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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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Swarnkar G, Semenkovich NP, Arra M, Mims DK, Naqvi SK, Peterson T, Mbalaviele G, Wu CL, Abu-Amer Y. DNA hypomethylation ameliorates erosive inflammatory arthritis by modulating interferon regulatory factor-8. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310264121. [PMID: 38319963 PMCID: PMC10873594 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310264121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory arthritis. DNA hypomethylating agents, such as decitabine (DAC), have been shown to dampen inflammation and restore immune homeostasis. In the present study, we demonstrate that DAC elicits potent anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates disease symptoms in several animal models of arthritis. Transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling show that DAC-mediated hypomethylation regulates a wide range of cell types in arthritis, altering the differentiation trajectories of anti-inflammatory macrophage populations, regulatory T cells, and tissue-protective synovial fibroblasts (SFs). Mechanistically, DAC-mediated demethylation of intragenic 5'-Cytosine phosphate Guanine-3' (CpG) islands of the transcription factor Irf8 (interferon regulatory factor 8) induced its re-expression and promoted its repressor activity. As a result, DAC restored joint homeostasis by resetting the transcriptomic signature of negative regulators of inflammation in synovial macrophages (MerTK, Trem2, and Cx3cr1), TREGs (Foxp3), and SFs (Pdpn and Fapα). In conclusion, we found that Irf8 is necessary for the inhibitory effect of DAC in murine arthritis and that direct expression of Irf8 is sufficient to significantly mitigate arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Swarnkar
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | | | - Manoj Arra
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Dorothy K. Mims
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Syeda Kanwal Naqvi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Timothy Peterson
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- HealthSpan Technologies, Inc, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Gabriel Mbalaviele
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Chia-Lung Wu
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Performance, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY14642
| | - Yousef Abu-Amer
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Louis, MO63110
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3
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Ge G, Guo Q, Zhou Y, Li W, Zhang W, Bai J, Wang Q, Tao H, Wang W, Wang Z, Gan M, Xu Y, Yang H, Li B, Geng D. GLI1 facilitates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by collaborative regulation of DNA methyltransferases. eLife 2023; 12:e92142. [PMID: 37929702 PMCID: PMC10627516 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92142] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by joint synovitis and bone destruction, the etiology of which remains to be explored. Many types of cells are involved in the progression of RA joint inflammation, among which the overactivation of M1 macrophages and osteoclasts has been thought to be an essential cause of joint inflammation and bone destruction. Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) has been revealed to be closely linked to bone metabolism. In this study, GLI1 expression in the synovial tissue of RA patients was positively correlated with RA-related scores and was highly expressed in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse articular macrophage-like cells. The decreased expression and inhibition of nuclear transfer of GLI1 downregulated macrophage M1 polarization and osteoclast activation, the effect of which was achieved by modulation of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) via transcriptional regulation and protein interactions. By pharmacological inhibition of GLI1, the proportion of proinflammatory macrophages and the number of osteoclasts were significantly reduced, and the joint inflammatory response and bone destruction in CIA mice were alleviated. This study clarified the mechanism of GLI1 in macrophage phenotypic changes and activation of osteoclasts, suggesting potential applications of GLI1 inhibitors in the clinical treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoran Ge
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Qianping Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Medical 3D Printing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wenming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jiaxiang Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of ChinaAnhuiChina
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Huaqiang Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineSuzhouChina
| | - Minfeng Gan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yaozeng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Medical 3D Printing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Dechun Geng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Orthopedic Institute, Medical College, Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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4
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Cousu C, Mulot E, De Smet A, Formichetti S, Lecoeuche D, Ren J, Muegge K, Boulard M, Weill JC, Reynaud CA, Storck S. Germinal center output is sustained by HELLS-dependent DNA-methylation-maintenance in B cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5695. [PMID: 37709749 PMCID: PMC10502085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
HELLS/LSH (Helicase, Lymphoid Specific) is a SNF2-like chromatin remodelling protein involved in DNA methylation. Its loss-of-function in humans causes humoral immunodeficiency, called ICF4 syndrome (Immunodeficiency, Centromeric Instability, Facial anomalies). Here we show by our newly generated B-cell-specific Hells conditional knockout mouse model that HELLS plays a pivotal role in T-dependent B-cell responses. HELLS deficiency induces accelerated decay of germinal center (GC) B cells and impairs the generation of high affinity memory B cells and circulating antibodies. Mutant GC B cells undergo dramatic DNA hypomethylation and massive de-repression of evolutionary recent retrotransposons, which surprisingly does not directly affect their survival. Instead, they prematurely upregulate either memory B cell markers or the transcription factor ATF4, which is driving an mTORC1-dependent metabolic program typical of plasma cells. Treatment of wild type mice with a DNMT1-specific inhibitor phenocopies the accelerated kinetics, thus pointing towards DNA-methylation maintenance by HELLS being a crucial mechanism to fine-tune the GC transcriptional program and enable long-lasting humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Cousu
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Eléonore Mulot
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Annie De Smet
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Sara Formichetti
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
- Joint PhD degree program, European Molecular Biology Laboratory and Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Damiana Lecoeuche
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Jianke Ren
- Epigenetics Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Kathrin Muegge
- Epigenetics Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Matthieu Boulard
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Jean-Claude Weill
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Claude-Agnès Reynaud
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Storck
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France.
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5
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Zou YC, Wang ZJ, Shao LC, Xia ZH, Lan YF, Yu ZH, Yao JY, Luo ZR. DNA methylation of DKK-1 may correlate with pathological bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e911. [PMID: 37506134 PMCID: PMC10326833 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate DNA methylation (DNAm) status of dickkopf-associated protein 1 (DKK-1) in ossified hip capsule synovium and serum among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS Western blot was applied to detect the level of DKK-1 protein expression in hip joint capsule tissues from four patients with AS as well as four patients with femoral neck fracture (FNF) caused by trauma as control. DKK-1 gene promoter methylation (GPM) was examined by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of DKK-1, β-catenin, and Wnt3a in both tissue and serum. The DNAm status of serum DKK-1 was measured among 36 patients with AS and syndesmophytes (AS + syndesmophytes group), 40 patients with AS but no syndesmophyte (AS group), and 42 healthy individuals (control group). Also, the serum levels of DKK-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The modified New York criteria (mNYC) together with the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) were adopted to examine the radiographic progression of AS. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to investigate the diagnostic value of the methylation rate of DKK-1 with regard to radiographic progression. RESULTS The expressions of DKK-1 protein and mRNA in hip joint capsule tissues of AS patients were significantly lower, while DKK-1 GPM rate, β-catenin mRNA, and Wnt3a mRNA were markedly higher when compared with FNF group. For serum samples, the DKK-1 methylation rate was significantly higher in AS+ syndesmophytes group in contrast to AS group and healthy controls. Serum levels of DKK-1 protein and mRNA in AS with syndesmophytes group were markedly decreased, while β-catenin mRNA and Wnt3a mRNA expressions were significantly increased than AS with no syndesmophyte group and the healthy control group. AS patients in Grade 4 showed a significantly higher serum DKK-1 GPM rate than those in Grade 3 based on mNYC. Serum DKK-1 GPM level was markedly and positively correlated with mSASSS. Serum levels of DKK-1 in AS+ syndesmophytes group were markedly lower compared with AS but no syndesmophyte group and healthy controls. ROC curve analysis indicated that serum DKK-1 methylation rate serves as a decent indicator for AS radiographic progression. CONCLUSION DNAm of DKK-1 may correlate with pathological bone formation in AS, which may provide new strategies for the treatment of AS abnormal bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cong Zou
- Department of Rehabilitation, The 5th People's Hospital of Foshan City, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
- Deaprtment of Rehabilitation, The 5th Affiliated Hospital of Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The 5th People's Hospital of Foshan City, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Cheng Shao
- Department of Internal Medicine, The 5th People's Hospital of Foshan City, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Xia
- Department of Internal Medicine, The 5th People's Hospital of Foshan City, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi-Feng Lan
- Department of Radiology, The 5th People's Hospital of Foshan City, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Yu
- Department of Laboratory medicine, The 5th People's Hospital of Foshan City, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jia-Yu Yao
- Department of Internal Medicine, The 5th People's Hospital of Foshan City, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zi-Rui Luo
- Department of Rehabilitation, The 5th People's Hospital of Foshan City, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
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6
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Epigenetic regulation of B cells and its role in autoimmune pathogenesis. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:1215-1234. [PMID: 36220996 PMCID: PMC9622816 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00933-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
B cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Although previous studies have shown many genetic polymorphisms associated with B-cell activation in patients with various autoimmune disorders, progress in epigenetic research has revealed new mechanisms leading to B-cell hyperactivation. Epigenetic mechanisms, including those involving histone modifications, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs, regulate B-cell responses, and their dysregulation can contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Patients with autoimmune diseases show epigenetic alterations that lead to the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune inflammation. Moreover, many clinical and animal model studies have shown the promising potential of epigenetic therapies for patients. In this review, we present an up-to-date overview of epigenetic mechanisms with a focus on their roles in regulating functional B-cell subsets. Furthermore, we discuss epigenetic dysregulation in B cells and highlight its contribution to the development of autoimmune diseases. Based on clinical and preclinical evidence, we discuss novel epigenetic biomarkers and therapies for patients with autoimmune disorders.
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7
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Zhou H, Mao L, Xu H, Wang S, Tian J. The functional roles of m 6A modification in T lymphocyte responses and autoimmune diseases. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 65:51-60. [PMID: 35490098 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is abundant in eukaryotes, bacteria and archaea. It is an RNA modification mainly existing in messenger RNA (mRNAs) and has a significant effect on the metabolism and function of mRNAs. m6A modification is controlled by three types of proteins, namely methyltransferase as the "writers", demethylase as the "erasers", and specific m6A recognized protein (YTHDF1-3) as the "readers". Recent studies have shown that m6A modification plays an important role in cancer, viral infection and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we will elaborate on the m6A modifications in the homeostasis and differentiation of T cells. Then we will further summarize the effects of m6A modification on the T cell responses and T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. This will advance T cell epigenetics research and provide potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Lingxiang Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China.
| | - Huaxi Xu
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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8
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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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9
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Abstract
Significance: Epigenetic dysregulation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of autoimmune diseases. Oxidative stress is associated with autoimmunity and is also known to alter epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding the interplay between oxidative stress and epigenetics will provide insights into the role of environmental triggers in the development of autoimmunity in genetically susceptible individuals. Recent Advances: Abnormal DNA and histone methylation patterns in genes and pathways involved in interferon and tumor necrosis factor signaling, cellular survival, proliferation, metabolism, organ development, and autoantibody production have been described in autoimmunity. Inhibitors of DNA and histone methyltransferases showed potential therapeutic effects in animal models of autoimmune diseases. Oxidative stress can regulate epigenetic mechanisms via effects on DNA damage repair mechanisms, cellular metabolism and the local redox environment, and redox-sensitive transcription factors and pathways. Critical Issues: Studies looking into oxidative stress and epigenetics in autoimmunity are relatively limited. The number of available longitudinal studies to explore the role of DNA methylation in the development of autoimmune diseases is small. Future Directions: Exploring the relationship between oxidative stress and epigenetics in autoimmunity will provide clues for potential preventative measures and treatment strategies. Inception cohorts with longitudinal follow-up would help to evaluate epigenetic marks as potential biomarkers for disease development, progression, and treatment response in autoimmunity. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 423-440.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Zheng
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Lupus Center of Excellence, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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10
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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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11
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Yang M, Yi P, Jiang J, Zhao M, Wu H, Lu Q. Dysregulated translational factors and epigenetic regulations orchestrate in B cells contributing to autoimmune diseases. Int Rev Immunol 2021; 42:1-25. [PMID: 34445929 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2021.1964498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
B cells play a crucial role in antigen presentation, antibody production and pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion in adaptive immunity. Several translational factors including transcription factors and cytokines participate in the regulation of B cell development, with the cooperation of epigenetic regulations. Autoimmune diseases are generally characterized with autoreactive B cells and high-level pathogenic autoantibodies. The success of B cell depletion therapy in mouse model and clinical trials has proven the role of B cells in pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The failure of B cell tolerance in immune checkpoints results in accumulated autoreactive naïve B (BN) cells with aberrant B cell receptor signaling and dysregulated B cell response, contributing to self-antibody-mediated autoimmune reaction. Dysregulation of translational factors and epigenetic alterations in B cells has been demonstrated to correlate with aberrant B cell compartment in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjögren's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus and pemphigus. This review is intended to summarize the interaction of translational factors and epigenetic regulations that are involved with development and differentiation of B cells, and the mechanism of dysregulation in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiao Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Dermatology, 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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Epigenetic Changes Induced by Maternal Factors during Fetal Life: Implication for Type 1 Diabetes. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12060887. [PMID: 34201206 PMCID: PMC8227197 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060887] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-specific autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, are believed to result from T-cell-mediated damage of the target tissue. The immune-mediated tissue injury, in turn, is known to depend on complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Nevertheless, the mechanisms whereby environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases remain elusive and represent a major untapped target to develop novel strategies for disease prevention. Given the impact of the early environment on the developing immune system, epigenetic changes induced by maternal factors during fetal life have been linked to a likelihood of developing an autoimmune disease later in life. In humans, DNA methylation is the epigenetic mechanism most extensively investigated. This review provides an overview of the critical role of DNA methylation changes induced by prenatal maternal conditions contributing to the increased risk of immune-mediated diseases on the offspring, with a particular focus on T1D. A deeper understanding of epigenetic alterations induced by environmental stressors during fetal life may be pivotal for developing targeted prevention strategies of type 1 diabetes by modifying the maternal environment.
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13
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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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14
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Borbély É, Hunyady Á, Pohóczky K, Payrits M, Botz B, Mócsai A, Berger A, Szőke É, Helyes Z. Hemokinin-1 as a Mediator of Arthritis-Related Pain via Direct Activation of Primary Sensory Neurons. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:594479. [PMID: 33519457 PMCID: PMC7839295 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.594479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The tachykinin hemokinin-1 (HK-1) is involved in immune cell development and inflammation, but little is known about its function in pain. It acts through the NK1 tachykinin receptor, but several effects are mediated by a yet unidentified target. Therefore, we investigated the role and mechanism of action of HK-1 in arthritis models of distinct mechanisms with special emphasis on pain. Arthritis was induced by i.p. K/BxN serum (passive transfer of inflammatory cytokines, autoantibodies), intra-articular mast cell tryptase or Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA, active immunization) in wild type, HK-1- and NK1-deficient mice. Mechanical- and heat hyperalgesia determined by dynamic plantar esthesiometry and increasing temperature hot plate, respectively, swelling measured by plethysmometry or micrometry were significantly reduced in HK-1-deleted, but not NK1-deficient mice in all models. K/BxN serum-induced histopathological changes (day 14) were also decreased, but early myeloperoxidase activity detected by luminescent in vivo imaging increased in HK-1-deleted mice similarly to the CFA model. However, vasodilation and plasma protein extravasation determined by laser Speckle and fluorescent imaging, respectively, were not altered by HK-1 deficiency in any models. HK-1 induced Ca2+-influx in primary sensory neurons, which was also seen in NK1-deficient cells and after pertussis toxin-pretreatment, but not in extracellular Ca2+-free medium. These are the first results showing that HK-1 mediates arthritic pain and cellular, but not vascular inflammatory mechanisms, independently of NK1 activation. HK-1 activates primary sensory neurons presumably via Ca2+ channel-linked receptor. Identifying its target opens new directions to understand joint pain leading to novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Borbély
- János Szentágothai Research Centre and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Hunyady
- János Szentágothai Research Centre and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Pohóczky
- János Szentágothai Research Centre and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Maja Payrits
- János Szentágothai Research Centre and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bálint Botz
- János Szentágothai Research Centre and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Medical Imaging, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Mócsai
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Berger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Éva Szőke
- János Szentágothai Research Centre and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- János Szentágothai Research Centre and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- PharmInVivo Ltd., Pécs, Hungary
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15
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Landman S, van der Horst C, van Erp PEJ, Joosten I, de Vries R, Koenen HJPM. Immune responses to azacytidine in animal models of inflammatory disorders: a systematic review. J Transl Med 2021; 19:11. [PMID: 33407530 PMCID: PMC7788785 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02615-2] [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: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory disorders like diabetes, systemic lupus erythematodes, inflammatory lung diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, but also rejection of transplanted organs and GvHD, form a major burden of disease. Current classes of immune suppressive drugs to treat these disorders are never curative and side effects are common. Therefore there is a need for new drugs with improved and more targeted modes of action. Potential candidates are the DNA methyl transferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (Aza) and its derivative 5-aza 2′deoxycitidine (DAC). Aza and DAC have been tested in several pre-clinical in vivo studies. In order to obtain an overview of disorders for which Aza and/or DAC can be a potential treatment, and to find out where information is lacking, we systematically reviewed pre-clinical animal studies assessing Aza or DAC as a potential therapy for distinct inflammatory disorders. Also, study quality and risk of bias was systematically assessed. In the 35 identified studies, we show that both Aza and DAC do not only seem to be able to alleviate a number of inflammatory disorders, but also prevent solid organ rejection and GvHD in in vivo pre-clinical animal models. Aza/DAC are known to upregulate FOXP3, a master transcription factor for Treg, in vitro. Seventeen studies described the effect on Treg, of which 16 studies showed an increase in Treg. Increasing Treg therefore seems to be a common mechanism in preventing inflammatory disorders by Aza/DAC. We also found, however, that many essential methodological details were poorly reported leading to an unclear risk of bias. Therefore, reported effects might be an overestimation of the true effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sija Landman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine-Laboratory Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Chiel van der Horst
- Department of Laboratory Medicine-Laboratory Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Piet E J van Erp
- Department of Dermatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Irma Joosten
- Department of Laboratory Medicine-Laboratory Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob de Vries
- Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE), Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J P M Koenen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine-Laboratory Medical Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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16
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Zouali M. DNA methylation signatures of autoimmune diseases in human B lymphocytes. Clin Immunol 2020; 222:108622. [PMID: 33188932 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
B lymphocytes play key roles in adaptive and innate immunity. In autoimmune diseases, their participation in disease instigation and/or progression has been demonstrated in both experimental models and clinical trials. Recent epigenetic investigations of human B lymphocyte subsets revealed the importance of DNA methylation in exquisitely regulating the cellular activation and differentiation programs. This review discusses recent advances on the potential of DNA methylation to shape events that impart generation of plasma cells and memory B cells, providing novel insight into homeostatic regulation of the immune system. In parallel, epigenetic profiling of B cells from patients with systemic or organo-specific autoimmune diseases disclosed distinctive differential methylation regions that, in some cases, could stratify patients from controls. Development of tools for editing DNA methylation in the mammalian genome could be useful for future functional studies of epigenetic regulation by offering the possibility to edit locus-specific methylation, with potential translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moncef Zouali
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 91, Xueshi Road, North District, Taichung City, Taïwan 404, Taichung, Taiwan.
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17
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Wajda A, Łapczuk-Romańska J, Paradowska-Gorycka A. Epigenetic Regulations of AhR in the Aspect of Immunomodulation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6404. [PMID: 32899152 PMCID: PMC7504141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors contribute to autoimmune disease manifestation, and as regarded today, AhR has become an important factor in studies of immunomodulation. Besides immunological aspects, AhR also plays a role in pharmacological, toxicological and many other physiological processes such as adaptive metabolism. In recent years, epigenetic mechanisms have provided new insight into gene regulation and reveal a new contribution to autoimmune disease pathogenesis. DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin alterations, microRNA and consequently non-genetic changes in phenotypes connect with environmental factors. Increasing data reveals AhR cross-roads with the most significant in immunology pathways. Although study on epigenetic modulations in autoimmune diseases is still not well understood, therefore future research will help us understand their pathophysiology and help to find new therapeutic strategies. Present literature review sheds the light on the common ground between remodeling chromatin compounds and autoimmune antibodies used in diagnostics. In the proposed review we summarize recent findings that describe epigenetic factors which regulate AhR activity and impact diverse immunological responses and pathological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wajda
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Łapczuk-Romańska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Paradowska-Gorycka
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland;
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18
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Guo S, Xu L, Chang C, Zhang R, Jin Y, He D. Epigenetic Regulation Mediated by Methylation in the Pathogenesis and Precision Medicine of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Genet 2020; 11:811. [PMID: 32849810 PMCID: PMC7417338 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex disease triggered by the interaction between genetics and the environment, especially through the shared epitope (SE) and cell surface calreticulin (CSC) theory. However, the available evidence shows that genetic diversity and environmental exposure cannot explain all the clinical characteristics and heterogeneity of RA. In contrast, recent studies demonstrate that epigenetics play important roles in the pathogenesis of RA, especially DNA methylation and histone modification. DNA methylation and histone methylation are involved in innate and adaptive immune cell differentiation and migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and mesenchymal characteristics of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Epigenetic-mediated regulation of immune-related genes and inflammation pathways explains the dynamic expression network of RA. In this review, we summarize the comprehensive evidence to show that methylation of DNA and histones is significantly involved in the pathogenesis of RA and could be applied as a promising biomarker in the disease progression and drug-response prediction. We also explain the advantages and challenges of the current epigenetics research in RA. In summary, epigenetic modules provide a possible interface through which genetic and environmental risk factors connect to contribute to the susceptibility and pathogenesis of RA. Additionally, epigenetic regulators provide promising drug targets to develop novel therapeutic drugs for RA. Finally, DNA methylation and histone modifications could be important features for providing a better RA subtype identification to accelerate personalized treatment and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Guo
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - Lingxia Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cen Chang
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Runrun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yehua Jin
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongyi He
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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19
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Petralia MC, Mazzon E, Basile MS, Cutuli M, Di Marco R, Scandurra F, Saraceno A, Fagone P, Nicoletti F, Mangano K. Effects of Treatment with the Hypomethylating Agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine in Murine Type II Collagen-Induced Arthritis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:ph12040174. [PMID: 31783688 PMCID: PMC6958460 DOI: 10.3390/ph12040174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging role of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases has recently attracted much interest on the possible use of epigenetic modulators for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. In particular, we and others have shown that drugs that inhibit DNA methylation, such as azacitidine (AZA) and decitabine (DAC), already used for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, exert powerful beneficial effects in rodent models of type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain Barrè syndrome. Along this line of research, we have presently studied the effects of DAC in a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis induced by type II collagen and have demonstrated that DAC administration was associated with a significant amelioration of the clinical condition, along with in vivo and ex vivo modification of the immunological profile of the so-treated mice, that exhibited a diminished production of Th1 and Th17 pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduction of anti-type II collagen autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (E.M.)
| | - Maria Sofia Basile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.S.B.); (F.S.); (A.S.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
| | - Marco Cutuli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.C.); (R.D.M.)
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.C.); (R.D.M.)
| | - Fabiola Scandurra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.S.B.); (F.S.); (A.S.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
| | - Andrea Saraceno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.S.B.); (F.S.); (A.S.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.S.B.); (F.S.); (A.S.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.S.B.); (F.S.); (A.S.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-478-1270
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.S.B.); (F.S.); (A.S.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
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20
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Brandt B, Rashidiani S, Bán Á, Rauch TA. DNA Methylation-Governed Gene Expression in Autoimmune Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5646. [PMID: 31718084 PMCID: PMC6888626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease hallmarked by progressive and irreversible joint destruction. RA pathogenesis is a T cell-regulated and B cell-mediated process in which activated lymphocyte-produced chemokines and cytokines promote leukocyte infiltration that ultimately leads to destruction of the joints. There is an obvious need to discover new drugs for RA treatment that have different biological targets or modes of action than the currently employed therapeutics. Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, certain diet components, and oral pathogens can significantly affect gene regulation via epigenetic factors. Epigenetics opened a new field for pharmacology, and DNA methylation and histone modification-implicated factors are feasible targets for RA therapy. Exploring RA pathogenesis involved epigenetic factors and mechanisms is crucial for developing more efficient RA therapies. Here we review epigenetic alterations associated with RA pathogenesis including DNA methylation and interacting factors. Additionally, we will summarize the literature revealing the involved molecular structures and interactions. Finally, potential epigenetic factor-based therapies will be discussed that may help in better management of RA in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Brandt
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary; (B.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Shima Rashidiani
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary; (B.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Ágnes Bán
- Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7621, Hungary;
| | - Tibor A. Rauch
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary; (B.B.); (S.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs 7624, Hungary
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