Jinling Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Jinling Hospital, Jinling Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jianning Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Jinling Hospital, Jinling Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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22
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Wiles AK, Mehta S, Millier M, Woolley AG, Li K, Parker K, Kazantseva M, Wilson M, Young K, Bowie S, Ray S, Slatter TL, Stamp LK, Hessian PA, Braithwaite AW. Activated CD90/Thy-1 fibroblasts co-express the Δ133p53β isoform and are associated with highly inflamed rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:62. [PMID: 37060003 PMCID: PMC10105423 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03040-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The p53 isoform Δ133p53β is known to be associated with cancers driven by inflammation. Many of the features associated with the development of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) parallel those evident in cancer progression. However, the role of this isoform in RA has not yet been explored. The aim of this study was to determine whether Δ133p53β is driving aggressive disease in RA. METHODS Using RA patient synovia, we carried out RT-qPCR and RNAScope-ISH to determine both protein and mRNA levels of Δ133p53 and p53. We also used IHC to determine the location and type of cells with elevated levels of Δ133p53β. Plasma cytokines were also measured using a BioPlex cytokine panel and data analysed by the Milliplex Analyst software. RESULTS Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory plasma cytokines were associated with synovia from RA patients displaying extensive tissue inflammation, increased immune cell infiltration and the highest levels of Δ133TP53 and TP53β mRNA. Located in perivascular regions of synovial sub-lining and surrounding ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS) were a subset of cells with high levels of CD90, a marker of 'activated fibroblasts' together with elevated levels of Δ133p53β. CONCLUSIONS Induction of Δ133p53β in CD90+ synovial fibroblasts leads to an increase in cytokine and chemokine expression and the recruitment of proinflammatory cells into the synovial joint, creating a persistently inflamed environment. Our results show that dysregulated expression of Δ133p53β could represent one of the early triggers in the immunopathogenesis of RA and actively perpetuates chronic synovial inflammation. Therefore, Δ133p53β could be used as a biomarker to identify RA patients more likely to develop aggressive disease who might benefit from targeted therapy to cytokines such as IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Wiles
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sunali Mehta
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Melanie Millier
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Adele G Woolley
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kunyu Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kim Parker
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Marina Kazantseva
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Wilson
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Katie Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Bowie
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sankalita Ray
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tania L Slatter
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lisa K Stamp
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Paul A Hessian
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Antony W Braithwaite
- Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Hercus Building, 58 Hanover Street, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 7060, Wellington, New Zealand.
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23
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Krošel M, Moser L, Houtman M, Friščić J, Tomšič M, Distler O, Hoffmann MH, Ospelt C, Klein K. Bromodomain Protein Inhibitors Reorganize the Chromatin of Synovial Fibroblasts. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081149. [PMID: 37190058 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain- and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic reader proteins that regulate transcription of their target genes by binding to acetylated histone side chains. Small molecule inhibitors, such as I-BET151, have anti-inflammatory properties in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and in animal models of arthritis. Here, we investigated whether BET inhibition can also affect the levels of histone modifications, a novel mechanism underlying BET protein inhibition. On the one hand, FLSs were treated with I-BET151 (1 µM) for 24 h in absence and presence of TNF. On the other hand, FLSs were washed with PBS after 48 h of I-BET151 treatment, and the effects were measured 5 days after I-BET151 treatment or after an additional 24 h stimulation with TNF (5 d + 24 h). Mass spectrometry analysis indicated that I-BET151 induced profound changes in histone modifications, with a global reduction in acetylation on different histone side chains 5 days after treatment. We confirmed changes on acetylated histone side chains in independent samples by Western blotting. I-BET151 treatment reduced mean TNF-induced levels of total acetylated histone 3 (acH3), H3K18ac, and H3K27ac. In line with these changes, the TNF-induced expression of BET protein target genes was suppressed 5 d after I-BET151 treatment. Our data indicate that BET inhibitors not only prevent the reading of acetylated histones but directly influence overall chromatin organization, in particular after stimulation with TNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Krošel
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Larissa Moser
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miranda Houtman
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jasna Friščić
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Matija Tomšič
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Oliver Distler
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus H Hoffmann
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Caroline Ospelt
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Klein
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
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24
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Wang NN, Zhang Y, Jiang F, Zhu DL, Di CX, Hu SY, Chen XF, Zhi LQ, Rong Y, Ke X, Duan YY, Dong SS, Yang TL, Yang Z, Guo Y. Enhancer variants on chromosome 2p14 regulating SPRED2 and ACTR2 act as a signal amplifier to protect against rheumatoid arthritis. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:625-637. [PMID: 36924774 PMCID: PMC10119143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have repeatedly reported multiple non-coding single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 2p14 associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but their functional roles in the pathological mechanisms of RA remain to be explored. In this study, we integrated a series of bioinformatics and functional experiments and identified three intronic RA SNPs (rs1876518, rs268131, and rs2576923) within active enhancers that can regulate the expression of SPRED2 directly. At the same time, SPRED2 and ACTR2 influence each other as a positive feedback signal amplifier to strengthen the protective role in RA by inhibiting the migration and invasion of rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). In particular, the transcription factor CEBPB preferentially binds to the rs1876518-T allele to increase the expression of SPRED2 in FLSs. Our findings decipher the molecular mechanisms behind the GWAS signals at 2p14 for RA and emphasize SPRED2 as a potential candidate gene for RA, providing a potential target and direction for precise treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Ning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Chen-Xi Di
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Shou-Ye Hu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Feng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Li-Qiang Zhi
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Yu Rong
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Xin Ke
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Duan
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Shan-Shan Dong
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Tie-Lin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China.
| | - Yan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Biomedical Informatics & Genomics Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China.
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25
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The prepared and characterized polysaccharide polymer in Saposhnikovia divaricata(Trucz.) Schischk effectively controls the course of rheumatoid arthritis via TLR4/TRAF6–NF-κB/IκB-α signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
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26
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Wang M, Wu J, Lei S, Mo X. Genome-wide identification of RNA modification-related single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:153. [PMID: 36973646 PMCID: PMC10045113 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA modification plays important roles in many biological processes, such as gene expression control. The aim of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms related to RNA modification (RNAm-SNPs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as putative functional variants. METHODS We examined the association of RNAm-SNPs with RA in summary data from a genome-wide association study of 19,234 RA cases and 61,565 controls. We performed eQTL and pQTL analyses for the RNAm-SNPs to find associated gene expression and protein levels. Furthermore, we examined the associations of gene expression and circulating protein levels with RA using two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis methods. RESULTS A total of 160 RNAm-SNPs related to m6A, m1A, A-to-I, m7G, m5C, m5U and m6Am modifications were identified to be significantly associated with RA. These RNAm-SNPs were located in 62 protein-coding genes, which were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways. RNAm-SNPs in important RA susceptibility genes, such as PADI2, SPRED2, PLCL2, HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DPB1, TRAF1 and TXNDC11, were identified. Most of these RNAm-SNPs showed eQTL effects, and the expression levels of 26 of the modifiable genes (e.g., PADI2, TRAF1, HLA-A, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DPB1 and HLA-B) in blood cells were associated with RA. Circulating protein levels, such as CFB, GZMA, HLA-DQA2, IL21, LRPAP1 and TFF3, were affected by RNAm-SNPs and were associated with RA. CONCLUSION The present study identified RNAm-SNPs in the reported RA susceptibility genes and suggested that RNAm-SNPs may affect RA risk by affecting the expression levels of corresponding genes and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Wang
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jingyun Wu
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shufeng Lei
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xingbo Mo
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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27
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Kefayati F, Karimi Babaahmadi A, Mousavi T, Hodjat M, Abdollahi M. Epigenotoxicity: a danger to the future life. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2023; 58:382-411. [PMID: 36942370 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2023.2190713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental toxicants can regulate gene expression in the absence of DNA mutations via epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs' (ncRNAs). Here, all three epigenetic modifications for seven important categories of diseases and the impact of eleven main environmental factors on epigenetic modifications were discussed. Epigenetic-related mechanisms are among the factors that could explain the root cause of a wide range of common diseases. Its overall impression on the development of diseases can help us diagnose and treat diseases, and besides, predict transgenerational and intergenerational effects. This comprehensive article attempted to address the relationship between environmental factors and epigenetic modifications that cause diseases in different categories. The studies main gap is that the precise role of environmentally-induced epigenetic alterations in the etiology of the disorders is unknown; thus, still more well-designed researches need to be accomplished to fill this gap. The present review aimed to first summarize the adverse effect of certain chemicals on the epigenome that may involve in the onset of particular disease based on in vitro and in vivo models. Subsequently, the possible adverse epigenetic changes that can lead to many human diseases were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Kefayati
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atoosa Karimi Babaahmadi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taraneh Mousavi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Hodjat
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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28
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Identification of essential genes and immune cell infiltration in rheumatoid arthritis by bioinformatics analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2032. [PMID: 36739468 PMCID: PMC9899220 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29153-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease that can lead to severe joint damage and disability. And early diagnosis and treatment of RA can avert or substantially slow the progression of joint damage in up to 90% of patients, thereby preventing irreversible disability. Previous research indicated that 50% of the risk for the development of RA is attributable to genetic factors, but the pathogenesis is not well understood. Thus, it is urgent to identify biomarkers to arrest RA before joints are irreversibly damaged. Here, we first use the Robust Rank Aggregation method (RRA) to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between RA and normal samples by integrating four public RA patients' mRNA expression data. Subsequently, these DEGs were used as the input for the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) approach to identify RA-related modules. The function enrichment analysis suggested that the RA-related modules were significantly enriched in immune-related actions. Then the hub genes were defined as the candidate genes. Our analysis showed that the expression levels of candidate genes were significantly associated with the RA immune microenvironment. And the results indicated that the expression of the candidate genes can use as predictors for RA. We hope that our method can provide a more convenient approach for the early diagnosis of RA.
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29
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Massy E, Roudier J, Balandraud N. Case report: Polyarthritis as a new manifestation for Huntington's disease? Joint Bone Spine 2023; 90:105530. [PMID: 36690064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2023.105530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Massy
- Service de rhumatologie, AP-HM, Marseille, France; Inserm UMRs1097, Autoimmune Arthritis (AA), Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.
| | - Jean Roudier
- Service de rhumatologie, AP-HM, Marseille, France; Inserm UMRs1097, Autoimmune Arthritis (AA), Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Nathalie Balandraud
- Service de rhumatologie, AP-HM, Marseille, France; Inserm UMRs1097, Autoimmune Arthritis (AA), Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
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30
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Duan Y, Tan Y, Wei X, Pei X, Li M. Versatile Strategy for the Construction of a Transcription Factor-Based Orthogonal Gene Expression Toolbox in Monascus spp. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:213-223. [PMID: 36625512 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression is needed to be conducted in an orthogonal manner and controllable independently from the host's native regulatory system. However, there is a shortage of gene expression regulatory toolboxes that function orthogonally from each other and toward the host. Herein, we developed a strategy based on the mutant library to generate orthogonal gene expression toolboxes. A transcription factor, MaR, located in the Monascus azaphilone biosynthetic gene cluster, was taken as a typical example. Nine DNA-binding residues of MaR were identified by molecular simulation and site-directed mutagenesis. We created five MaR multi-site saturation mutagenesis libraries consisting of 10743 MaR variants on the basis of five cognate promoters. A functional analysis revealed that all five tested promoters were orthogonally regulated by five different MaR variants, respectively. Furthermore, fine gene expression tunability and high signal sensitivity of this toolbox are demonstrated by introducing chemically inducible expression modules, designing synthetic promoter elements, and creating protein-protein interaction between MaRs. This study paves the way for a bottom-up approach to build orthogonal gene expression toolboxes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Duan
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Traditional Fermented Foods, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province430070, China.,College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province430070, China
| | - Yingao Tan
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Traditional Fermented Foods, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province430070, China.,College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province430070, China
| | - Xuetuan Wei
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province430070, China
| | - Xiaolin Pei
- College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou310012, China
| | - Mu Li
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Traditional Fermented Foods, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province430070, China.,College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province430070, China
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Xu S, Liu D, Kuang Y, Li R, Wang J, Shi M, Zou Y, Qiu Q, Liang L, Xiao Y, Xu H. Long Noncoding RNA HAFML Promotes Migration and Invasion of Rheumatoid Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 210:135-147. [PMID: 36458981 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The aggressive phenotype exhibited by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) is critical for the progression of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have crucial roles in the pathogenesis of diverse disorders; however, few have been identified that might be able to control the joint damage in RA. In this study, we identified an lncRNA, ENST00000509194, which was expressed at abnormally high levels in FLSs and synovial tissues from patients with RA. ENST00000509194 positively modulates the migration and invasion of FLSs by interacting with human Ag R (HuR, also called ELAVL1), an RNA-binding protein that mainly stabilizes mRNAs. ENST00000509194 binds directly to HuR in the cytoplasm to form a complex that promotes the expression of the endocytic adaptor protein APPL2 by stabilizing APPL2 mRNA. Knockdown of HuR or APPL2 impaired the migration and invasion of RA FLSs. Given its close association with HuR and FLS migration, we named ENST00000509194 as HAFML (HuR-associated fibroblast migratory lncRNA). Our findings suggest that an increase in synovial HAFML might contribute to FLS-mediated rheumatoid synovial aggression and joint destruction, and that the lncRNA HAFML might be a potential therapeutic target for dysregulated fibroblasts in a wide range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Kuang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiru Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingnan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Maohua Shi
- Department of Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China; and
| | - Yaoyao Zou
- Department of Rheumatology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Qiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liuqin Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Youjun Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanshi Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Rheumatoid arthritis: advances in treatment strategies. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:69-88. [PMID: 35725992 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04492-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterised by severe joint and bone damage due to heightened autoimmune response at the articular sites. Worldwide annual incidence and prevalence rate of RA is 3 cases per 10,000 population and 1%, respectively. Several genetic and environmental (microbiota, smoking, infectious agents) factors contribute to its pathogenesis. Although convention treatment strategies, predominantly Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) and Glucocorticoids (GC), are unchanged as the primary line of treatment; novel strategies consisting of biological DMARDs, are being developed and explored. Personalized approaches using biologicals targetspecific pathways associated with disease progression. However, considering the economic burden and side-effects associated with these, there is an unmet need on strategies for early stratification of the inadequate responders with cDMARDs. As RA is a complex disease with a variable remission rate, it is important not only to evaluate the current status of drugs in clinical practice but also those with the potential of personalised therapeutics. Here, we provide comprehensive data on the treatment strategies in RA, including studies exploring various combination strategies in clinical trials. Our systematic analysis of current literature found that conventional DMARDs along with glucocorticoid may be best suited for early RA cases and a combination of conventional and targeted DMARDs could be effective for treating seronegative patients with moderate to high RA activity. Clinical trials with insufficient responders to Methotrexate suggest that adding biologicals may help in such cases. However, certain adverse events associated with the current therapy advocate exploring novel therapeutic approaches such as gene therapy, mesenchymal stem cell therapy in future.
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Mechanisms of DNA methylation and histone modifications. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 197:51-92. [PMID: 37019597 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The field of genetics has expanded a lot in the past few decades due to the accessibility of human genome sequences, but still, the regulation of transcription cannot be explicated exclusively by the sequence of DNA of an individual. The coordination and crosstalk between chromatin factors which are conserved is indispensable for all living creatures. The regulation of gene expression has been dependent on the methylation of DNA, post-translational modifications of histones, effector proteins, chromatin remodeler enzymes that affect the chromatin structure and function, and other cellular activities such as DNA replication, DNA repair, proliferation and growth. The mutation and deletion of these factors can lead to human diseases. Various studies are being performed to identify and understand the gene regulatory mechanisms in the diseased state. The information from these high throughput screening studies is able to aid the treatment developments based on the epigenetics regulatory mechanisms. This book chapter will discourse on various modifications and their mechanisms that take place on histones and DNA that regulate the transcription of genes.
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Ospelt C. Site of invasion revisited: epigenetic drivers of joint destruction in RA. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 82:734-739. [PMID: 36585124 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
New analytical methods and the increasing availability of synovial biopsies have recently provided unprecedented insights into synovial activation in general and synovial fibroblast (SF) biology in particular. In the course of this development, SFs have become one of the most rapidly evolving and exciting fields of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) research. While their active role in the invasion of RA synovium into cartilage has long been studied, recent studies have brought new aspects of their heterogeneity and propagation in RA. This review integrates old and new evidence to give an overview picture of the processes active at the sites of invasive synovial tissue growth in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ospelt
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Alivernini S, Firestein GS, McInnes IB. The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Immunity 2022; 55:2255-2270. [PMID: 36516818 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Significant recent progress in understanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis has led to improved treatment and quality of life. The introduction of targeted-biologic and -synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) has also transformed clinical outcomes. Despite this, RA remains a life-long disease without a cure. Unmet needs include partial response and non-response to treatment in many patients, failure to achieve immune homeostasis or drug free remission, and inability to repair damaged tissues. RA is now recognized as the end of a multi-year prodromal phase in which systemic immune dysregulation, likely beginning in mucosal surfaces, is followed by a symptomatic clinical phase. Inflammation and immune reactivity are primarily localized to the synovium leading to pain and articular damage, but is also associated with a broader series of comorbidities. Here, we review recently described immunologic mechanisms that drive breach of tolerance, chronic synovitis, and remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Alivernini
- Immunology Research Core Facility, Gemelli Science and Technology Park, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Division of Rheumatology - Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gary S Firestein
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Clematichinenoside AR inhibits the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis by blocking the circPTN/miR-145-5p/FZD4 signal axis. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109376. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Chang MH, Bocharnikov AV, Case SM, Todd M, Laird-Gion J, Alvarez-Baumgartner M, Nigrovic PA. Joint-Specific Memory and Sustained Risk for New Joint Accumulation in Autoimmune Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:1851-1858. [PMID: 35606924 PMCID: PMC9617751 DOI: 10.1002/art.42240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inflammatory arthritides exhibit hallmark patterns of affected and spared joints, but in each individual, arthritis affects only a subset of all possible sites. The purpose of this study was to identify patient-specific patterns of joint flare to distinguish local from systemic drivers of disease chronicity. METHODS Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis followed without interruption from disease onset into adulthood were identified across 2 large academic centers. Joints inflamed at each visit were established by medical record review. Flare was defined as physician-confirmed joint inflammation following documented inactive disease. RESULTS Among 222 adults with JIA, 95 had complete serial joint examinations dating from disease onset in childhood. Mean follow-up was 12.5 years (interquartile range 7.9-16.7 years). Ninety (95%) of 95 patients achieved inactive disease, after which 81% (73 patients) experienced at least 1 flare. Among 940 joints affected in 253 flares, 74% had been involved previously. In flares affecting easily observed large joint pairs where only 1 side had been involved before (n = 53), the original joint was affected in 83% and the contralateral joint in 17% (P < 0.0001 versus random laterality). However, disease extended to at least 1 new joint in ~40% of flares, a risk that remained stable even decades after disease onset, and was greatest in flares that occurred while patients were not receiving medication (54% versus 36% of flares occurring with therapy; odds ratio 2.09, P = 0.015). CONCLUSION Arthritis flares preferentially affect previously inflamed joints but carry an ongoing risk of disease extension. These findings confirm joint-specific memory and suggest that prevention of new joint accumulation should be an important target for arthritis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret H. Chang
- Division of Immunology; Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston, MA, 02115; USA
| | - Alexandra V. Bocharnikov
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity; Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115; USA
| | - Siobhan M. Case
- Division of Immunology; Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston, MA, 02115; USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity; Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115; USA
| | - Marc Todd
- Division of Immunology; Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston, MA, 02115; USA
| | - Jessica Laird-Gion
- Division of Immunology; Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston, MA, 02115; USA
| | - Maura Alvarez-Baumgartner
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity; Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115; USA
| | - Peter A. Nigrovic
- Division of Immunology; Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston, MA, 02115; USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity; Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115; USA
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Ainsworth RI, Hammaker D, Nygaard G, Ansalone C, Machado C, Zhang K, Zheng L, Carrillo L, Wildberg A, Kuhs A, Svensson MND, Boyle DL, Firestein GS, Wang W. Systems-biology analysis of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes implicates cell line-specific transcription factor function. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6221. [PMID: 36266270 PMCID: PMC9584907 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33785-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated disease affecting diarthrodial joints that remains an unmet medical need despite improved therapy. This limitation likely reflects the diversity of pathogenic pathways in RA, with individual patients demonstrating variable responses to targeted therapies. Better understanding of RA pathogenesis would be aided by a more complete characterization of the disease. To tackle this challenge, we develop and apply a systems biology approach to identify important transcription factors (TFs) in individual RA fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) cell lines by integrating transcriptomic and epigenomic information. Based on the relative importance of the identified TFs, we stratify the RA FLS cell lines into two subtypes with distinct phenotypes and predicted active pathways. We biologically validate these predictions for the top subtype-specific TF RARα and demonstrate differential regulation of TGFβ signaling in the two subtypes. This study characterizes clusters of RA cell lines with distinctive TF biology by integrating transcriptomic and epigenomic data, which could pave the way towards a greater understanding of disease heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard I Ainsworth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Deepa Hammaker
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gyrid Nygaard
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Cecilia Ansalone
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Camilla Machado
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lina Zheng
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lucy Carrillo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andre Wildberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Kuhs
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mattias N D Svensson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David L Boyle
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gary S Firestein
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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de la Calle-Fabregat C, Rodríguez-Ubreva J, Cañete JD, Ballestar E. Designing Studies for Epigenetic Biomarker Development in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2022; 3:103-110. [PMID: 36788968 PMCID: PMC9895872 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2022-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
In just a few years, the number of epigenetic studies in autoimmune rheumatic and inflammatory diseases has greatly increased. This is in part due to the need of identifying additional determinants to genetics to explain the pathogenesis and development of these disorders. In this regard, epigenetics provides potential mechanisms that determine gene function, are linked to environmental factors, and could explain a wide range of phenotypic variability among patients with these diseases. Despite the high interest and number of studies describing epigenetic alterations under these conditions and exploring their relationship to various clinical aspects, few of the proposed biomarkers have yet reached clinical practice. The potential of epigenetic markers is high, as these alterations link measurable features with a number of biological traits. In the present article, we present published studies in the field, discuss some frequent limitations in the existing research, and propose a number of considerations that should be taken into account by those starting new projects in the field, with an aim to generate biomarkers that could make it into the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos de la Calle-Fabregat
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), 08916Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Ubreva
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), 08916Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan D. Cañete
- Rheumatology Department, Arthritis Unit, Hospital Clinic and IDIBAPS, 08036Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Ballestar
- Epigenetics and Immune Disease Group, Josep Carreras Research Institute (IJC), 08916Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Epigenetics in Inflammatory and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, Health Science Center (HSC), East China Normal University (ECNU), Shanghai200241, China
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Kawabe A, Yamagata K, Kato S, Nakano K, Sakata K, Tsukada YI, Ohmura K, Nakayamada S, Tanaka Y. Role of DNA dioxygenase Ten-Eleven translocation 3 (TET3) in rheumatoid arthritis progression. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:222. [PMID: 36114544 PMCID: PMC9479255 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02908-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients present with abnormal methylation patterns in their fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Given that DNA demethylation is critical for producing DNA methylation patterns, we hypothesized that DNA demethylation may facilitate RA progression. Therefore, we designed this study to examine the role of DNA dioxygenase family, Ten-Eleven translocation (TET1/2/3), in the pathological process of RA. Methods Synovial tissues and FLS were obtained from patients with RA and Osteoarthritis. K/BxN serum-induced arthritis was induced in Wild-type (WT) and TET3 heterozygous-deficient (TET3+/−) C57BL/6 mice. Results We found that both TET3 and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) were upregulated in synovitis tissues from RA patients and confirmed this upregulation in the cultured FLS derived from synovitis tissues. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) upregulated TET3 and 5hmC levels in cultured FLS, and the stimulated FLS exhibited high cell mobility with increased transcription of cellular migration-related factors such as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in a TET3-dependent manner. In addition, TET3 haploinsufficiency lowered RA progression in a mouse model of serum-induced arthritis. Conclusions Based on these findings, we can assume that TET3-mediated DNA demethylation acts as an epigenetic regulator of RA progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02908-5.
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Shen C, Xu M, Xu S, Zhang S, Lin W, Li H, Zeng S, Qiu Q, Liang L, Xiao Y, Xu H. Myricitrin inhibits fibroblast-like synoviocyte-mediated rheumatoid synovial inflammation and joint destruction by targeting AIM2. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:905376. [PMID: 36120327 PMCID: PMC9471193 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.905376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the effect and underlying mechanism of Myricitrin (Myr) in regulating fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS)-mediated synovitis and joint destruction in RA. Methods: FLSs were isolated from synovial tissues from patients with RA. Gene expression was measured using quantitative RT-qPCR. Protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry or Western blot. Cell apoptosis was performed by an Annexin-PI staining assay. EdU incorporation was used to assess the proliferation of RA FLS. Transwell assay was used to characterize the cell migration and invasion ability of RA FLS. The potential target of Myr was identified by RNA sequencing analysis. The in vivo effect of Myr was assessed in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Results: Myr treatment inhibited the lamellipodia formation, migration, and invasion, but not the apoptosis and proliferation, of RA FLSs. Myr also reduced the expression of CCL2, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 induced by TNF-α. The RNA-seq results indicated that AIM2 may be a target gene of Myr in RA FLSs. Furthermore, compared to healthy controls, AIM2 expression showed higher levels in synovial tissues and FLSs from RA patients. AIM2 knockdown also inhibited RA FLS migration, invasion, cytokine, and MMP expression. In addition, either Myr treatment or AIM2 knockdown reduced the phosphorylation of AKT induced by TNF-α stimulation. Importantly, Myr administration relieved arthritis symptoms and inhibited AIM2 expression in the synovium of CIA mice. Conclusion: Our results indicate that Myr exerts an anti-inflammatory and anti-invasion effect in RA FLSs and provide evidence of the therapeutic potential of Myr for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuyu Shen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meilin Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Siqi Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuoyang Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Qiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liuqin Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Youjun Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Youjun Xiao, ; Hanshi Xu,
| | - Hanshi Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Youjun Xiao, ; Hanshi Xu,
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An update on novel therapeutic intervention in Rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108794. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Torres A, Pedersen B, Cobo I, Ai R, Coras R, Murillo-Saich J, Nygaard G, Sanchez-Lopez E, Murphy A, Wang W, Firestein GS, Guma M. Epigenetic Regulation of Nutrient Transporters in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:1159-1171. [PMID: 35128827 PMCID: PMC9246826 DOI: 10.1002/art.42077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since previous studies indicate that metabolism is altered in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), we undertook this study to determine if changes in the genome-wide chromatin and DNA states in genes associated with nutrient transporters could help to identify activated metabolic pathways in RA FLS. METHODS Data from a previous comprehensive epigenomic study in FLS were analyzed to identify differences in genome-wide states and gene transcription between RA and osteoarthritis. We utilized the single nearest genes to regions of interest for pathway analyses. Homer promoter analysis was used to identify enriched motifs for transcription factors. The role of solute carrier transporters and glutamine metabolism dependence in RA FLS was determined by small interfacing RNA knockdown, functional assays, and incubation with CB-839, a glutaminase inhibitor. We performed 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance to quantify metabolites. RESULTS The unbiased pathway analysis demonstrated that solute carrier-mediated transmembrane transport was one pathway associated with differences in at least 4 genome-wide states or gene transcription. Thirty-four transporters of amino acids and other nutrients were associated with a change in at least 4 epigenetic marks. Functional assays revealed that solute carrier family 4 member 4 (SLC4A4) was critical for invasion, and glutamine was sufficient as an alternate source of energy to glucose. Experiments with CB-839 demonstrated decreased RA FLS invasion and proliferation. Finally, we found enrichment of motifs for c-Myc in several nutrient transporters. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that changes in the epigenetic landscape of genes are related to nutrient transporters, and metabolic pathways can be used to identify RA-specific targets, including critical solute carrier transporters, enzymes, and transcription factors, to develop novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Torres
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Brian Pedersen
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Isidoro Cobo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Rizi Ai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Roxana Coras
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Plaça Cívica, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jessica Murillo-Saich
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gyrid Nygaard
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | | | | | - Wei Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gary S Firestein
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Monica Guma
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Plaça Cívica, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- VA Medical Center, San Diego, California
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López-Armada MJ, Fernández-Rodríguez JA, Blanco FJ. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061151. [PMID: 35740048 PMCID: PMC9220001 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Control of excessive mitochondrial oxidative stress could provide new targets for both preventive and therapeutic interventions in the treatment of chronic inflammation or any pathology that develops under an inflammatory scenario, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Increasing evidence has demonstrated the role of mitochondrial alterations in autoimmune diseases mainly due to the interplay between metabolism and innate immunity, but also in the modulation of inflammatory response of resident cells, such as synoviocytes. Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction derived from several danger signals could activate tricarboxylic acid (TCA) disruption, thereby favoring a vicious cycle of oxidative/mitochondrial stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction can act through modulating innate immunity via redox-sensitive inflammatory pathways or direct activation of the inflammasome. Besides, mitochondria also have a central role in regulating cell death, which is deeply altered in RA. Additionally, multiple evidence suggests that pathological processes in RA can be shaped by epigenetic mechanisms and that in turn, mitochondria are involved in epigenetic regulation. Finally, we will discuss about the involvement of some dietary components in the onset and progression of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José López-Armada
- Grupo de Investigación en Envejecimiento e Inflamación (ENVEINF), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, 15006 A Coruña, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.J.L.-A.); (F.J.B.); Tel./Fax: +34-981-178272-73 (M.J.L.-A.)
| | - Jennifer Adriana Fernández-Rodríguez
- Grupo de Investigación en Envejecimiento e Inflamación (ENVEINF), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, 15006 A Coruña, Spain;
| | - Francisco Javier Blanco
- Grupo de Investigación de Reumatología (GIR), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación de Reumatología y Salud (GIR-S), Departamento de Fisioterapia, Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Fisioterapia, Campus de Oza, Universidade da Coruña, 15001 A Coruña, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.J.L.-A.); (F.J.B.); Tel./Fax: +34-981-178272-73 (M.J.L.-A.)
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Liu J, Xue J, Xu B, Yu J, Zhang Y, Qin L, Zhang A, Yang Y. miR-135a-5p mediated down-regulation of STAT6 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:3092-3103. [PMID: 35702088 PMCID: PMC9185078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as a chronic autoimmune disorder, seriously threatens human health. However, no study has thoroughly illustrated the etiology of RA. The present work focused on investigating the biological functions of STAT6 and the upstream miRNAs that regulate its expression. METHODS Synovial tissues from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and normal participants were acquired. Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, concentrations of cytokines, miRNA and protein levels, and relative luciferase activities were detected. RESULTS WB and qRT-PCR showed that STAT6 was obviously up-regulated in synovial tissues of RA patients as well as RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA FLSs). Functionally, down-regulation of STAT6 significantly inhibited the growth of RA FLSs as indicated by EdU and CCK-8 assays. In addition, inhibition of STAT6 remarkably promoted apoptosis of RA FLSs. Besides, silence of STAT6 notably suppressed inflammatory cytokine levels, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Mechanistically, STAT6 was predicted to be the direct target of and negatively regulated by miR-135a-5p. Moreover, STAT6 was involved in the regulation of miR-135a-5p on cell growth, apoptosis and inflammatory response of RA FLSs. CONCLUSION miR-135a-5p/STAT6 is a potential novel therapeutic target for RA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Liu
- Department of Trauma Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jianhua Xue
- Department of Trauma Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qidong Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineNantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Junbo Yu
- Department of Trauma Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Wuxi No. 9 People’s Hospital Affiliated to Soochow UniversityWuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lili Qin
- Department of Endoscopic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Aixian Zhang
- Department of General Practice Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Trauma Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong UniversityNantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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46
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Chen Q, Li H, Liu Y, Zhao M. Epigenetic Regulation of Immune and Inflammatory Responses in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:881191. [PMID: 35479077 PMCID: PMC9035598 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.881191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease associated with multiple factors. Epigenetics can affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively analyze epigenetic regulation in RA. Methods Using the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we identified a methylation chip, RNA-sequencing, and miRNA microarray for RA. First, we searched for DNA methylation, genes, and miRNAs associated with RA using differential analysis. Second, we determined the regulatory networks for RA-specific methylation, miRNA, and m6A using cross-analysis. Based on these three regulatory networks, we built a comprehensive epigenetic regulatory network and identified hub genes. Results Using a differential analysis, we identified 16,852 differentially methylated sites, 4877 differentially expressed genes, and 32 differentially expressed miRNAs. The methylation-expression regulatory network was mainly associated with the PI3K-Akt and T-cell receptor signaling pathways. The miRNA expression regulatory network was mainly related to the MAPK and chemokine signaling pathways. M6A regulatory network was mainly associated with the MAPK signaling pathway. Additionally, five hub genes were identified in the epigenetic regulatory network: CHD3, SETD1B, FBXL19, SMARCA4, and SETD1A. Functional analysis revealed that these five genes were associated with immune cells and inflammatory responses. Conclusion We constructed a comprehensive epigenetic network associated with RA and identified core regulatory genes. This study provides a new direction for future research on the epigenetic mechanisms of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yusi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Ansalone C, Ainsworth RI, Nygaard G, Ai R, Prideaux EB, Hammaker D, Perumal NB, Weichert K, Tung F, Kodandapani L, Sauder JM, Mertsching EC, Benschop RJ, Boyle DL, Wang W, Firestein GS. Caspase-8 Variant G Regulates Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocyte Aggressive Behavior. ACR Open Rheumatol 2022; 4:288-299. [PMID: 34963199 PMCID: PMC8992463 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play a pivotal role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by contributing to synovial inflammation and progressive joint damage. An imprinted epigenetic state is associated with the FLS aggressive phenotype. We identified CASP8 (encoding for caspase-8) as a differentially marked gene and evaluated its pathogenic role in RA FLSs. METHODS RA FLS lines were obtained from synovial tissues at arthroplasty and used at passage 5-8. Caspase-8 was silenced using small interfering RNA, and its effect was determined in cell adhesion, migration and invasion assays. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blot were used to assess gene and protein expression, respectively. A caspase-8 selective inhibitor was used determine the role of enzymatic activity on FLS migration and invasion. Caspase-8 isoform transcripts and epigenetic marks in FLSs were analyzed in FLS public databases. Crystal structures of caspase-8B and G were determined. RESULTS Caspase-8 deficiency in RA FLSs reduced cell adhesion, migration, and invasion independent of its catalytic activity. Epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses of RA FLSs revealed that a specific caspase-8 isoform, variant G, is the dominant isoform expressed (~80% of total caspase-8) and induced by PDGF. The crystal structures of caspase-8 variant G and B were identical except for a unique unstructured 59 amino acid N-terminal domain in variant G. Selective knockdown of caspase-8G was solely responsible for the effects of caspase-8 on calpain activity and cell invasion in FLS. CONCLUSION Blocking caspase-8 variant G could decrease cell invasion in diseases like RA without the potential deleterious effects of nonspecific caspase-8 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gyrid Nygaard
- University of California San DiegoLa JollaCalifornia
| | - Rizi Ai
- University of California San DiegoLa JollaCalifornia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wei Wang
- University of California San DiegoLa JollaCalifornia
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Farina L, Minnone G, Alivernini S, Caiello I, MacDonald L, Soligo M, Manni L, Tolusso B, Coppola S, Zara E, Conti LA, Aquilani A, Magni-Manzoni S, Kurowska-Stolarska M, Gremese E, De Benedetti F, Bracci-Laudiero L. Pro Nerve Growth Factor and Its Receptor p75NTR Activate Inflammatory Responses in Synovial Fibroblasts: A Novel Targetable Mechanism in Arthritis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:818630. [PMID: 35309353 PMCID: PMC8931659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.818630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently provided new evidence for a role of p75NTR receptor and its preferential ligand proNGF in amplifying inflammatory responses in synovial mononuclear cells of chronic arthritis patients. In the present study, to better investigate how activation of the p75NTR/proNGF axis impacts synovial inflammation, we have studied the effects of proNGF on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), which play a central role in modulating local immune responses and in activating pro-inflammatory pathways. Using single cell RNA sequencing in synovial tissues from active and treatment-naïve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, we demonstrated that p75NTR and sortilin, which form a high affinity receptor complex for proNGF, are highly expressed in PRG4pos lining and THY1posCOL1A1pos sublining fibroblast clusters in RA synovia but decreased in RA patients in sustained clinical remission. In ex vivo experiments we found that FLS from rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA-FLS) retained in vitro a markedly higher expression of p75NTR and sortilin than FLS from osteoarthritis patients (OA-FLS). Inflammatory stimuli further up-regulated p75NTR expression and induced endogenous production of proNGF in RA-FLS, leading to an autocrine activation of the proNGF/p75NTR pathway that results in an increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our data on the inhibition of p75NTR receptor, which reduced the release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, further confirmed the key role of p75NTR activation in regulating inflammatory cytokine production. In a set of ex vivo experiments, we used RA-FLS and cultured them in the presence of synovial fluids obtained from arthritis patients that, as we demonstrated, are characterized by a high concentration of proNGF. Our data show that the high levels of proNGF present in inflamed synovial fluids induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production by RA-FLS. The blocking of NGF binding to p75NTR using specific inhibitors led instead to the disruption of this pro-inflammatory loop, reducing activation of the p38 and JNK intracellular pathways and decreasing inflammatory cytokine production. Overall, our data demonstrate that an active proNGF/p75NTR axis promotes pro-inflammatory responses in synovial fibroblasts, thereby contributing to chronic synovial inflammation, and point to the possible use of p75NTR inhibitors as a novel therapeutic approach in chronic arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciapia Farina
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of ImmunoRheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetana Minnone
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of ImmunoRheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Alivernini
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Caiello
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of ImmunoRheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Lucy MacDonald
- Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis (RACE), Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tolusso
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Coppola
- National Centre for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanita’, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Zara
- National Centre for Rare Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanita’, Rome, Italy
| | - Libenzio Adrian Conti
- Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, Research Center, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Aquilani
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Magni-Manzoni
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Mariola Kurowska-Stolarska
- Inflammatory Arthritis Centre Versus Arthritis (RACE), Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio De Benedetti
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of ImmunoRheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci-Laudiero
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory of ImmunoRheumatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Significance: Epigenetic dysregulation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of autoimmune diseases. Oxidative stress is associated with autoimmunity and is also known to alter epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding the interplay between oxidative stress and epigenetics will provide insights into the role of environmental triggers in the development of autoimmunity in genetically susceptible individuals. Recent Advances: Abnormal DNA and histone methylation patterns in genes and pathways involved in interferon and tumor necrosis factor signaling, cellular survival, proliferation, metabolism, organ development, and autoantibody production have been described in autoimmunity. Inhibitors of DNA and histone methyltransferases showed potential therapeutic effects in animal models of autoimmune diseases. Oxidative stress can regulate epigenetic mechanisms via effects on DNA damage repair mechanisms, cellular metabolism and the local redox environment, and redox-sensitive transcription factors and pathways. Critical Issues: Studies looking into oxidative stress and epigenetics in autoimmunity are relatively limited. The number of available longitudinal studies to explore the role of DNA methylation in the development of autoimmune diseases is small. Future Directions: Exploring the relationship between oxidative stress and epigenetics in autoimmunity will provide clues for potential preventative measures and treatment strategies. Inception cohorts with longitudinal follow-up would help to evaluate epigenetic marks as potential biomarkers for disease development, progression, and treatment response in autoimmunity. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 423-440.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Zheng
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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50
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Sandhu G, Thelma BK. New Druggable Targets for Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on Insights From Synovial Biology. Front Immunol 2022; 13:834247. [PMID: 35265082 PMCID: PMC8899708 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.834247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and destruction of multiple small joints which may lead to systemic complications. Altered immunity via pathogenic autoantibodies pre-date clinical symptom development by several years. Incompletely understood range of mechanisms trigger joint-homing, leading to clinically evident articular disease. Advances in therapeutic approaches and understanding pathogenesis have improved prognosis and likely remission. However, partial/non-response to conventional and biologic therapies witnessed in a subset of patients highlights the need for new therapeutics. It is now evident that joint disease chronicity stems from recalcitrant inflammatory synovial environment, majorly maintained by epigenetically and metabolically reprogrammed synoviocytes. Therefore, interference with effector functions of activated cell types seems a rational strategy to reinstate synovial homeostasis and complement existing anti-inflammatory interventions to mitigate chronic RA. Presenting this newer aspect of fibroblast-like synoviocytes and myeloid cells underlying the altered synovial biology in RA and its potential for identification of new druggable targets is attempted in this review. Major leads from i) molecular insights of pathogenic cell types from hypothesis free OMICS approaches; ii) hierarchy of their dysregulated signaling pathways; and iii) knowledge of druggability of molecular nodes in these pathways are highlighted. Development of such synovial biology-directed therapeutics hold promise for an enriched drug repertoire for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B. K. Thelma
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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