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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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2
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Xu J, Chen H, Sun C, Wei S, Tao J, Jia Z, Chen X, Lv W, Lv H, Tang G, Jiang Y, Zhang M. Epigenome-wide methylation haplotype association analysis identified HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB5 and HLA-DQB1 as risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Immunogenet 2023; 50:291-298. [PMID: 37688529 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12637] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare nonrandom associations between physically adjacent single methylation polymorphism loci among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and normal subjects for investigating RA-risk methylation haplotypes (meplotype). With 354 ACPA-positive RA patients and 335 normal controls selected from a case-control study based on Swedish population, we conducted the first RA epigenome-wide meplotype association study using our software EWAS2.0, mainly including (i) converted the β value to methylation genotype (menotype) data, (ii) identified methylation disequilibrium (MD) block, (iii) calculated frequent of each meplotypes in MD block and performed case-control association test and (iv) screened for RA-risk meplotypes by odd ratio (OR) and p-values. Ultimately, 545 meplotypes on 334 MD blocks were identified significantly associated with RA (p-value < .05). These meplotypes were mapped to 329 candidate genes related to RA. Subsequently, combined with gene optimization, eight RA-risk meplotypes were identified on three risk genes: HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB5 and HLA-DQB1. Our results reported the relationship between DNA methylation pattern on HLA-DQB1 and the risk of RA for the first time, demonstrating the co-demethylation of 'cg22984282' and 'cg13423887' on HLA-DQB1 gene (meplotype UU, p-value = 2.90E - 6, OR = 1.68, 95% CI = [1.35, 2.10]) may increase the risk of RA. Our results demonstrates the potential of methylation haplotype analysis to identify RA-related genes from a new perspective and its applicability to the study of other disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chen Sun
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Siyu Wei
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Junxian Tao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhe Jia
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenhua Lv
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongchao Lv
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Guoping Tang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongshuai Jiang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Filipowicz G, Wajda A, Stypińska B, Kmiołek T, Felis-Giemza A, Stańczyk S, Czuszyńska Z, Walczyk M, Olesińska M, Paradowska-Gorycka A. Mixed Connective Tissue Disease as Different Entity: Global Methylation Aspect. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15495. [PMID: 37895173 PMCID: PMC10607312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015495] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a very rare disorder that belongs in the rare and clinically multifactorial groups of diseases. The pathogenesis of MCTD is still unclear. The best understood epigenetic alteration is DNA methylation whose role is to regulate gene expression. In the literature, there are ever-increasing assumptions that DNA methylation can be one of the possible reasons for the development of Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases (ACTDs) such as systemic sclerosis (SSc) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to define the global DNA methylation changes between MCTD and other ACTDs patients in whole blood samples. The study included 54 MCTD patients, 43 SSc patients, 45 SLE patients, and 43 healthy donors (HC). The global DNA methylation level was measured by ELISA. Although the global DNA methylation was not significantly different between MCTD and control, we observed that hypomethylation distinguishes the MCTD patients from the SSc and SLE patients. The present analysis revealed a statistically significant difference of global methylation between SLE and MCTD (p < 0.001), SLE and HC (p = 0.008), SSc and MCTD (p ≤ 0.001), and SSc and HC (p < 0.001), but neither between MCTD and HC (p = 0.09) nor SSc and SLE (p = 0.08). The highest % of global methylation (median, IQR) has been observed in the group of patients with SLE [0.73 (0.43, 1.22] and SSc [0,91 (0.59, 1.50)], whereas in the MCTD [0.29 (0.20, 0.54)], patients and healthy subjects [0.51 (0.24, 0.70)] were comparable. In addition, our study provided evidence of different levels of global DNA methylation between the SSc subtypes (p = 0.01). Our study showed that patients with limited SSc had a significantly higher global methylation level when compared to diffuse SSc. Our data has shown that the level of global DNA methylation may not be a good diagnostic marker to distinguish MCTD from other ACTDs. Our research provides the groundwork for a more detailed examination of the significance of global DNA methylation as a distinguishing factor in patients with MCTD compared to other ACTDs patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Filipowicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartanska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (G.F.)
| | - Anna Wajda
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartanska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (G.F.)
| | - Barbara Stypińska
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartanska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (G.F.)
| | - Tomasz Kmiołek
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartanska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (G.F.)
| | - Anna Felis-Giemza
- Biologic Therapy Center, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartanska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland (S.S.)
| | - Sandra Stańczyk
- Biologic Therapy Center, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartanska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland (S.S.)
| | - Zenobia Czuszyńska
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Smulochowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marcela Walczyk
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartanska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Olesińska
- Department of Connective Tissue Diseases, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartanska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Paradowska-Gorycka
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartanska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland; (G.F.)
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Gautam S, Kumar R, Kumar U, Kumar S, Luthra K, Dada R. Yoga maintains Th17/Treg cell homeostasis and reduces the rate of T cell aging in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14924. [PMID: 37696876 PMCID: PMC10495372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42231-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a Th17/Treg cell imbalance. A pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu that promotes the continued proliferation of Th17 cells is related to the development of autoinflammation. In RA, T cells have several hallmarks of cellular aging, and they accumulate DNA damage, predisposing to the occurrence of mutations and epigenetic alterations. Since the onset, progression, and treatment response are influenced by a variety of external stressors and environmental factors, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of 8-week yoga practice on disease severity, T cell subsets, markers of T cell ageing and inflammation, epigenetic alterations and gene expression patterns in active RA patients on standard disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). A total of 64 participants with active RA were randomized into 2 groups, yoga group (n = 32) or non-yoga group (n = 32); that were assessed for disease severity, at baseline and after 8 week duration, for Disease Activity Score (DAS28-ESR), T cell subsets [Th17 (CD3+ CD4+ IL17+ RORγt+) cells and Treg (CD3+ CD4+ CD25+ CD127-Foxp3+) cells], markers of T cell aging [aged Th17 cells (CD3+ CD4+ IL17+ RORγt+ CD28-) and aged Treg cells (CD3+ CD4+ CD25+ CD127-Foxp3+ CD28-)], pro-inflammatory markers [IL-6, and IL-17], anti-inflammatory markers [TGF-β, and IL-10], epigenetic alterations [5-methyl cytosine, 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, and HDAC1] and gene expression patterns [RORγt, FoxP3, IL-17, IL-6, TGF-β, CXCL2, CXCR2, and JUN]. In yoga group, there was a significant improvement in DAS28-ESR scores at the end of 8-weeks of yoga program. The Th17 cells and aged T cell subsets showed a significant decline whereas Treg cell population showed a significant elevation in yoga group. There were significant improvements observed in epigenetic markers as well as inflammatory markers post 8-weeks of yoga practice. The yoga group showed downregulation of RORγt, IL-17, IL-6, CXCL2, CXCR2, and upregulation of FoxP3 and TGF-β transcripts. Yoga enables the maintenance of immune-homeostasis as evident by increased Treg cell population and reduced Th17 cell population. Yoga reduces the rate of immunological aging in T cells, as seen by the reduction in population of aged Th17 cells and aged Treg cells. Yoga positively modifies transcriptome and epigenome by normalization of various inflammatory markers, gene expression patterns and epigenetic alterations. Taken together, yoga reduces RA severity, and aids in immune-modulation and hence can be beneficial as an adjunct therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Gautam
- Department of Anatomy, Molecular Reproduction and Genetics Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
- Department of Orthopaedics, Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Romsha Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Uma Kumar
- Department of Rheumatology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Kalpana Luthra
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Department of Anatomy, Molecular Reproduction and Genetics Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India.
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5
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Zhu M, Ding Q, Lin Z, Fu R, Zhang F, Li Z, Zhang M, Zhu Y. New Targets and Strategies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Signal Transduction to Epigenetic Aspect. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050766. [PMID: 37238636 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to joint damage and even permanent disability, seriously affecting patients' quality of life. At present, the complete cure for RA is not achievable, only to relieve the symptoms to reduce the pain of patients. Factors such as environment, genes, and sex can induce RA. Presently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, DRMADs, and glucocorticoids are commonly used in treating RA. In recent years, some biological agents have also been applied in clinical practice, but most have side effects. Therefore, finding new mechanisms and targets for treating RA is necessary. This review summarizes some potential targets discovered from the perspective of epigenetics and RA mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Qian Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Zhongxiao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Rong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Fuyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Zhaoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Yizhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
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Ghaffarinia A, Ayaydin F, Póliska S, Manczinger M, Bolla BS, Flink LB, Balogh F, Veréb Z, Bozó R, Szabó K, Bata-Csörgő Z, Kemény L. Psoriatic Resolved Skin Epidermal Keratinocytes Retain Disease-Residual Transcriptomic and Epigenomic Profiles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054556. [PMID: 36901987 PMCID: PMC10002496 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The disease-residual transcriptomic profile (DRTP) within psoriatic healed/resolved skin and epidermal tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells have been proposed to be crucial for the recurrence of old lesions. However, it is unclear whether epidermal keratinocytes are involved in disease recurrence. There is increasing evidence regarding the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Nonetheless, the epigenetic changes that contribute to the recurrence of psoriasis remain unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of keratinocytes in psoriasis relapse. The epigenetic marks 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) were visualized using immunofluorescence staining, and RNA sequencing was performed on paired never-lesional and resolved epidermal and dermal compartments of skin from psoriasis patients. We observed diminished 5-mC and 5-hmC amounts and decreased mRNA expression of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) 3 enzyme in the resolved epidermis. SAMHD1, C10orf99, and AKR1B10: the highly dysregulated genes in resolved epidermis are known to be associated with pathogenesis of psoriasis, and the DRTP was enriched in WNT, TNF, and mTOR signaling pathways. Our results suggest that epigenetic changes detected in epidermal keratinocytes of resolved skin may be responsible for the DRTP in the same regions. Thus, the DRTP of keratinocytes may contribute to site-specific local relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameneh Ghaffarinia
- HCEMM-USZ Skin Research Group, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferhan Ayaydin
- HCEMM-USZ, Functional Cell Biology and Immunology, Advanced Core Facility, H-6728 Szeged, Hungary
- Laboratory of Cellular Imaging, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Póliska
- Genomic Medicine and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Máté Manczinger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Systems Immunology Research Group, Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, ELKH, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
- HCEMM-Systems Immunology Research Group, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Beáta Szilvia Bolla
- HCEMM-USZ Skin Research Group, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lili Borbála Flink
- HCEMM-USZ Skin Research Group, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Fanni Balogh
- HCEMM-USZ Skin Research Group, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Dermatological Research Group, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Veréb
- Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Pharmacology Laboratory (HECRIN), Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Research Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Renáta Bozó
- HCEMM-USZ Skin Research Group, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Dermatological Research Group, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kornélia Szabó
- HCEMM-USZ Skin Research Group, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Dermatological Research Group, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Bata-Csörgő
- HCEMM-USZ Skin Research Group, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Dermatological Research Group, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lajos Kemény
- HCEMM-USZ Skin Research Group, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- ELKH-SZTE Dermatological Research Group, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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Signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis: implications for targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:68. [PMID: 36797236 PMCID: PMC9935929 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01331-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an incurable systemic autoimmune disease. Disease progression leads to joint deformity and associated loss of function, which significantly impacts the quality of life for sufferers and adds to losses in the labor force. In the past few decades, RA has attracted increased attention from researchers, the abnormal signaling pathways in RA are a very important research field in the diagnosis and treatment of RA, which provides important evidence for understanding this complex disease and developing novel RA-linked intervention targets. The current review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of RA, including a general introduction to the disease, historical events, epidemiology, risk factors, and pathological process, highlight the primary research progress of the disease and various signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms, including genetic factors, epigenetic factors, summarize the most recent developments in identifying novel signaling pathways in RA and new inhibitors for treating RA. therapeutic interventions including approved drugs, clinical drugs, pre-clinical drugs, and cutting-edge therapeutic technologies. These developments will hopefully drive progress in new strategically targeted therapies and hope to provide novel ideas for RA treatment options in the future.
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Huang R, Jin M, Liu Y, Lu Y, Zhang M, Yan P, Xian S, Wang S, Zhang H, Zhang X, Chen S, Lu B, Yang Y, Huang Z, Liu X, Ji S. Global trends in research of fibroblasts associated with rheumatoid diseases in the 21st century: A bibliometric analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1098977. [PMID: 36845163 PMCID: PMC9950622 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1098977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid Diseases (RDs) are a group of systemic auto-immune diseases that are characterized by chronic synovitis, and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play an important role in the occurrence and progression of synovitis. Our study is the first to adopt bibliometric analysis to identify the global scientific production and visualize its current distribution in the 21st century, providing insights for future research through the analysis of themes and keywords. Methods We obtained scientific publications from the core collection of the Web of Science (WoS) database, and the bibliometric analysis and visualization were conducted by Biblioshiny software based on R-bibliometrix. Results From 2000 to 2022, a total of 3,391 publications were reviewed. China is the most prolific country (n = 2601), and the USA is the most cited country (cited 7225 times). The Center of Experimental Rheumatology at University Hospital Zürich supported the maximum number of articles (n = 40). Steffen Gay published 85 records with 6263 total citations, perhaps making him the most impactful researcher. Arthritis and Rheumatism, Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, and Rheumatology are the top three journals. Conclusion The current study revealed that rheumatoid disease (RD)-related fibroblast studies are growing. Based on the bibliometric analysis, we summarized three important topics: activation of different subsets of fibroblasts; regulation of fibroblast function; and in vitro validation of existing discoveries. They are all valuable directions, which provide reference and guidance for researchers and clinicians engaged in the research of RDs and fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runzhi Huang
- Department of Burn Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,Research Unit of Key Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minghao Jin
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Liu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwei Lu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyi Zhang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Penghui Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuyuan Xian
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siqiao Wang
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Naval Medical Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA), Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinkun Zhang
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaofeng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingnan Lu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Yang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zongqiang Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Shizhao Ji, ; Zongqiang Huang, ; Xin Liu,
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Shizhao Ji, ; Zongqiang Huang, ; Xin Liu,
| | - Shizhao Ji
- Department of Burn Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,Research Unit of Key Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Shizhao Ji, ; Zongqiang Huang, ; Xin Liu,
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9
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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: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [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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11
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Mei X, Zhang B, Zhao M, Lu Q. An update on epigenetic regulation in autoimmune diseases. J Transl Autoimmun 2022; 5:100176. [PMID: 36544624 PMCID: PMC9762196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2022.100176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) generally manifest as chronic immune disorders characterized by significant heterogeneity and complex symptoms. The discordant incidence of AIDs between monozygotic twins guided people to attach importance to environmental factors. Epigenetics is one of the major ways to be influenced, some of them can even occur years before clinical diagnosis. With the advent of high-throughput omics times, the mysterious veil of epigenetic modification in AIDs has been gradually unraveled, and some progress has been made in utilizing it as indicators of diagnosis and disease activity. For example, the hypomethylated IFI44L promoter in diagnosing systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE). More recently, newly identified noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are also believed to be involved in the etiology of AIDs while the initial factor behind those epigenetic alterations can be diverse from metabolism to microbiota. Update and comprehensive insights into epigenetics in AIDs can help us understand the pathogenesis and further orchestrate it to benefit patients in the future. Therefore, we reviewed the latest epigenetic findings in SLE, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Type 1 diabetes (T1D), systemic sclerosis (SSc) primarily from cellular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaole Mei
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immunological Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Institute of Dermatology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immunological Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Institute of Dermatology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China,Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China,Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China,Corresponding author. Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immunological Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Institute of Dermatology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China,Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China,Corresponding author. Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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12
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Seropositivity-Dependent Association between LINE-1 Methylation and Response to Methotrexate Therapy in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13112012. [DOI: 10.3390/genes13112012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is considered the first choice among disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. However, response to it varies as approximately 40% of the patients do not respond and would lose the most effective period of treatment time. Therefore, having a predictive biomarker before starting MTX treatment is of utmost importance. Methylation of long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) is generally considered a surrogate marker for global genomic methylation, which has been reported to associate with disease activity after MTX therapy. Methods: We performed a prospective study on 273 naïve early RA (ERA) patients who were treated with MTX, followed up to 12 months, and classified according to their therapy response. The baseline LINE-1 methylation levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of cases were assessed by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Results: Baseline LINE-1 methylation level per se turned out not to predict the response to the therapy, nor did age, sex, body mass index, or smoking status. However, if cases were stratified according to positivity to rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) or seronegativity, we observed an opposite association between baseline LINE-1 methylation levels and optimal response to MTX therapy among responders. The best response to MTX therapy was associated with hypermethylated LINE-1 among double-positive ERA cases (p-value: 0.002) and with hypomethylated LINE-1 in seronegative ERA patients (p-value: 0.01). Conclusion: The LINE-1 methylation level in PBMCs of naïve ERA cases associates with the degree of response to MTX therapy in an opposite way depending on the presence of RF and ACPA antibodies. Our results suggest LINE-1 methylation level as a new epigenetic biomarker for predicting the degree of response to MTX in both double-positive and seronegative ERA patients.
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Zheng J, Wang J, Qin X, Li K, Gao Q, Yang M, Liu H, Li S, Chang X, Sun Y. LncRNA HOTAIRM1 Involved in Nano NiO-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via Regulating PRKCB DNA Methylation-Mediated JNK/c-Jun Pathway. Toxicol Sci 2022; 190:64-78. [PMID: 36066426 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nickel oxide nanoparticles (Nano NiO) lead to pulmonary fibrosis, and the mechanisms are associated with epigenetics. This study aimed to clarify the regulatory relationship among long noncoding RNA HOXA transcript antisense RNA myeloid-specific 1 (HOTAIRM1), DNA methylation and expression of protein kinase C beta (PRKCB), and JNK/c-Jun pathway in Nano NiO-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, we constructed the rat pulmonary fibrosis model by intratracheal instillation of Nano NiO twice a week for 9 weeks and established the collagen deposition model by treating BEAS-2B cells with Nano NiO for 24 h. Here, the DNA methylation pattern was analyzed by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing in rat fibrotic lung tissues. Then, we integrated mRNA transcriptome data and found 93 DNA methylation genes with transcriptional significance. Meanwhile, the data showed that Nano NiO caused the down-regulation of lncRNA HOTAIRM1, the hypomethylation, and up-regulation of PRKCB2, JNK/c-Jun pathway activation, and collagen deposition (the up-regulated Col-I and α-SMA) both in vivo and in vitro. DNMTs inhibitor 5-AZDC attenuated Nano NiO-induced PRKCB2 expression, JNK/c-Jun pathway activation, and collagen deposition, but overexpression of PRKCB2 aggravated the changes mentioned indicators in Nano NiO-induced BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, JNK/c-Jun pathway inhibitor (SP600125) alleviated Nano NiO-induced excessive collagen formation. Additionally, overexpression of HOTAIRM1 restrained the PRKCB hypomethylation, the activation of JNK/c-Jun pathway, and collagen formation induced by Nano NiO in BEAS-2B cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that HOTAIRM1 could arrest Nano NiO-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing the PRKCB DNA methylation-mediated JNK/c-Jun pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfa Zheng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Institute of Anthropotomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xin Qin
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qing Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Mengmeng Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Public Health, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Xuhong Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yingbiao Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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14
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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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15
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Romão VC, Fonseca JE. Disease mechanisms in preclinical rheumatoid arthritis: A narrative review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:689711. [PMID: 36059838 PMCID: PMC9437632 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.689711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, the concept of preclinical rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has become established. In fact, the discovery that disease mechanisms start years before the onset of clinical RA has been one of the major recent insights in the understanding of RA pathogenesis. In accordance with the complex nature of the disease, preclinical events extend over several sequential phases. In a genetically predisposed host, environmental factors will further increase susceptibility for incident RA. In the initial steps of preclinical disease, immune disturbance mechanisms take place outside the joint compartment, namely in mucosal surfaces, such as the lung, gums or gut. Herein, the persistent immunologic response to altered antigens will lead to breach of tolerance and trigger autoimmunity. In a second phase, the immune response matures and is amplified at a systemic level, with epitope spreading and widening of the autoantibody repertoire. Finally, the synovial and bone compartment are targeted by specific autoantibodies against modified antigens, initiating a local inflammatory response that will eventually culminate in clinically evident synovitis. In this review, we discuss the elaborate disease mechanisms in place during preclinical RA, providing a broad perspective in the light of current evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco C. Romão
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre and European Reference Network on Rare Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases Network (ERN-ReCONNET), Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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How does age determine the development of human immune-mediated arthritis? Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:501-512. [PMID: 35948692 PMCID: PMC9363867 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00814-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Does age substantially affect the emergence of human immune-mediated arthritis? Children do not usually develop immune-mediated articular inflammation during their first year of life. In patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, this apparent ‘immune privilege’ disintegrates, and chronic inflammation is associated with variable autoantibody signatures and patterns of disease that resemble adult arthritis phenotypes. Numerous mechanisms might be involved in this shift, including genetic and epigenetic predisposing factors, maturation of the immune system with a progressive modulation of putative tolerogenic controls, parallel development of microbial dysbiosis, accumulation of a pro-inflammatory burden driven by environmental exposures (the exposome) and comorbidity-related drivers. By exploring these mechanisms, we expand the discussion of three (not mutually exclusive) hypotheses on how these factors can contribute to the differences and similarities between the loss of immune tolerance in children and the development of established immune-mediated arthritis in adults. These three hypotheses relate to a critical window in genetics and epigenetics, immune maturation, and the accumulation of burden. The varied manifestation of the underlying mechanisms among individuals is only beginning to be clarified, but the establishment of a framework can facilitate the development of an integrated understanding of the pathogenesis of arthritis across all ages. In this Review, the authors discuss age-related arthropathy and the similarities and differences between childhood loss of immune tolerance and adult development of immune-mediated arthritis, and develop three hypotheses describing age-related mechanisms that contribute to the onset of arthritis. The arthritis-free ‘immune privilege’ of early childhood is overridden by multiple mechanisms, progressively and age-dependently, generating recognizable patterns of chronic inflammatory arthritis. The emergence of arthritis involves interconnected mechanisms related to immune priming, to a situational susceptibility and to the accumulation of an inflammatory burden. The accumulation of epigenetic drift may contribute to differences across ages. The exposome is expected to contribute to arthritis emergence in adults as well as in children.
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A brief history of epigenetics. Immunol Lett 2022; 249:1-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Németh T, Nagy G, Pap T. Synovial fibroblasts as potential drug targets in rheumatoid arthritis, where do we stand and where shall we go? Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:annrheumdis-2021-222021. [PMID: 35715191 PMCID: PMC9279838 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-222021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes or synovial fibroblasts (FLS) are important cellular components of the inner layer of the joint capsule, referred to as the synovial membrane. They can be found in both layers of this synovial membrane and contribute to normal joint function by producing extracellular matrix components and lubricants. However, under inflammatory conditions like in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they may start to proliferate, undergo phenotypical changes and become central elements in the perpetuation of inflammation through their direct and indirect destructive functions. Their importance in autoimmune joint disorders makes them attractive cellular targets, and as mesenchymal-derived cells, their inhibition may be carried out without immunosuppressive consequences. Here, we aim to give an overview of our current understanding of the target potential of these cells in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Németh
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György Nagy
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Thomas Pap
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Westphalian Wilhelm University, Münster, Germany
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Saeki N, Inoue K, Ideta-Otsuka M, Watamori K, Mizuki S, Takenaka K, Igarashi K, Miura H, Takeda S, Imai Y. Epigenetic regulator UHRF1 suppressively orchestrates pro-inflammatory gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:150533. [PMID: 35472067 PMCID: PMC9151705 DOI: 10.1172/jci150533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by chronic synovial inflammation with aberrant epigenetic alterations, eventually leading to joint destruction. However, the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying RA pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Here we showed that Ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) is a central epigenetic regulator that suppressively orchestrates multiple pathogeneses in RA. UHRF1 expression was remarkably up-regulated in synovial fibroblasts (SF) from arthritis model mice and RA patients. Mice with SF-specific Uhrf1 conditional knockout showed more severe arthritic phenotypes than littermate control. Uhrf1-deficient SF also exhibited enhanced apoptosis resistance and up-regulated expression of several cytokines including Ccl20. In RA patients, DAS28, CRP, and Th17 accumulation as well as apoptosis resistance were negatively correlated with UHRF1 expression in synovium. Finally, Ryuvidine administration that stabilizes UHRF1 ameliorated arthritis pathogeneses in a mouse model of RA. This study demonstrated that UHRF1 expressed in RA SF can contribute to negative feedback mechanisms that suppress multiple pathogenic events in arthritis, suggesting that targeting UHRF1 could be one of the therapeutic strategies for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritaka Saeki
- Division of Laboratory Animal Research, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Kazuki Inoue
- Nankai International Advanced Research Institute (Shenzhen Futian), Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Maky Ideta-Otsuka
- Laboratory of Instrumental Analysis, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Watamori
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shinichi Mizuki
- The Center for Rheumatic Diseases, Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Katsuto Takenaka
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Katsuhide Igarashi
- Laboratory of Biofunctional Science, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Miura
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shu Takeda
- Division of Endocrinology, Toranomon Hospital Endocrine Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuuki Imai
- Division of Laboratory Animal Research, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
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Puncevičienė E, Gaiževska J, Sabaliauskaitė R, Šnipaitienė K, Vencevičienė L, Vitkus D, Jarmalaitė S, Butrimienė I. Analysis of Epigenetic Changes in Vitamin D Pathway Genes in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Acta Med Litu 2022; 29:78-90. [PMID: 36061943 PMCID: PMC9428646 DOI: 10.15388/amed.2021.29.1.7] [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: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with complex etiopathogenesis launched by multiple risk factors, including epigenetic alterations. RA is possibly linked to vitamin D that is epigenetically active and may alter DNA methylation of certain genes. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the relationship between DNA methylation status of vitamin D signaling pathway genes (VDR, CYP24A1, CYP2R1), vitamin D level and associations with RA.Materials and Methods: Totally 76 participants (35 RA patients and 41 healthy controls) were enrolled from a case-control vitamin D and VDR gene polymorphisms study regarding age and vitamin D concentration. CpG islands in promoter regions of the VDR, CYP24A1, CYP2R1 genes were chosen for DNA methylation analysis by means of pyrosequencing. Chemiluminescent microplate immunoassay was used to assess 25(OH)D serum levels. RA clinical data, i.e. the disease activity score C-reactive protein 28 (DAS28 – CRP) as well as patient-reported outcome questionnaires were recorded.Results: The study showed similar methylation pattern in the promoter regions of vitamin D pathway genes in RA and control group with p>0.05 (VDR gene 2.39% vs. 2.48%, CYP24A1 gene 16.02% vs. 15.17% and CYP2R1 2.53% vs. 2.41%). CYP24A1 methylation intensity was significantly higher in compare to methylation intensity of VDR and CYP2R1 genes in both groups (p<0.0001). A tendency of higher vitamin D concentration in cases having methylated VDR (57.57±28.93 vs. 47.40±29.88 nmol/l), CYP24A1 (53.23±26.22 vs. 48.23±34.41 nmol/l) and CYP2R1 (60.41±30.73 vs. 44.54±27.63 nmol/l) genes and a positive correlation between VDR, CYP2R1 methylation intensity and vitamin D level in RA affected participants was revealed (p>0.05). A significantly higher CYP24A1 methylation intensity (p=0.0104) was detected in blood cells of vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/l) RA patients vs. vitamin D deficient controls.Conclusions: Our data suggests some indirect associations between DNA methylation status of vitamin D pathway genes and vitamin D level in RA.
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Soda K. Overview of Polyamines as Nutrients for Human Healthy Long Life and Effect of Increased Polyamine Intake on DNA Methylation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11010164. [PMID: 35011727 PMCID: PMC8750749 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyamines, spermidine and spermine, are synthesized in every living cell and are therefore contained in foods, especially in those that are thought to contribute to health and longevity. They have many physiological activities similar to those of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances such as polyphenols. These include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, cell and gene protection, and autophagy activation. We have first reported that increased polyamine intake (spermidine much more so than spermine) over a long period increased blood spermine levels and inhibited aging-associated pathologies and pro-inflammatory status in humans and mice and extended life span of mice. However, it is unlikely that the life-extending effect of polyamines is exerted by the same bioactivity as polyphenols because most studies using polyphenols and antioxidants have failed to demonstrate their life-extending effects. Recent investigations revealed that aging-associated pathologies and lifespan are closely associated with DNA methylation, a regulatory mechanism of gene expression. There is a close relationship between polyamine metabolism and DNA methylation. We have shown that the changes in polyamine metabolism affect the concentrations of substances and enzyme activities involved in DNA methylation. I consider that the increased capability of regulation of DNA methylation by spermine is a key of healthy long life of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuniyasu Soda
- Department Cardiovascular Institute for Medical Research, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, 1-847, Amanuma, Saitama-City 330-0834, Saitama, Japan
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22
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Romão VC, Fonseca JE. Etiology and Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A State-of-the-Art Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:689698. [PMID: 34901047 PMCID: PMC8661097 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.689698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease. It is associated with significant burden at the patient and societal level. Extensive efforts have been devoted to identifying a potential cause for the development of RA. Epidemiological studies have thoroughly investigated the association of several factors with the risk and course of RA. Although a precise etiology remains elusive, the current understanding is that RA is a multifactorial disease, wherein complex interactions between host and environmental factors determine the overall risk of disease susceptibility, persistence and severity. Risk factors related to the host that have been associated with RA development may be divided into genetic; epigenetic; hormonal, reproductive and neuroendocrine; and comorbid host factors. In turn, environmental risk factors include smoking and other airborne exposures; microbiota and infectious agents; diet; and socioeconomic factors. In the present narrative review, aimed at clinicians and researchers in the field of RA, we provide a state-of-the-art overview of the current knowledge on this topic, focusing on recent progresses that have improved our comprehension of disease risk and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco C Romão
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre and European Reference Network on Rare Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases Network (ERN-ReCONNET), Lisbon, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre and European Reference Network on Rare Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases Network (ERN-ReCONNET), Lisbon, Portugal.,Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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23
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Payet M, Dargai F, Gasque P, Guillot X. Epigenetic Regulation (Including Micro-RNAs, DNA Methylation and Histone Modifications) of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212170. [PMID: 34830057 PMCID: PMC8625518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory reaction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is controlled by major epigenetic modifications that modulate the phenotype of synovial and immune cells. The aim of this work was to perform a systematic review focusing on miR expression, DNA methylation and histone modifications in RA. We demonstrated that, in human samples, the expressions of miR-155, miR-146a and miR-150 were significantly decreased while the expression of miR-410-3p was significantly increased in the RA group. Moreover, miR-146a significantly decreased pro-autoimmune IL-17 cytokine expression in RA. In a murine model, miR-34a inhibition can ameliorate the arthritis score. However, this evidence remain critically insufficient to support current therapeutic applications in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Payet
- Research Unit ‘Etudes en Pharmaco-Immunologie’ UR EPI, Université de la Réunion, 97400 Réunion, France; (P.G.); (X.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Farouk Dargai
- Orthopedic Clinical Department, CHU Bellepierre, Reunion University Hospital, 97400 Réunion, France;
| | - Philippe Gasque
- Research Unit ‘Etudes en Pharmaco-Immunologie’ UR EPI, Université de la Réunion, 97400 Réunion, France; (P.G.); (X.G.)
- Immunology Laboratory (LICE-OI), CHU Bellepierre, Reunion University Hospital, 97400 Réunion, France
| | - Xavier Guillot
- Research Unit ‘Etudes en Pharmaco-Immunologie’ UR EPI, Université de la Réunion, 97400 Réunion, France; (P.G.); (X.G.)
- Rheumatology Clinical Department, CHU Bellepierre, Reunion University Hospital, 97400 Réunion, France
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24
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Corbet M, Pineda MA, Yang K, Tarafdar A, McGrath S, Nakagawa R, Lumb FE, Suckling CJ, Harnett W, Harnett MM. Epigenetic drug development for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010069. [PMID: 34748611 PMCID: PMC8601611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
ES-62 is the major secreted protein of the parasitic filarial nematode, Acanthocheilonema viteae. The molecule exists as a large tetramer (MW, ~240kD), which possesses immunomodulatory properties by virtue of multiple phosphorylcholine (PC) moieties attached to N-type glycans. By suppressing inflammatory immune responses, ES-62 can prevent disease development in certain mouse models of allergic and autoimmune conditions, including joint pathology in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Such protection is associated with functional suppression of "pathogenic" hyper-responsive synovial fibroblasts (SFs), which exhibit an aggressive inflammatory and bone-damaging phenotype induced by their epigenetic rewiring in response to the inflammatory microenvironment of the arthritic joint. Critically, exposure to ES-62 in vivo induces a stably-imprinted CIA-SF phenotype that exhibits functional responses more typical of healthy, Naïve-SFs. Consistent with this, ES-62 "rewiring" of SFs away from the hyper-responsive phenotype is associated with suppression of ERK activation, STAT3 activation and miR-155 upregulation, signals widely associated with SF pathogenesis. Surprisingly however, DNA methylome analysis of Naïve-, CIA- and ES-62-CIA-SF cohorts reveals that rather than simply preventing pathogenic rewiring of SFs, ES-62 induces further changes in DNA methylation under the inflammatory conditions pertaining in the inflamed joint, including targeting genes associated with ciliogenesis, to programme a novel "resolving" CIA-SF phenotype. In addition to introducing a previously unsuspected aspect of ES-62's mechanism of action, such unique behaviour signposts the potential for developing DNA methylation signatures predictive of pathogenesis and its resolution and hence, candidate mechanisms by which novel therapeutic interventions could prevent SFs from perpetuating joint inflammation and destruction in RA. Pertinent to these translational aspects of ES-62-behavior, small molecule analogues (SMAs) based on ES-62's active PC-moieties mimic the rewiring of SFs as well as the protection against joint disease in CIA afforded by the parasitic worm product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Corbet
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel A. Pineda
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kun Yang
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anuradha Tarafdar
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah McGrath
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Rinako Nakagawa
- Immunity and Cancer, Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Felicity E. Lumb
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Colin J. Suckling
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - William Harnett
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MMH); (WH)
| | - Margaret M. Harnett
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MMH); (WH)
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25
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Contribution of Dysregulated DNA Methylation to Autoimmunity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111892. [PMID: 34769338 PMCID: PMC8584328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs are known regulators of gene expression and genomic stability in cell growth, development, and differentiation. Because epigenetic mechanisms can regulate several immune system elements, epigenetic alterations have been found in several autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this review is to discuss the epigenetic modifications, mainly DNA methylation, involved in autoimmune diseases in which T cells play a significant role. For example, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus display differential gene methylation, mostly hypomethylated 5′-C-phosphate-G-3′ (CpG) sites that may associate with disease activity. However, a clear association between DNA methylation, gene expression, and disease pathogenesis must be demonstrated. A better understanding of the impact of epigenetic modifications on the onset of autoimmunity will contribute to the design of novel therapeutic approaches for these diseases.
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Analysis of Gene Expression Patterns of Epigenetic Enzymes Dnmt3a, Tet1 and Ogt in Murine Chondrogenic Models. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102678. [PMID: 34685658 PMCID: PMC8534543 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the gene expression pattern of selected enzymes involved in DNA methylation and the effects of the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine during in vitro and in vivo cartilage formation. Based on the data of a PCR array performed on chondrifying BMP2-overexpressing C3H10T1/2 cells, the relative expressions of Tet1 (tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 1), Dnmt3a (DNA methyltransferase 3), and Ogt (O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase) were further examined with RT-qPCR in murine cell line-based and primary chondrifying micromass cultures. We found very strong but gradually decreasing expression of Tet1 throughout the entire course of in vitro cartilage differentiation along with strong signals in the cartilaginous embryonic skeleton using specific RNA probes for in situ hybridization on frozen sections of 15-day-old mouse embryos. Dnmt3a and Ogt expressions did not show significant changes with RT-qPCR and gave weak in situ hybridization signals. The DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine reduced cartilage-specific gene expression and cartilage formation when applied during the early stages of chondrogenesis. In contrast, it had a stimulatory effect when added to differentiated chondrocytes, and quantitative methylation-specific PCR proved that the DNA methylation pattern of key chondrogenic marker genes was altered by the treatment. Our results indicate that the DNA demethylation inducing Tet1 plays a significant role during chondrogenesis, and inhibition of DNA methylation exerts distinct effects in different phases of in vitro cartilage formation.
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27
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Daraghmeh DN, King C, Wiese MD. A review of liquid biopsy as a tool to assess epigenetic, cfDNA and miRNA variability as methotrexate response predictors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105887. [PMID: 34536550 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting 0.5-1% of adults worldwide. Achieving long term remission or low disease activity is possible through early diagnosis, rapid initiation of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and implementation of a treat to target approach. Initial DMARD therapy usually involves methotrexate (MTX), either alone or in combination with other agents, however 40% of RA patients do not respond adequately, putting them at risk of disease progression and unnecessary exposure to MTX related adverse effects. Early predictors of MTX response would therefore enable a more personalized treatment strategy, ensuring timely access to MTX for those likely to respond and importantly, early initiation of alternative treatment for those in which MTX is unlikely to be efficacious. Predicting response to treatment will most likely require consideration of the clinical characteristics of the patient and interrogation of a number of factors including genetic, epigenetic, cell free DNA (cfDNA) and microRNA (miRNA), all of which can be investigated through blood derived liquid biopsies. This review will summarize the existing literature examining the use of epigenetic factors, cfDNA and miRNA as response predictors among RA patients treated with MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dala N Daraghmeh
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Catherine King
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael D Wiese
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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28
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Kemble S, Croft AP. Critical Role of Synovial Tissue-Resident Macrophage and Fibroblast Subsets in the Persistence of Joint Inflammation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:715894. [PMID: 34539648 PMCID: PMC8446662 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.715894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic prototypic immune-mediated inflammatory disease which is characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, leading to progressive joint destruction. Whilst the introduction of targeted biological drugs has led to a step change in the management of RA, 30-40% of patients do not respond adequately to these treatments, regardless of the mechanism of action of the drug used (ceiling of therapeutic response). In addition, many patients who acheive clinical remission, quickly relapse following the withdrawal of treatment. These observations suggest the existence of additional pathways of disease persistence that remain to be identified and targeted therapeutically. A major barrier for the identification of therapeutic targets and successful clinical translation is the limited understanding of the cellular mechanisms that operate within the synovial microenvironment to sustain joint inflammation. Recent insights into the heterogeneity of tissue resident synovial cells, including macropahges and fibroblasts has revealed distinct subsets of these cells that differentially regulate specific aspects of inflammatory joint pathology, paving the way for targeted interventions to specifically modulate the behaviour of these cells. In this review, we will discuss the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of tissue resident synovial cells and how this cellular diversity contributes to joint inflammation. We discuss how critical interactions between tissue resident cell types regulate the disease state by establishing critical cellular checkpoints within the synovium designed to suppress inflammation and restore joint homeostasis. We propose that failure of these cellular checkpoints leads to the emergence of imprinted pathogenic fibroblast cell states that drive the persistence of joint inflammation. Finally, we discuss therapeutic strategies that could be employed to specifically target pathogenic subsets of fibroblasts in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam P. Croft
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing (IIA), University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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29
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Hashimoto T, Yoshida K, Hashiramoto A, Matsui K. Cell-Free DNA in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168941. [PMID: 34445645 PMCID: PMC8396202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous DNA derived from the nuclei or mitochondria is released into the bloodstream following cell damage or death. Extracellular DNA, called cell-free DNA (cfDNA), is associated with various pathological conditions. Recently, multiple aspects of cfDNA have been assessed, including cfDNA levels, integrity, methylation, and mutations. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of autoimmune arthritis, and treatment of RA has highly varied outcomes. cfDNA in patients with RA is elevated in peripheral blood and synovial fluid and is associated with disease activity. Profiling of cfDNA in patients with RA may then be utilized in various aspects of clinical practice, such as the prediction of prognosis and treatment responses; monitoring disease state; and as a diagnostic marker. In this review, we discuss cfDNA in patients with RA, particularly the sources of cfDNA and the correlation of cfDNA with RA pathogenesis. We also highlight the potential of analyzing cfDNA profiles to guide individualized treatment approaches for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Hashimoto
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya 6638501, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-798-48-6591
| | - Kohsuke Yoshida
- Department of Biophysics, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe 6540142, Japan; (K.Y.); (A.H.)
| | - Akira Hashiramoto
- Department of Biophysics, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe 6540142, Japan; (K.Y.); (A.H.)
| | - Kiyoshi Matsui
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya 6638501, Japan;
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30
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Somasundaram S, Satheesh V, Singh M, Anandhan S. A simple flow cytometry-based assay to study global methylation levels in onion, a non-model species. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 27:1859-1865. [PMID: 34539120 PMCID: PMC8405793 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-021-01047-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark and global methylation dynamics regulate plant developmental processes. Even though genome sequencing technologies have made DNA methylation studies easier, it is difficult in non-model species where genome information is not available. Therefore in this study, we developed a simple assay for analysing global methylation levels in plants by washless immunolabelling of unfixed nuclei using flow cytometry. Onion leaf tissue was used as a model system, and mean fluorescence intensity due to anti-5- methyl cytosine (5-mC) antibodies were used as a measure of global methylation levels. Among three nuclear isolation buffers evaluated, the highest nuclear yield with the low background was obtained with LB01. To maintain a balance between high DNA fluorescence value and low coefficient of variation of DNA peaks, 45 min of hydrolysis with 0.2 N hydrochloric acid was used for chromatin denaturation resulting in six-fold increase in 5-mC fluorescence compared to control. This method was used successfully to detect 5-Azacytidine induced DNA hypomethylation in onion leaf tissues. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01047-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravanakumar Somasundaram
- ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, 410505 India
- Present Address: Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben, Seeland, Germany
| | - Viswanathan Satheesh
- Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Major Singh
- ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, 410505 India
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31
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Yamamoto K, Suzuki A, Guerrini MM. Functional genetics for studying the human immune system. Int Immunol 2021; 33:647-651. [PMID: 34313763 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although small numbers of immune-mediated diseases are inherited due to rare genetic mutations, most are multifactorial diseases caused by multiple elements including genetic and environmental factors. In the case of autoimmune diseases, many disease-susceptibility genes, including several in the major histocompatibility gene complex, have been reported, and over the past 10 years, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been used to analyze disease-susceptibility loci in representative diseases. Furthermore, many disease susceptibility variants have been found to be related to gene expression levels. The expression of genes involved in disease pathogenesis is often cell type-specific, and this is closely related to epigenome alterations. Genomic information is present even before the onset of a disease and has a clear causal relationship to the disease (i.e., the outcome). Therefore, it is important to establish functional genetics in human immunology to understand the pathogenesis of diseases using these pieces of information. We can then apply these results to drug discovery. Here, we will review these issues, especially focusing on autoimmune diseases, and discuss current and future directions of human immune system research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Yamamoto
- Laboratory for Autoimmune Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Akari Suzuki
- Laboratory for Autoimmune Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Matteo Maurizio Guerrini
- Laboratory for Autoimmune Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
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Alcaraz J, Ikemori R, Llorente A, Díaz-Valdivia N, Reguart N, Vizoso M. Epigenetic Reprogramming of Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts in Lung Cancer: Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153782. [PMID: 34359678 PMCID: PMC8345093 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, partly due to limited therapy responses. New avenues of knowledge are indicating that lung cancer cells do not form a tumor in isolation but rather obtain essential support from their surrounding host tissue rich in altered fibroblasts. Notably, there is growing evidence that tumor progression and even the current limited responses to therapies could be prevented by rescuing the normal behavior of fibroblasts, which are critical housekeepers of normal tissue function. For this purpose, it is key to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the pathologic alterations of fibroblasts in cancer. This work provides a comprehensive review of the main molecular mechanisms involved in fibroblast transformation based on epigenetic reprogramming, and summarizes emerging therapeutic approaches to prevent or overcome the pathologic effects of tumor-associated fibroblasts. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The desmoplastic stroma of lung cancer and other solid tumors is rich in tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) exhibiting an activated/myofibroblast-like phenotype. There is growing awareness that TAFs support key steps of tumor progression and are epigenetically reprogrammed compared to healthy fibroblasts. Although the mechanisms underlying such epigenetic reprogramming are incompletely understood, there is increasing evidence that they involve interactions with either cancer cells, pro-fibrotic cytokines such as TGF-β, the stiffening of the surrounding extracellular matrix, smoking cigarette particles and other environmental cues. These aberrant interactions elicit a global DNA hypomethylation and a selective transcriptional repression through hypermethylation of the TGF-β transcription factor SMAD3 in lung TAFs. Likewise, similar DNA methylation changes have been reported in TAFs from other cancer types, as well as histone core modifications and altered microRNA expression. In this review we summarize the evidence of the epigenetic reprogramming of TAFs, how this reprogramming contributes to the acquisition and maintenance of a tumor-promoting phenotype, and how it provides novel venues for therapeutic intervention, with a special focus on lung TAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Alcaraz
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (M.V.)
| | - Rafael Ikemori
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Alejandro Llorente
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Natalia Díaz-Valdivia
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (R.I.); (A.L.); (N.D.-V.)
| | - Noemí Reguart
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Vizoso
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (M.V.)
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33
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Liebold I, Grützkau A, Göckeritz A, Gerl V, Lindquist R, Feist E, Zänker M, Häupl T, Poddubnyy D, Zernicke J, Smiljanovic B, Alexander T, Burmester GR, Gay S, Stuhlmüller B. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells are hypomethylated in active rheumatoid arthritis and methylation correlates with disease activity. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:1984-1995. [PMID: 33200208 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epigenetic modifications are dynamic and influence cellular disease activity. The aim of this study was to investigate global DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA patients to clarify whether global DNA methylation pattern testing might be useful in monitoring disease activity as well as the response to therapeutics. METHODS Flow cytometric measurement of 5-methyl-cytosine (5'-mC) was established using the cell line U937. In the subsequent prospective study, 62 blood samples were investigated, including 17 healthy donors and 45 RA patients at baseline and after 3 months of treatment with methotrexate, the IL-6 receptor inhibitor sarilumab, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Methylation status was assessed with an anti-5'-mC antibody and analysed in PBMCs and CD4+, CD8+, CD14+ and CD19+ subsets. Signal intensities of 5'-mC were correlated with 28-joint DASs with ESR and CRP (DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP). RESULTS Compared with healthy individuals, PBMCs of RA patients showed a significant global DNA hypomethylation. Signal intensities of 5'-mC correlated with transcription levels of DNMT1, DNMT3B and MTR genes involved in methylation processes. Using flow cytometry, significant good correlations and linear regression values were achieved in RA patients between global methylation levels and DAS28-ESR values for PBMCs (r = -0.55, P = 0.002), lymphocytes (r = -0.57, P = 0.001), CD4+ (r = -0.57, P = 0.001), CD8+ (r = -0.54, P = 0.001), CD14+ (r = -0.49, P = 0.008) and CD19+ (r = -0.52, P = 0.004) cells. CONCLUSIONS The degree of global DNA methylation was found to be associated with disease activity. Based on this novel approach, the degree of global methylation is a promising biomarker for therapy monitoring and the prediction of therapy outcome in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilka Liebold
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Grützkau
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Göckeritz
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Velia Gerl
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Randall Lindquist
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eugen Feist
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Rheumatology, Helios Fachklinik, Vogelsang-Gommern, Germany
| | - Michael Zänker
- Immanuel Klinikum Bernau Herzzentrum Brandenburg, Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg, Bernau, Germany
| | - Thomas Häupl
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Denis Poddubnyy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Berlin Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Zernicke
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Biljana Smiljanovic
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Alexander
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerd R Burmester
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Steffen Gay
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Stuhlmüller
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Health, Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany
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Sarker H, Haimour A, Toor R, Fernandez-Patron C. The Emerging Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Causation of Aberrant MMP Activity during Human Pathologies and the Use of Medicinal Drugs. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040578. [PMID: 33920915 PMCID: PMC8071227 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) cleave extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, cytokines, and receptors to influence organ development, architecture, function, and the systemic and cell-specific responses to diseases and pharmacological drugs. Conversely, many diseases (such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, bacterial infections (tuberculosis), viral infections (COVID-19), and cancer), cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as statins), and tetracycline-class antibiotics (such as doxycycline) alter MMP activity through transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms. In this review, we summarize evidence that the aforementioned diseases and drugs exert significant epigenetic pressure on genes encoding MMPs, tissue inhibitors of MMPs, and factors that transcriptionally regulate the expression of MMPs. Our understanding of human pathologies associated with alterations in the proteolytic activity of MMPs must consider that these pathologies and their medicinal treatments may impose epigenetic pressure on the expression of MMP genes. Whether the epigenetic mechanisms affecting the activity of MMPs can be therapeutically targeted warrants further research.
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Nair N, Barton A, Wilson AG. Cell-specific epigenetic drivers of pathogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis. Epigenomics 2021; 13:549-560. [PMID: 33820439 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex, inflammatory autoimmune disease, which is characterized by pain, swelling and joint damage driven by the altered behavior of a number of different cell types such as synovial fibroblasts macrophages and lymphocytes. The mechanism underlying pathogenesis is unclear but increasing evidence points to altered epigenetic regulation within these cell types which promotes the activated destructive behavior that underlies disease pathogenesis. This review summarizes the key epigenetic modifications in the most important cells types in rheumatoid arthritis, which are associated with disease activity. We also discuss emerging avenues of research focusing on readers of epigenetic markers which may serve to be potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Nair
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Anne Barton
- Centre for Genetics & Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,NIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal BRU, Central Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Anthony G Wilson
- University College Dublin School of Medicine & Medical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Wardowska A. m6A RNA Methylation in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases-A New Target for Epigenetic-Based Therapy? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030218. [PMID: 33807762 PMCID: PMC8001529 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The general background of autoimmune diseases is a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors, that lead to defective immune reactions. This erroneous immune cell activation results in an excessive production of autoantibodies and prolonged inflammation. During recent years epigenetic mechanisms have been extensively studied as potential culprits of autoreactivity. Alike DNA and proteins, also RNA molecules are subjected to an extensive repertoire of chemical modifications. N6-methyladenosine is the most prevalent form of internal mRNA modification in eukaryotic cells and attracts increasing attention due to its contribution to human health and disease. Even though m6A is confirmed as an essential player in immune response, little is known about its role in autoimmunity. Only few data have been published up to date in the field of RNA methylome. Moreover, only selected autoimmune diseases have been studied in respect of m6A role in their pathogenesis. In this review, I attempt to present all available research data regarding m6A alterations in autoimmune disorders and appraise its role as a potential target for epigenetic-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wardowska
- Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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37
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Fan D, Xia Y, Lu C, Ye Q, Xi X, Wang Q, Wang Z, Wang C, Xiao C. Regulatory Role of the RNA N 6-Methyladenosine Modification in Immunoregulatory Cells and Immune-Related Bone Homeostasis Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:627893. [PMID: 33553167 PMCID: PMC7859098 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.627893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease for which the etiology has not been fully elucidated. Previous studies have shown that the development of RA has genetic and epigenetic components. As one of the most highly abundant RNA modifications, the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is necessary for the biogenesis and functioning of RNA, and modification aberrancies are associated with various diseases. However, the specific functions of m6A in the cellular processes of RA remain unclear. Recent studies have revealed the relationship between m6A modification and immune cells associated with RA. Therefore, in this review, we focused on discussing the functions of m6A modification in the regulation of immune cells and immune-related bone homeostasis associated with RA. In addition, to gain a better understanding of the progress in this field of study and provide the proper direction and suggestions for further study, clinical application studies of m6A modification were also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danping Fan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ya Xia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinbin Ye
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Clinical Medical School (China-Japan Friendship Hospital), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Laboratory for Bone and Joint Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chengyuan Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Emergency, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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38
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Peng L, Zhu N, Mao J, Huang L, Yang Y, Zhou Z, Wang L, Wu B. Expression levels of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its correlation with disease activity. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:1925-1934. [PMID: 32782501 PMCID: PMC7401245 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the expression levels of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and CXC ligand 12 (CXCL12) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the correlation with disease activity. In total, 60 patients with RA were selected as the study group, comprising of 28 patients in active-stage and 32 patients in remission-stage. In addition, 60 patients with osteoarthritis were selected as the control group. Western blotting and ELISA were used to detect the expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12, respectively. The Spearman's correlation test was used to analyze correlations between CXCR4 and CXCL12, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), disease activity score 28 (DAS28) scores and rheumatoid factor (RF). The present results suggested that CXCR4 and CXCL12 expression levels in the serum and joint synovial fluid of the study group were significantly higher compared with the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, CXCR4 and CXCL12 expression levels in the RA-active group were higher compared with the remission (P<0.05) and control groups (P<0.01). The Pearson test results suggested that the expression levels of CXCR4 and CXCL12 in the serum and joint synovial fluid of patients with RA had a positive correlation with the ESR, CRP, RF and DAS28 scores (P<0.05). CXCL12 and CXCR4 were highly expressed in the serum and joint synovial fluid of patients with RA, and these expression levels were positively correlated with ESR, CRP, RF and DAS28 scores. Therefore, these clinical parameters may be used as indicators to evaluate the disease activity of patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Peng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Ning Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Mao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Yameng Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Zhengju Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
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He J, Qin M, Chen Y, Hu Z, Xie F, Ye L, Hui T. Epigenetic regulation of matrix metalloproteinases in inflammatory diseases: a narrative review. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:86. [PMID: 32695308 PMCID: PMC7368751 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00451-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the acceleration of urbanization and aging and the change of lifestyle, inflammatory diseases have become one of the important threats to the health of the global population. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are involved in the metabolism of extracellular matrix (ECM). They play a key role in inflammation-related diseases. Factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress and growth factors stimulate the production of MMPs with subsequent ECM remodeling. Recently, the studies of epigenetic regulation, including the ability to predict disease progression, important pathophysiological deficiencies as well as treatment methods have been extensively discussed. This article reviews the current studies on epigenetic alterations in MMPs during inflammatory response. It is likely to provide new insights into development of efficient medications of epigenetic therapy for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie He
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No. 22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Man Qin
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No. 22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Yingyi Chen
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No. 22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqi Hu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No. 22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No. 22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - Tianqian Hui
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, No. 22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing, China
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The multifaceted functional role of DNA methylation in immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:459-476. [PMID: 32613397 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05255-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Genomic predisposition cannot explain the onset of complex diseases, as well illustrated by the largely incomplete concordance among monozygotic twins. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, chromatin remodelling and non-coding RNA, are considered to be the link between environmental stimuli and disease onset on a permissive genetic background in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. The paradigmatic cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) and type-1 diabetes (T1D) share the loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigen influenced by several factors, with a largely incomplete role of individual genomic susceptibility. The most widely investigated epigenetic mechanism is DNA methylation which is associated with gene silencing and is due to the binding of methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD)-containing proteins, such as MECP2, to 5-methylcytosine (5mC). Indeed, a causal relationship occurs between DNA methylation and transcription factors occupancy and recruitment at specific genomic locus. In most cases, the results obtained in different studies are controversial in terms of DNA methylation comparison while fascinating evidence comes from the comparison of the epigenome in clinically discordant monozygotic twins. In this manuscript, we will review the mechanisms of epigenetics and DNA methylation changes in specific immune-mediated rheumatic diseases to highlight remaining unmet needs and to identify possible shared mechanisms beyond different tissue involvements with common therapeutic opportunities. Key Points • DNA methylation has a crucial role in regulating and tuning the immune system. • Evidences suggest that dysregulation of DNA methylation is pivotal in the context of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. • DNA methylation dysregulation in FOXP3 and interferons-related genes is shared within several autoimmune diseases. • DNA methylation is an attractive marker for diagnosis and therapy.
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Nygaard G, Firestein GS. Restoring synovial homeostasis in rheumatoid arthritis by targeting fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:316-333. [PMID: 32393826 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-0413-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated disease that primarily affects the synovium of diarthrodial joints. During the course of RA, the synovium transforms into a hyperplastic invasive tissue that causes destruction of cartilage and bone. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), which form the lining of the joint, are epigenetically imprinted with an aggressive phenotype in RA and have an important role in these pathological processes. In addition to producing the extracellular matrix and joint lubricants, FLS in RA produce pathogenic mediators such as cytokines and proteases that contribute to disease pathogenesis and perpetuation. The development of multi-omics integrative analyses have enabled new ways to dissect the mechanisms that imprint FLS, have helped to identify potential FLS subsets with distinct functions and have identified differences in FLS phenotypes between joints in individual patients. This Review provides an overview of advances in understanding of FLS biology and highlights omics approaches and studies that hold promise for identifying future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyrid Nygaard
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Gary S Firestein
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Meng HY, Chen LQ, Chen LH. The inhibition by human MSCs-derived miRNA-124a overexpression exosomes in the proliferation and migration of rheumatoid arthritis-related fibroblast-like synoviocyte cell. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:150. [PMID: 32143603 PMCID: PMC7060528 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-3159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term, progressive autoimmune disease. It is characterized by synovial hyperplasia leading to swelling, stiffness, and joint deformity in more than one joint. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes are the major cell types that make up the synovial intima structure, which is one of the decisive factors in the development and course of rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS The potential therapeutic effects of MSCs-derived miRNA-124a overexpression exosomes were evaluated in vitro by the method including MTT assay and cell cycle test for cell proliferation, scratch wound closure and transwell for cell migration, flow cytometry and western for the apoptosis detection. RESULTS Exosomes derived from human MSCs that overexpression miRNA-124a were prepared and characterized. We found that the pretreatment of this exosome was able to inhibit the proliferation and migration of fibroblast-like synoviocyte cell line and promote the apoptosis of this cell during the co-incubation. CONCLUSIONS Exosomes derived from MSCs were proved to be a suitable vector for the delivery of therapeutic miRNA-124a, and such miRNA-124a overexpression exosomes were expected to provide a new medicine and strategy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Meng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, P.R. China
| | - Li-Qing Chen
- Health Management Center of Shandong Sunshine Union Hospital Co.,Ltd., Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Li-Hui Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, P.R. China.
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Karami J, Aslani S, Tahmasebi MN, Mousavi MJ, Sharafat Vaziri A, Jamshidi A, Farhadi E, Mahmoudi M. Epigenetics in rheumatoid arthritis; fibroblast-like synoviocytes as an emerging paradigm in the pathogenesis of the disease. Immunol Cell Biol 2020; 98:171-186. [PMID: 31856314 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by immune dysfunctions and chronic inflammation that mainly affects diarthrodial joints. Genetics has long been surveyed in searching for the etiopathogenesis of the disease and partially clarified the conundrums within this context. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs, which have been considered to be involved in RA pathogenesis, likely explain the nongenetic risk factors. Epigenetic modifications may influence RA through fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). It has been shown that FLSs play an essential role in the onset and exacerbation of RA, and therefore, they may illustrate some aspects of RA pathogenesis. These cells exhibit a unique DNA methylation profile in the early stage of the disease that changes with disease progression. Histone acetylation profile in RA FLSs is disrupted through the imbalance of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylase activity. Furthermore, dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is immense. Most of these miRNAs have shown an aberrant expression in FLSs that are involved in proliferation and cytokine production. Besides, dysregulation of long noncoding RNAs in FLSs has been revealed and attributed to RA pathogenesis. Further investigations are needed to get a better view of epigenetic alterations and their interactions. We also discuss the role of these epigenetic alterations in RA pathogenesis and their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jafar Karami
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Saeed Aslani
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Naghi Tahmasebi
- Department of Orthopedics, Division of Knee Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mousavi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Sharafat Vaziri
- Department of Orthopedics, Division of Knee Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Jamshidi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Farhadi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ibáñez-Cabellos JS, Seco-Cervera M, Osca-Verdegal R, Pallardó FV, García-Giménez JL. Epigenetic Regulation in the Pathogenesis of Sjögren Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Genet 2019; 10:1104. [PMID: 31798626 PMCID: PMC6863924 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as Sjögren syndrome (SS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are characterized by chronic inflammation and autoimmunity, which cause joint tissue damage and destruction by triggering reduced mobility and debilitation in patients with these diseases. Initiation and maintenance of chronic inflammatory stages account for several mechanisms that involve immune cells as key players and the interaction of the immune cells with other tissues. Indeed, the overlapping of certain clinical and serologic manifestations between SS and RA may indicate that numerous immunologic-related mechanisms are involved in the physiopathology of both these diseases. It is widely accepted that epigenetic pathways play an essential role in the development and function of the immune system. Although many published studies have attempted to elucidate the relation between epigenetic modifications (e.g. DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, miRNAs) and autoimmune disorders, the contribution of epigenetic regulation to the pathogenesis of SS and RA is at present poorly understood. This review attempts to shed light from a critical point of view on the identification of the most relevant epigenetic mechanisms related to RA and SS by explaining intricate regulatory processes and phenotypic features of both autoimmune diseases. Moreover, we point out some epigenetic markers which can be used to monitor the inflammation status and the dysregulated immunity in SS and RA. Finally, we discuss the inconvenience of using epigenetic data obtained from bulk immune cell populations instead specific immune cell subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Santiago Ibáñez-Cabellos
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Valencia, Spain.,INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Mixed Unit for rare diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Seco-Cervera
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Valencia, Spain.,INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Mixed Unit for rare diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Osca-Verdegal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Federico V Pallardó
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Valencia, Spain.,INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Mixed Unit for rare diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis García-Giménez
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Valencia, Spain.,INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Mixed Unit for rare diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Ciechomska M, Roszkowski L, Maslinski W. DNA Methylation as a Future Therapeutic and Diagnostic Target in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Cells 2019; 8:E953. [PMID: 31443448 PMCID: PMC6770174 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that leads to progressive joint destruction and ultimately to disability. RA affects as much as 1% of the population worldwide. To date, RA is not a curable disease, and the mechanisms responsible for RA development have not yet been well understood. The development of more effective treatments and improvements in the early diagnosis of RA is direly needed to increase patients' functional capacity and their quality of life. As opposed to genetic mutation, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, are reversible, making them good therapeutic candidates, modulating the immune response or aggressive synovial fibroblasts (FLS-fibroblast-like synoviocytes) activity when it is necessary. It has been suggested that DNA methylation might contribute to RA development, however, with insufficient and conflicting results. Besides, recent studies have shown that circulating cell-free methylated DNA (ccfDNA) in blood offers a very convenient, non-invasive, and repeatable "liquid biopsy", thus providing a reliable template for assessing molecular markers of various diseases, including RA. Thus, epigenetic therapies controlling autoimmunity and systemic inflammation may find wider implications for the diagnosis and management of RA. In this review, we highlight current challenges associated with the treatment of RA and other autoimmune diseases and discuss how targeting DNA methylation may improve diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Ciechomska
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-635 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Leszek Roszkowski
- Department of Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-635 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wlodzimierz Maslinski
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-635 Warsaw, Poland
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Abstract
Knowledge of how the joint functions as an integrated unit in health and disease requires an understanding of the stromal cells populating the joint mesenchyme, including fibroblasts, tissue-resident macrophages and endothelial cells. Knowledge of the physiological and pathological mechanisms that involve joint mesenchymal stromal cells has begun to cast new light on why joint inflammation persists. The shared embryological origins of fibroblasts and endothelial cells might shape the behaviour of these cell types in diseased adult tissues. Cells of mesenchymal origin sustain inflammation in the synovial membrane and tendons by various mechanisms, and the important contribution of newly discovered fibroblast subtypes and their associated crosstalk with endothelial cells, tissue-resident macrophages and leukocytes is beginning to emerge. Knowledge of these mechanisms should help to shape the future therapeutic landscape and emphasizes the requirement for new strategies to address the pathogenic stroma and associated crosstalk between leukocytes and cells of mesenchymal origin.
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Karagianni P, Tzioufas AG. Epigenetic perspectives on systemic autoimmune disease. J Autoimmun 2019; 104:102315. [PMID: 31421964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by increased reactivity of the immune system towards self-antigens, causing tissue damage. Although their etiology remains largely unknown, genetic, microbial, environmental and psychological factors are recognized as contributing elements. Epigenetic changes, including covalent modifications of the DNA and histones, are critical signaling mediators between the genome and the environment, and thus potent regulators of cellular functions. The most extensively studied epigenetic modifications are Cytosine DNA methylation and histone acetylation and methylation on various residues. These are thought to affect chromatin structure and binding of specific effectors that regulate transcription, replication, and other processes. Recent studies have uncovered significant epigenetic alterations in cells or tissues derived from autoimmune disease patients compared to samples from healthy individuals and have linked them with disease phenotypes. Epigenetic changes in specific genes correlate with upregulated or downregulated transcription. For instance, in many systems, reduced DNA methylation and increased histone acetylation of interferon-inducible genes correlate with their increased expression in autoimmune disease patients. Also, reduced DNA methylation of retroelements has been proposed as an activating mechanism and has been linked with increased immune reactivity, while epigenetic differences on the X chromosome could indicate incomplete dosage compensation and explain to some extent the increased susceptibility of females over males towards the development of most autoimmune diseases. Besides changes in epigenetic modifications, differences in the levels of many enzymes catalyzing the addition or removal of these marks as well as proteins that recognize them and function as effector molecules have also been detected in autoimmune patients. Although the existing knowledge cannot fully explain whether epigenetic alterations cause or follow the increased immune activation, their characterization is very useful for understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms and complements genetic and clinical studies. Furthermore, specific epigenetic marks have the potential to serve as biomarkers for disease status, prognosis, and response to treatment. Finally, epigenetic factors are currently being examined as candidate therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Karagianni
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Mikras Asias Str 75, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Tzioufas
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Mikras Asias Str 75, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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Analysis of methylation datasets identified significantly changed genes and functional pathways in osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:3529-3538. [PMID: 31376087 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04700-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researches indicate that epigenetics was involved in osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to describe the alterations of DNA methylation in hip and knee OA by comparing DNA methylome of OA cartilage and non-OA samples and to identify novel genes and pathways associated with OA. METHODS We gained two expression profiling datasets (GSE73626 and GSE63695) from the GEO dataset. The RnBeads in R package was used to identify differentially methylated CpG sites. Genes that showed significant differences in DNA methylation between OA and normal control groups underwent functional annotation analysis using the online tool of GeneCodis. Furthermore, we used the Sequenom MassARRAY platform (CapitalBio, Beijing, China) to perform the quantitative methylation analysis. RESULTS A total of 249 hypermethylated sites and 96 hypomethylated sites were obtained from OA samples compared with normal control samples. Functional analysis of differentially methylated genes obtained that embryonic skeletal system morphogenesis, cartilage development, and skeletal system development may be involved in the pathogenesis of OA. Eight genes including HOXB3, HOXB4, HOXB6, HOXC4, HOXC10, HOXD3, TBX3, and TBX5 were identified as potential novel biomarkers for OA. CONCLUSION Taken together, our study found different molecular characteristics between OA patients and normal controls. This may provide new clues to elucidate the pathogenesis of OA.Key Points• Embryonic skeletal system morphogenesis, cartilage development, skeletal system development may be involved in the pathogenesis of OA.• Eight genes are identified as potential novel markers for OA.• Our future in vivo molecular intervention experiments will extend our current findings.
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Rheumatoid arthritis-relevant DNA methylation changes identified in ACPA-positive asymptomatic individuals using methylome capture sequencing. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:110. [PMID: 31366403 PMCID: PMC6668183 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0699-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare DNA methylation in subjects positive vs negative for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), a key serological marker of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk. Methods With banked serum from a random subset (N = 3600) of a large general population cohort, we identified ACPA-positive samples and compared them to age- and sex-matched ACPA-negative controls. We used a custom-designed methylome panel to conduct targeted bisulfite sequencing of 5 million CpGs located in regulatory or hypomethylated regions of DNA from whole blood (red blood cell lysed). Using binomial regression models, we investigated the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between ACPA-positive vs ACPA-negative subjects. An independent set of T cells from RA patients was used to “validate” the differentially methylated sites. Results We measured DNA methylation in 137 subjects, of whom 63 were ACPA-positive, 66 were ACPA-negative, and 8 had self-reported RA. We identified 1303 DMRs of relevance, of which one third (402) had underlying genetic effects. These DMRs were enriched in intergenic CpG islands (CGI) and CGI shore regions. Furthermore, the genes associated with these DMRs were enriched in pathways related to Epstein-Barr virus infection and immune response. In addition, 80 (38%) of 208 RA-specific DMRs were replicated in T cells from RA samples. Conclusions Sequencing-based high-resolution methylome mapping revealed biologically relevant DNA methylation changes in asymptomatic individuals positive for ACPA that overlap with those seen in RA. Pathway analyses suggested roles for viral infections, which may represent the effect of environmental triggers upstream of disease onset. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0699-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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TET1 is an important transcriptional activator of TNFα expression in macrophages. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218551. [PMID: 31216336 PMCID: PMC6583962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of macrophages and overexpression of TNFα is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the mechanisms leading to TNFα overexpression are still unknown. 5-methylocytosine (5-mC) is an epigenetic modification that is associated with silenced genes. Recent studies showed that it is converted to 5-hydroxylmethylocytosine (5-hmC) and reactivates gene expression through the action of the family of Ten-Eleven-Translocation (TET1-3) enzymes. In this study, we show that 5-hmC levels are increased globally and specifically in the TNFα promoter during the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages. In addition, the levels of 5-hmC are increased upon LPS stimulation of macrophages. Furthermore, CRIPSR stable knockout of TET1 decreases the expression of TNFα and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, we showed that TET1 contributes to the activation of macrophages possibly through regulation of 5-hydroxymethylation in the promoter of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. The TET1 enzyme could be a promising therapeutic target to inhibit the persistent inflammation caused by macrophages in chronic inflammatory diseases.
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