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Swarnkar G, Semenkovich NP, Arra M, Mims DK, Naqvi SK, Peterson T, Mbalaviele G, Wu CL, Abu-Amer Y. DNA hypomethylation ameliorates erosive inflammatory arthritis by modulating interferon regulatory factor-8. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310264121. [PMID: 38319963 PMCID: PMC10873594 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310264121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory arthritis. DNA hypomethylating agents, such as decitabine (DAC), have been shown to dampen inflammation and restore immune homeostasis. In the present study, we demonstrate that DAC elicits potent anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates disease symptoms in several animal models of arthritis. Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling show that DAC-mediated hypomethylation regulates a wide range of cell types in arthritis, altering the differentiation trajectories of anti-inflammatory macrophage populations, regulatory T cells, and tissue-protective synovial fibroblasts (SFs). Mechanistically, DAC-mediated demethylation of intragenic 5'-Cytosine phosphate Guanine-3' (CpG) islands of the transcription factor Irf8 (interferon regulatory factor 8) induced its re-expression and promoted its repressor activity. As a result, DAC restored joint homeostasis by resetting the transcriptomic signature of negative regulators of inflammation in synovial macrophages (MerTK, Trem2, and Cx3cr1), TREGs (Foxp3), and SFs (Pdpn and Fapα). In conclusion, we found that Irf8 is necessary for the inhibitory effect of DAC in murine arthritis and that direct expression of Irf8 is sufficient to significantly mitigate arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Swarnkar
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | | | - Manoj Arra
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Dorothy K. Mims
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Syeda Kanwal Naqvi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Timothy Peterson
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- HealthSpan Technologies, Inc, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Gabriel Mbalaviele
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Chia-Lung Wu
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Performance, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY14642
| | - Yousef Abu-Amer
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Louis, MO63110
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Lin CMA, Isaacs JD, Cooles FAH. Role of IFN-α in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2024; 26:37-52. [PMID: 38051494 PMCID: PMC10787895 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Type 1 interferons (IFN-I) are of increasing interest across a wide range of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Historically, research into their role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been relatively neglected, but recent work continues to highlight a potential contribution to RA pathophysiology. RECENT FINDINGS We emphasise the importance of disease stage when examining IFN-I in RA and provide an overview on how IFN-I may have a direct role on a variety of relevant cellular functions. We explore how clinical trajectory may be influenced by increased IFN-I signalling, and also, the limitations of scores composed of interferon response genes. Relevant environmental triggers and inheritable RA genetic risk relating to IFN-I signalling are explored with emphasis on intriguing data potentially linking IFN-I exposure, epigenetic changes, and disease relevant processes. Whilst these data cumulatively illustrate a likely role for IFN-I in RA, they also highlight the knowledge gaps, particularly in populations at risk for RA, and suggest directions for future research to both better understand IFN-I biology and inform targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung M A Lin
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John D Isaacs
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Faye A H Cooles
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Gao X, Huang X, Wang Y, Sun S, Chen T, Gao Y, Zhang X. Global research hotspots and frontier trends of epigenetic modifications in autoimmune diseases: A bibliometric analysis from 2012 to 2022. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35221. [PMID: 37773838 PMCID: PMC10545364 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown substantial progress in understanding the association between epigenetics and autoimmune diseases. However, there is a lack of comprehensive bibliometric analysis in this research area. This article aims to present the current status and hot topics of epigenetic research in autoimmune diseases (ADs) from a bibliometric perspective, as well as explore the frontier hotspots and trends in epigenetic studies related to ADs. METHODS This study collected 1870 epigenetic records related to autoimmune diseases from the web of science core collection database, spanning from 2012 to 2022. Analysis of regions, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords was conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the R package "bibliometrix" to predict the latest trends in epigenetic research relevant to autoimmune diseases. RESULTS The number of epigenetic publications related to autoimmune diseases has been increasing annually. The United States has played a major role in this field, contributing over 45.9% of publications and leading in terms of publication volume and citation counts. Central South University emerged as the most active institution, contributing the highest number of publications. Frontiers in Immunology is the most popular journal in this field, publishing the most articles, while the Journal of Autoimmunity is the most co-cited journal. Lu QJ is the most prolific author, and Zhao M is the most frequently co-cited author. "Immunology" serves as a broad representative of epigenetic research in ADs. Hot topics in the field of epigenetic modifications associated with autoimmune diseases include "regulatory T cells (Treg)," "rheumatoid arthritis," "epigenetic regulation," "cAMPresponsive element modulator alpha," "cell-specific enhancer," "genetic susceptibility," and "systemic lupus erythematosus." Furthermore, the study discusses the frontiers and existing issues of epigenetic modifications in the development of autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and developmental trends in epigenetic research related to autoimmune diseases over the past 11 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Gao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yehui Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Sheng Sun
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yongxiang Gao
- International Education College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Riitano G, Recalchi S, Capozzi A, Manganelli V, Misasi R, Garofalo T, Sorice M, Longo A. The Role of Autophagy as a Trigger of Post-Translational Modifications of Proteins and Extracellular Vesicles in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12764. [PMID: 37628944 PMCID: PMC10454292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by persistent joint inflammation, leading to cartilage and bone destruction. Autoantibody production is directed to post-translational modified (PTM) proteins, i.e., citrullinated or carbamylated. Autophagy may be the common feature in several types of stress (smoking, joint injury, and infections) and may be involved in post-translational modifications (PTMs) in proteins and the generation of citrullinated and carbamylated peptides recognized by the immune system in RA patients, with a consequent breakage of tolerance. Interestingly, autophagy actively provides information to neighboring cells via a process called secretory autophagy. Secretory autophagy combines the autophagy machinery with the secretion of cellular content via extracellular vesicles (EVs). A role for exosomes in RA pathogenesis has been recently demonstrated. Exosomes are involved in intercellular communications, and upregulated proteins and RNAs may contribute to the development of inflammatory arthritis and the progression of RA. In RA, most of the exosomes are produced by leukocytes and synoviocytes, which are loaded with PTM proteins, mainly citrullinated proteins, inflammatory molecules, and enzymes that are implicated in RA pathogenesis. Microvesicles derived from cell plasma membrane may also be loaded with PTM proteins, playing a role in the immunopathogenesis of RA. An analysis of changes in EV profiles, including PTM proteins, could be a useful tool for the prevention of inflammation in RA patients and help in the discovery of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maurizio Sorice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.R.); (S.R.); (A.C.); (V.M.); (R.M.); (T.G.); (A.L.)
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Wang SS, Lewis MJ, Pitzalis C. DNA Methylation Signatures of Response to Conventional Synthetic and Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1987. [PMID: 37509625 PMCID: PMC10377185 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex condition that displays heterogeneity in disease severity and response to standard treatments between patients. Failure rates for conventional, target synthetic, and biologic disease-modifying rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are significant. Although there are models for predicting patient response, they have limited accuracy, require replication/validation, or for samples to be obtained through a synovial biopsy. Thus, currently, there are no prediction methods approved for routine clinical use. Previous research has shown that genetics and environmental factors alone cannot explain the differences in response between patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and disease progression of RA. Importantly, specific DNA methylation profiles associated with response to conventional, target synthetic, and biologic DMARDs have been found in the blood of RA patients and could potentially function as predictive biomarkers. This review will summarize and evaluate the evidence for DNA methylation signatures in treatment response mainly in blood but also learn from the progress made in the diseased tissue in cancer in comparison to RA and autoimmune diseases. We will discuss the benefits and challenges of using DNA methylation signatures as predictive markers and the potential for future progress in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Siyu Wang
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NIHR BRC & NHS Trust, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Myles J Lewis
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NIHR BRC & NHS Trust, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Costantino Pitzalis
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NIHR BRC & NHS Trust, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
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Deshpande SH, Bagewadi ZK, Khan TMY, Mahnashi MH, Shaikh IA, Alshehery S, Khan AA, Patil VS, Roy S. Exploring the Potential of Phytocompounds for Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An In Silico Study Using Similarity Indexing. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062430. [PMID: 36985402 PMCID: PMC10051859 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding structurally similar compounds in compound databases is highly efficient and is widely used in present-day drug discovery methodology. The most-trusted and -followed similarity indexing method is Tanimoto similarity indexing. Epigenetic proteins like histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors are traditionally used to target cancer, but have only been investigated very recently for their possible effectiveness against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The synthetic drugs that have been identified and used for the inhibition of HDACs include SAHA, which is being used to inhibit the activity of HDACs of different classes. SAHA was chosen as a compound of high importance as it is reported to inhibit the activity of many HDAC types. Similarity searching using the UNPD database as a reference identified aglaithioduline from the Aglaia leptantha compound as having a ~70% similarity of molecular fingerprints with SAHA, based on the Tanimoto indexing method using ChemmineR. Aglaithioduline is abundantly present in the shell and fruits of A. leptantha. In silico studies with aglaithioduline were carried out against the HDAC8 protein target and showed a binding affinity of -8.5 kcal mol. The complex was further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation using Gromacs. The RMSD, RMSF, compactness and SASA plots of the target with aglaithioduline, in comparison with the co-crystallized ligand (SAHA) system, showed a very stable configuration. The results of the study are supportive of the usage of A. leptantha and A. edulis in Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of pain-related ailments similar to RA. Our study therefore calls for further investigation of A. leptantha and A. edulis for their potential use against RA by targeting epigenetic changes, using in vivo and in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay H Deshpande
- Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University, Hubballi 580031, India
| | - Zabin K Bagewadi
- Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University, Hubballi 580031, India
| | - T M Yunus Khan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mater H Mahnashi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran 66462, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran 66462, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Alshehery
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aejaz A Khan
- Department of General Science, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah 22421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi 590010, India
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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