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da Silva IIFG, Nascimento DDQ, Barbosa AD, Souto FO, Maia MDMD, Crovella S, de Souza PRE, Sandrin-Garcia P. miRNAs and NFKB1 and TRAF6 target genes: The initial functional study in CD14+ monocytes in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Genet Mol Biol 2024; 47:e20230235. [PMID: 39058384 PMCID: PMC11274900 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2023-0235] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We predicted miRNAs with regulatory impact on NFKB1 and TRAF6 gene expression and selected the miR-194-5p, miR-124-3p, miR-9-5p, and miR-340-5p and their target genes for expression analyses on CD14+ monocytes from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy controls. Additionally, we evaluated the influence of genes and miRNA expression on RA patients' cytokine levels. No difference was observed in genes or miRNAs expression when compared to healthy controls and RA patients or clinical parameters. However, we found a significant difference between miR-194-5p and miR-9-5p levels (FC=-2.31; p=0.031; FC=-3.05;p=0.031, respectively) and non-prednisone users as compared to prednisone using patients. We conducted correlation analyses to identify the strength of the relationship between expression data and cytokine plasma levels. We observed a moderate positive correlation between miR-124-3p expression and IL-6 plasma levels (r=0.46; p=0.033). In addition, overexpression of miRNAs was concomitant to TRAF6 and NFKB1 genes as indicated by correlation analyses: TRAF6 and miR-194-5p (r=0.60;p<0.001) and miR-9-5p (r=0.63;p<0.001) and NFKB1 and miR-194-5p (r=0.72;p<0.001), miR-9-5p (r=0.72;p<0.001) and miR-340-5p (r=0.61;p<0.001). NFKB1 and TRAF6 genes and miRNAs monocyte expression do not appear to be related to RA but showed a significant difference in different groups of RA therapy. In addition, increased levels of miRNAs can be linked to concomitant overexpression of TRAF6 and NFKB1 in monocytes and act as its regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaura Isabelle Fonseca Gomes da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Denise de Queiroga Nascimento
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Domingues Barbosa
- Policlínica Jamacy de Medeiros, Cabo de Santo Agostinho, PE, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Hospital das Clínicas, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Oliveira Souto
- Instituto Keizo Asami, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro Acadêmico do Agreste, Caruaru, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Sergio Crovella
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Genética, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Paula Sandrin-Garcia
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Genética, Recife, PE, Brazil
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2
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Younesian S, Mohammadi MH, Younesian O, Momeny M, Ghaffari SH, Bashash D. DNA methylation in human diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32366. [PMID: 38933971 PMCID: PMC11200359 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32366] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of human diseases. The current review aims to reveal the role of aberrant DNA methylation in the pathogenesis and progression of diseases and to discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on this topic. In the review, we mainly summarize the studies exploring the role of aberrant DNA methylation as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in a broad range of human diseases, including monogenic epigenetics, autoimmunity, metabolic disorders, hematologic neoplasms, and solid tumors. The last section provides a general overview of the possibility of the DNA methylation machinery from the perspective of pharmaceutic approaches. In conclusion, the study of DNA methylation machinery is a phenomenal intersection that each of its ways can reveal the mysteries of various diseases, introduce new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and propose a new patient-tailored therapeutic approach for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samareh Younesian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1971653313 Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1971653313 Iran
| | - Ommolbanin Younesian
- School of Medicine, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, 46841-61167 Iran
| | - Majid Momeny
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, 77030 TX, USA
| | - Seyed H. Ghaffari
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1411713135 Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1971653313 Iran
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Gore S, Meche B, Shao D, Ginnett B, Zhou K, Azad RK. DiseaseNet: a transfer learning approach to noncommunicable disease classification. BMC Bioinformatics 2024; 25:107. [PMID: 38468193 PMCID: PMC10926612 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-024-05734-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
As noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant global health burden, identifying effective diagnostic and predictive markers for these diseases is of paramount importance. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, have emerged as potential indicators for NCDs. These have previously been exploited in other contexts within the framework of neural network models that capture complex relationships within the data. Applications of neural networks have led to significant breakthroughs in various biological or biomedical fields but these have not yet been effectively applied to NCD modeling. This is, in part, due to limited datasets that are not amenable to building of robust neural network models. In this work, we leveraged a neural network trained on one class of NCDs, cancer, as the basis for a transfer learning approach to non-cancer NCD modeling. Our results demonstrate promising performance of the model in predicting three NCDs, namely, arthritis, asthma, and schizophrenia, for the respective blood samples, with an overall accuracy (f-measure) of 94.5%. Furthermore, a concept based explanation method called Testing with Concept Activation Vectors (TCAV) was used to investigate the importance of the sample sources and understand how future training datasets for multiple NCD models may be improved. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of transfer learning in developing accurate diagnostic and predictive models for NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Gore
- Department of Biological Sciences and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Bailey Meche
- Department of Mathematics, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, USA
| | - Danyang Shao
- Department of Biological Sciences and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin Ginnett
- Department of Engineering, Eastern Arizona College, Thatcher, AZ, USA
| | - Kelly Zhou
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Rajeev K Azad
- Department of Biological Sciences and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
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4
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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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5
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Syed NH, Mussa A, Elmi AH, Jamal Al-Khreisat M, Ahmad Mohd Zain MR, Nurul AA. Role of MicroRNAs in Inflammatory Joint Diseases: A Review. Immunol Invest 2024; 53:185-209. [PMID: 38095847 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2293095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory arthritis commonly initiates in the soft tissues lining the joint. This lining swells, as do the cells in it and inside the joint fluid, producing chemicals that induce inflammation signs such as heat, redness, and swelling. MicroRNA (miRNA), a subset of non-coding small RNA molecules, post-transcriptionally controls gene expression by targeting their messenger RNA. MiRNAs modulate approximately 1/3 of the human genome with their multiple targets. Recently, they have been extensively studied as key modulators of the innate and adaptive immune systems in diseases such as allergic disorders, types of cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. However, research on the different inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Lyme disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis, remains in its infancy. This review presents a deeper understanding of miRNA biogenesis and the functions of miRNAs in modulating the immune and inflammatory responses in the above-mentioned inflammatory joint diseases. According to the literature, it has been demonstrated that the development of inflammatory joint disorders is closely related to different miRNAs and their specific regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, they may present as possible prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for all diseases and may help in developing a therapeutic response. However, further studies are needed to determine whether manipulating miRNAs can influence the development and progression of inflammatory joint disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazmul Huda Syed
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Ali Mussa
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan
| | - Abdirahman Hussein Elmi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Mutaz Jamal Al-Khreisat
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | | | - Asma Abdullah Nurul
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
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Carvajal P, Aguilera S, Jara D, Indo S, Barrera MJ, González S, Molina C, Heathcote B, Hermoso M, Castro I, González MJ. hsa-miR-424-5p and hsa-miR-513c-3p dysregulation mediated by IFN-γ is associated with salivary gland dysfunction in Sjögren's syndrome patients. J Autoimmun 2023; 138:103037. [PMID: 37229808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Salivary secretory dysfunction in SS-patients is associated with altered proteostasis, upregulation of ATF6α and components of the ERAD complex, such as SEL1L, and downregulation of XBP-1s and GRP78. Hsa-miR-424-5p is downregulated and hsa-miR-513c-3p is overexpressed in salivary glands from SS-patients. These miRNAs emerged as candidates that could regulate ATF6/SEL1L and XBP-1s/GRP78 levels, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of IFN-γ on hsa-miR-424-5p and hsa-miR-513c-3p expression and how these miRNAs regulate their targets. In labial salivary glands (LSG) biopsies from 9 SS-patients and 7 control subjects and IFN-γ-stimulated 3D-acini were analyzed. hsa-miR-424-5p and hsa-miR-513c-3p levels were measured by TaqMan assays and their localization by ISH. mRNA, protein levels, and localization of ATF6, SEL1L, HERP, XBP-1s and GRP78 were determined by qPCR, Western blot, or immunofluorescence. Functional and interaction assays were also performed. In LSGs from SS-patients and IFN-γ-stimulated 3D-acini, hsa-miR-424-5p was downregulated and ATF6α and SEL1L were upregulated. ATF6α and SEL1L were decreased after hsa-miR-424-5p overexpression, while ATF6α, SEL1L and HERP increased after hsa-miR-424-5p silencing. Interaction assays revealed that hsa-miR-424-5p targets ATF6α directly. hsa-miR-513c-3p was upregulated and XBP-1s and GRP78 were downregulated. XBP-1s and GRP78 were decreased after hsa-miR-513c-3p overexpression, while increases in XBP-1s and GRP78 were observed after hsa-miR-513c-3p silencing. Furthermore, we determined that hsa-miR-513c-3p targets XBP-1s directly. Significant correlations were found between both miRNA levels and clinical parameters. In conclusion, IFN-γ-dependent hsa-miR-424-5p and hsa-miR-513c-3p levels affect the expression of important factors involved in cellular proteostasis that control secretory function in LSG from SS-patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Carvajal
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Sergio Aguilera
- Clínica INDISA, Av. Sta. María 1810, 7520440, Providencia, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Daniela Jara
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Sebastián Indo
- Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
| | - María-José Barrera
- Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad San Sebastián, Bellavista 7, 8420524, Recoleta, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Sergio González
- Escuela de Odontología, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Mayor, Alameda Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins N° 2027 (ex 2013), 8340585, Santiago, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Claudio Molina
- Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad San Sebastián, Bellavista 7, 8420524, Recoleta, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Benjamín Heathcote
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Marcela Hermoso
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Isabel Castro
- Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
| | - María-Julieta González
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, 8380453, Independencia, Santiago, Chile.
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7
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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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Zhang S, Meng Y, Zhou L, Qiu L, Wang H, Su D, Zhang B, Chan K, Han J. Targeting epigenetic regulators for inflammation: Mechanisms and intervention therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e173. [PMID: 36176733 PMCID: PMC9477794 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that resolution of inflammation is a critical and dynamic endogenous process for host tissues defending against external invasive pathogens or internal tissue injury. It has long been known that autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders are characterized by dysregulated immune responses, leading to excessive and uncontrol tissue inflammation. The dysregulation of epigenetic alterations including DNA methylation, posttranslational modifications to histone proteins, and noncoding RNA expression has been implicated in a host of inflammatory disorders and the immune system. The inflammatory response is considered as a critical trigger of epigenetic alterations that in turn intercede inflammatory actions. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism that dictates the outcome of targeting epigenetic regulators for inflammatory disease is required for inflammation resolution. In this article, we elucidate the critical role of the nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway, JAK/STAT signaling pathway, and the NLRP3 inflammasome in chronic inflammatory diseases. And we formulate the relationship between inflammation, coronavirus disease 2019, and human cancers. Additionally, we review the mechanism of epigenetic modifications involved in inflammation and innate immune cells. All that matters is that we propose and discuss the rejuvenation potential of interventions that target epigenetic regulators and regulatory mechanisms for chronic inflammation‐associated diseases to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Yang Meng
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Lian Zhou
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Lei Qiu
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Heping Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Dan Su
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Kui‐Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
| | - Junhong Han
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
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Kawabe A, Yamagata K, Kato S, Nakano K, Sakata K, Tsukada YI, Ohmura K, Nakayamada S, Tanaka Y. Role of DNA dioxygenase Ten-Eleven translocation 3 (TET3) in rheumatoid arthritis progression. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:222. [PMID: 36114544 PMCID: PMC9479255 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02908-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients present with abnormal methylation patterns in their fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Given that DNA demethylation is critical for producing DNA methylation patterns, we hypothesized that DNA demethylation may facilitate RA progression. Therefore, we designed this study to examine the role of DNA dioxygenase family, Ten-Eleven translocation (TET1/2/3), in the pathological process of RA. Methods Synovial tissues and FLS were obtained from patients with RA and Osteoarthritis. K/BxN serum-induced arthritis was induced in Wild-type (WT) and TET3 heterozygous-deficient (TET3+/−) C57BL/6 mice. Results We found that both TET3 and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) were upregulated in synovitis tissues from RA patients and confirmed this upregulation in the cultured FLS derived from synovitis tissues. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) upregulated TET3 and 5hmC levels in cultured FLS, and the stimulated FLS exhibited high cell mobility with increased transcription of cellular migration-related factors such as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in a TET3-dependent manner. In addition, TET3 haploinsufficiency lowered RA progression in a mouse model of serum-induced arthritis. Conclusions Based on these findings, we can assume that TET3-mediated DNA demethylation acts as an epigenetic regulator of RA progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02908-5.
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Liu G, He G, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Wang L. Identification of SCRG1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Human Synovial Inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:893301. [PMID: 35720295 PMCID: PMC9204521 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.893301] [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: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Synovial inflammation of joint tissue is the most important cause of tissue damage, joint destruction, and disability and is associated with higher morbidity or mortality. Therefore, this study aims to identify key genes in osteoarthritis synovitis tissue to increase our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of osteoarthritis and identify new therapeutic targets. Five GEO datasets with a total of 41 normal synovial membrane tissues and 45 osteoarthritis synovial membrane samples were used for analysis, and seven common differential genes were identified. The classification model constructed by LASSO analysis showed that six genes including CDKN1A, FOSB, STMN2, SLC2A3, TAC, and SCRG1 can be used as biomarkers of osteoarthritis, and the SCRG1 gene shows importance in osteoarthritis. Furthermore, drug database enrichment found that these six DEGs may be the drug targets of synovitis in osteoarthritis, and Valproic Acid CTD 00006977 may be a potential targeted therapeutic drug of SCRG1. Spearman correlation analysis was performed on the SCRG1 gene, and 27 genes with consistent expression were obtained. Functional analysis showed that 27 genes were mainly involved in metabolism, complement, antigen presentation, apoptosis, and regulation of immune pathways. The co-regulatory network of TFs-miRNA suggested that the SCRG1 gene may be regulated by hsa-miR-363-3p miRNA. In conclusion, SCRG1, as a diagnostic marker of osteoarthritis, co-regulates immune-related pathways through the interaction of related proteins, playing an important role in the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis, which may be a novel drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Academy of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guisong He
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Academy of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongmin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Academy of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Academy of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Chang C, Xu L, Zhang R, Jin Y, Jiang P, Wei K, Xu L, Shi Y, Zhao J, Xiong M, Guo S, He D. MicroRNA-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility and Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:838884. [PMID: 35401568 PMCID: PMC8987113 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.838884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating the transcriptome and development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, a comprehensive map illustrating how miRNAs regulate transcripts, pathways, immune system differentiation, and their interactions with terminal cells such as fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), immune-cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts are still laking. In this review, we summarize the roles of miRNAs in the susceptibility, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and prognosis of RA. Numerous miRNAs are abnormally expressed in cells involved in RA and regulate target genes and pathways, including NF-κB, Fas-FasL, JAK-STAT, and mTOR pathways. We outline how functional genetic variants of miR-499 and miR-146a partly explain susceptibility to RA. By regulating gene expression, miRNAs affect T cell differentiation into diverse cell types, including Th17 and Treg cells, thus constituting promising gene therapy targets to modulate the immune system in RA. We summarize the diagnostic and prognostic potential of blood-circulating and cell-free miRNAs, highlighting the opportunity to combine these miRNAs with antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) to allow accurate diagnosis and prognosis, particularly for seronegative patients. Furthermore, we review the evidence implicating miRNAs as promising biomarkers of efficiency and response of, and resistance to, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the autotherapeutic effect of miRNA intervention as a step toward the development of miRNA-based anti-RA drugs. Collectively, the current evidence supports miRNAs as interesting targets to better understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of RA and design more efficient therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Chang
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingxia Xu
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Runrun Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yehua Jin
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wei
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linshuai Xu
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Shi
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianan Zhao
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Momiao Xiong
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shicheng Guo
- Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Shicheng Guo, ; Dongyi He,
| | - Dongyi He
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shicheng Guo, ; Dongyi He,
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12
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Epigenome editing and epigenetic gene regulation in disease phenotypes. KOREAN J CHEM ENG 2022; 39:1361-1367. [DOI: 10.1007/s11814-022-1076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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13
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Saad El-Din S, Ahmed Rashed L, Eissa M, Eldemery AB, Abdelkareem Mohammed O, Abdelgwad M. Potential Role of circRNA-HIPK3/microRNA-124a Crosstalk in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 10:527-536. [PMID: 35291619 PMCID: PMC8903361 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.10.4.527] [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] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNA-HIPK3 (CircHIPK3) has been shown to be aberrantly expressed in a variety of diseases, contributing to disease initiation and progression. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of the circHIPK3 RNA/microRNA-124a interaction in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS This study included 79 RA patients and 30 control individuals. The patients involved were classified according to the disease activity score (DAS28) into mild (24 patients), moderate (24 patients), and severe (31 patients). Serum samples were collected to estimate the relative gene expression of circHIPK3 RNA and its target gene microRNA-124a by quantitative real time-PCR. Moreover, ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Routine laboratory estimation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) was also done. RESULTS In all grades of RA groups, there was a significantly substantial elevation of circHIPK3 RNA gene expression, with subsequent downregulation of miRNA-124a when compared to the control group. CircHIPK3 and microRNA-124a expression have been established to be inversely linked. Also, estimation of serum levels of MCP-1, ESR, CRP, and RF exhibited a significant increase in all grades of RA as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION CircHIPK3 and microRNA-124a might be regarded as key players in the pathogenesis of RA. The cross-talk between them appears to be responsible for inducing joint inflammation by increasing MCP-1 production. Targeting circHIPK3 and microRNA-124a, and their downstream adaptor molecules, poses a new challenge for RA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Saad El-Din
- The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
- Corresponding author: Shimaa Saad El-Din; Tel: +201066002673; E-mail:
| | - Laila Ahmed Rashed
- The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mervat Eissa
- The Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Bahgat Eldemery
- The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, October 6: University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Omnia Abdelkareem Mohammed
- The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, October 6: University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Marwa Abdelgwad
- The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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14
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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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15
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Radu AF, Bungau SG. Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview. Cells 2021; 10:2857. [PMID: 34831081 PMCID: PMC8616326 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, primarily affecting the joints, then extra-articular manifestations can occur. Due to its complexity, which is based on an incompletely elucidated pathophysiological mechanism, good RA management requires a multidisciplinary approach. The clinical status of RA patients has improved in recent years due to medical advances in diagnosis and treatment, that have made it possible to reduce disease activity and prevent systemic complications. The most promising results were obtained by developing disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), the class to which conventional synthetic, biologic, and targeted synthetic drugs belong. Furthermore, ongoing drug development has led to obtaining molecules with improved efficacy and safety profiles, but further research is needed until RA turns into a curable pathology. In the present work, we offer a comprehensive perspective on the management of RA, by centralizing the existing data provided by significant literature, emphasizing the importance of an early and accurate diagnosis associated with optimal personalized treatment in order to achieve better outcomes for RA patients. In addition, this study suggests future research perspectives in the treatment of RA that could lead to higher efficacy and safety profiles and lower financial costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei-Flavius Radu
- Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
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16
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Zeng Y, Zhao K, Oros Klein K, Shao X, Fritzler MJ, Hudson M, Colmegna I, Pastinen T, Bernatsky S, Greenwood CMT. Thousands of CpGs Show DNA Methylation Differences in ACPA-Positive Individuals. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1349. [PMID: 34573331 PMCID: PMC8472734 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are often observed prior to a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We undertook a replication study to confirm CpG sites showing evidence of differential methylation in subjects positive vs. negative for ACPA, in a new subset of 112 individuals sampled from the population cohort and biobank CARTaGENE in Quebec, Canada. Targeted custom capture bisulfite sequencing was conducted at approximately 5.3 million CpGs located in regulatory or hypomethylated regions from whole blood; library and protocol improvements had been instituted between the original and this replication study, enabling better coverage and additional identification of differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Using binomial regression models, we identified 19,472 ACPA-associated differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs), of which 430 overlapped with the 1909 DMCs reported by the original study; 814 DMRs of relevance were clustered by grouping adjacent DMCs into regions. Furthermore, we performed an additional integrative analysis by looking at the DMRs that overlap with RA related loci published in the GWAS Catalog, and protein-coding genes associated with these DMRs were enriched in the biological process of cell adhesion and involved in immune-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Zeng
- PhD Program in Quantitative Life Sciences, Interfaculty Studies, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1E3, Canada;
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (K.Z.); (K.O.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Kaiqiong Zhao
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (K.Z.); (K.O.K.); (M.H.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A2, Canada
| | - Kathleen Oros Klein
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (K.Z.); (K.O.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Xiaojian Shao
- Digital Technologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada;
| | - Marvin J. Fritzler
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Marie Hudson
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (K.Z.); (K.O.K.); (M.H.)
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.C.); (S.B.)
- Division of Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Inés Colmegna
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.C.); (S.B.)
- Division of Rheumatology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada;
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Sasha Bernatsky
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.C.); (S.B.)
- Division of Rheumatology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Celia M. T. Greenwood
- PhD Program in Quantitative Life Sciences, Interfaculty Studies, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1E3, Canada;
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (K.Z.); (K.O.K.); (M.H.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A2, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada;
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada
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17
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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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18
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Wajda A, Sivitskaya L, Paradowska-Gorycka A. Application of NGS Technology in Understanding the Pathology of Autoimmune Diseases. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3334. [PMID: 34362117 PMCID: PMC8348854 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153334] [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: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
NGS technologies have transformed clinical diagnostics and broadly used from neonatal emergencies to adult conditions where the diagnosis cannot be made based on clinical symptoms. Autoimmune diseases reveal complicate molecular background and traditional methods could not fully capture them. Certainly, NGS technologies meet the needs of modern exploratory research, diagnostic and pharmacotherapy. Therefore, the main purpose of this review was to briefly present the application of NGS technology used in recent years in the understanding of autoimmune diseases paying particular attention to autoimmune connective tissue diseases. The main issues are presented in four parts: (a) panels, whole-genome and -exome sequencing (WGS and WES) in diagnostic, (b) Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) as a diagnostic tool, (c) RNAseq, (d) microRNA and (f) microbiome. Although all these areas of research are extensive, it seems that epigenetic impact on the development of systemic autoimmune diseases will set trends for future studies on this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wajda
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Larysa Sivitskaya
- Institute of Genetics and Cytology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 220072 Minsk, Belarus
| | - Agnieszka Paradowska-Gorycka
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
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19
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Li Yim AYF, Ferrero E, Maratou K, Lewis HD, Royal G, Tough DF, Larminie C, Mannens MMAM, Henneman P, de Jonge WJ, van de Sande MGH, Gerlag DM, Prinjha RK, Tak PP. Novel Insights Into Rheumatoid Arthritis Through Characterization of Concordant Changes in DNA Methylation and Gene Expression in Synovial Biopsies of Patients With Differing Numbers of Swollen Joints. Front Immunol 2021; 12:651475. [PMID: 33968050 PMCID: PMC8100206 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.651475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we sought to characterize synovial tissue obtained from individuals with arthralgia and disease-specific auto-antibodies and patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA), by applying an integrative multi-omics approach where we investigated differences at the level of DNA methylation and gene expression in relation to disease pathogenesis. We performed concurrent whole-genome bisulphite sequencing and RNA-Sequencing on synovial tissue obtained from the knee and ankle from 4 auto-antibody positive arthralgia patients and thirteen RA patients. Through multi-omics factor analysis we observed that the latent factor explaining the variance in gene expression and DNA methylation was associated with Swollen Joint Count 66 (SJC66), with patients with SJC66 of 9 or more displaying separation from the rest. Interrogating these observed differences revealed activation of the immune response as well as dysregulation of cell adhesion pathways at the level of both DNA methylation and gene expression. We observed differences for 59 genes in particular at the level of both transcript expression and DNA methylation. Our results highlight the utility of genome-wide multi-omics profiling of synovial samples for improved understanding of changes associated with disease spread in arthralgia and RA patients, and point to novel candidate targets for the treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Y. F. Li Yim
- R&D GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcel M. A. M. Mannens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter Henneman
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wouter J. de Jonge
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, University Clinic of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marleen G. H. van de Sande
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Paul P. Tak
- R&D GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, United Kingdom
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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20
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Tsuchiya H, Ota M, Fujio K. Multiomics landscape of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis. Inflamm Regen 2021; 41:7. [PMID: 33641680 PMCID: PMC7919303 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-021-00157-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by tumor-like hyperplasia and inflammation of the synovium, which causes synovial cell invasion into the bone and cartilage. In RA pathogenesis, various molecules in effector cells (i.e., immune cells and mesenchymal cells) are dysregulated by genetic and environmental factors. Synovial fibroblasts (SFs), the most abundant resident mesenchymal cells in the synovium, are the major local effectors of the destructive joint inflammation and exert their effects through the pathogenic production of molecules such as interleukin-6. MAIN BODY To date, more than 100 RA susceptibility loci have been identified in genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and finding novel therapeutic targets utilizing genome analysis is considered a promising approach because some candidate causal genes identified by GWASs have previously been established as therapeutic targets. For further exploration of RA-responsible cells and cell type-specific therapeutic targets, integrated analysis (or functional genome analysis) of the genome and intermediate traits (e.g., transcriptome and epigenome) is crucial. CONCLUSION This review builds on the existing knowledge regarding the epigenomic abnormalities in RASFs and discusses the recent advances in single-cell analysis, highlighting the prospects of SFs as targets for safer and more effective therapies against RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Tsuchiya
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Mineto Ota
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.,Department of Functional Genomics and Immunological Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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21
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Latin American Genes: The Great Forgotten in Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10040196. [PMID: 33114702 PMCID: PMC7711650 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful implementation of personalized medicine will rely on the integration of information obtained at the level of populations with the specific biological, genetic, and clinical characteristics of an individual. However, because genome-wide association studies tend to focus on populations of European descent, there is a wide gap to bridge between Caucasian and non-Caucasian populations before personalized medicine can be fully implemented, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not an exception. In this review, we discuss advances in our understanding of genetic determinants of RA risk among global populations, with a focus on the Latin American population. Geographically restricted genetic diversity may have important implications for health and disease that will remain unknown until genetic association studies have been extended to include Latin American and other currently under-represented ancestries. The next few years will witness many breakthroughs in personalized medicine, including applications for common diseases and risk stratification instruments for targeted prevention/intervention strategies. Not all of these applications may be extrapolated from the Caucasian experience to Latin American or other under-represented populations.
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22
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Abstract
Effects of stresses associated with extremely preterm birth may be biologically "recorded" in the genomes of individuals born preterm via changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns. Genome-wide DNAm profiles were examined in buccal epithelial cells from 45 adults born at extremely low birth weight (ELBW; ≤1000 g) in the oldest known cohort of prospectively followed ELBW survivors (Mage = 32.35 years, 17 male), and 47 normal birth weight (NBW; ≥2500 g) control adults (Mage = 32.43 years, 20 male). Sex differences in DNAm profiles were found in both birth weight groups, but they were greatly enhanced in the ELBW group (77,895 loci) versus the NBW group (3,424 loci), suggesting synergistic effects of extreme prenatal adversity and sex on adult DNAm profiles. In men, DNAm profiles differed by birth weight group at 1,354 loci on 694 unique genes. Only two loci on two genes distinguished between ELBW and NBW women. Gene ontology (GO) and network analyses indicated that loci differentiating between ELBW and NBW men were abundant in genes within biological pathways related to neuronal development, synaptic transportation, metabolic regulation, and cellular regulation. Findings suggest increased sensitivity of males to long-term epigenetic effects of extremely preterm birth. Group differences are discussed in relation to particular gene functions.
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Tavallaee G, Rockel JS, Lively S, Kapoor M. MicroRNAs in Synovial Pathology Associated With Osteoarthritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:376. [PMID: 32850892 PMCID: PMC7431695 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, a disease that affects the entire joint. The relative involvement of each tissue, and their interactions, add to the complexity of OA, hampering our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the generation of a disease modifying therapy. The synovium is essential in maintaining joint homeostasis, and pathologies associated with the synovium contribute to joint destruction, pain and stiffness in OA. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators dysregulated in OA tissues including the synovium. MiRNAs are important contributors to OA synovial changes that have the potential to improve our understanding of OA and to act as novel therapeutic targets. The purpose of this review is to summarize and integrate current published literature investigating the roles that miRNAs play in OA-related synovial pathologies including inflammation, matrix deposition and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Tavallaee
- Arthritis Program, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason S. Rockel
- Arthritis Program, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Starlee Lively
- Arthritis Program, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohit Kapoor
- Arthritis Program, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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24
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Reyes-Long S, Cortes-Altamirano JL, Clavijio-Cornejo D, Gutiérrez M, Bertolazzi C, Bandala C, Pineda C, Alfaro-Rodríguez A. Nociceptive related microRNAs and their role in rheumatoid arthritis. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:7265-7272. [PMID: 32740794 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05700-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology and a global incidence around 1%, a positive family history increases the risk of RA roughly three to five times. Pain is one of the first symptoms to appear in this disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) belong to the class of small non-coding RNAs; they regulate multiple cellular processes including embryonic development, cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis among others. A great deal of evidence points to the employment of miRNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers for several pathologies. The main objective of this Review is to assess how miRNAs participate in the pathogenesis of RA. Two advanced searches were conducted in databases, one using "micro-RNA" and "rheumatoid arthritis" as key words, and another one with "micro-RNA", "pain" and "nociception". In this Review, we describe how six miRNAs: miR-16-5p, miR-23b-3b, miR-124-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p and miR-223-3p, involved in the modulation and transmission of the nociceptive input are unregulated in RA patients. Key molecular pathways involved in nociception, inflammation and autoimmune responses, are regulated by these miRNAs; the NF-κB, TNF-α, interleukins and TLR4. By means of gene repression, the miRNAs here described modulate the nociceptive process as well as the autoimmune response that characterize this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Reyes-Long
- Department of Neurosciences, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Calzada México-Xochimilco 289, Col. Arenal de Guadalupe, Del. Tlalpan, 14389, Mexico City, Mexico.,Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Salvador Díaz Mirón, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, 11340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J L Cortes-Altamirano
- Department of Neurosciences, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Calzada México-Xochimilco 289, Col. Arenal de Guadalupe, Del. Tlalpan, 14389, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - D Clavijio-Cornejo
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Rheumatic Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M Gutiérrez
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Rheumatic Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - C Bertolazzi
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Rheumatic Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - C Bandala
- Department of Neurosciences, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Calzada México-Xochimilco 289, Col. Arenal de Guadalupe, Del. Tlalpan, 14389, Mexico City, Mexico.,Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Salvador Díaz Mirón, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, 11340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - C Pineda
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Rheumatic Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Alfaro-Rodríguez
- Department of Neurosciences, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra", Calzada México-Xochimilco 289, Col. Arenal de Guadalupe, Del. Tlalpan, 14389, Mexico City, Mexico.
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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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Methylation Pattern of the SOCS3 and IL6R Promoters in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Int J Inflam 2020; 2020:8394659. [PMID: 32292581 PMCID: PMC7150677 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8394659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays an essential function in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), mainly through its proinflammatory effect, which may lead to joint destruction. The genes encoding IL-6 receptor (IL6R) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) play a key role in the IL-6 signaling pathway, but their epigenetic regulation remains unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate how the presence of methylation in the SOCS3 and IL6R promoters is associated with the morbidity and severity of RA. A total of 146 unrelated individuals, 122 with RA and 24 healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. All subjects were genotyped with regard to the rs4969168 and rs4969170 polymorphisms in the SOCS3 gene and the rs2228145 and rs4129267 polymorphisms in IL6R. The methylation study included 52 patients with RA and 24 healthy controls. Qualitative real-time methylation-specific PCR was used to evaluate methylation status. We found no differences between patients and healthy controls in the methylation pattern in the IL6R and SOCS3 promoter regions and in variants frequency. The methylation profiles of the SOCS3 and IL6R promoters do not support the hypothesis that the genes SOCS3 and IL6R involved in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway are epigenetically deregulated in whole blood.
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Differential CpG DNA methylation in peripheral naïve CD4 + T-cells in early rheumatoid arthritis patients. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:54. [PMID: 32264938 PMCID: PMC7137446 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00837-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genetic risk associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) includes genes regulating DNA methylation, one of the hallmarks of epigenetic re-programing, as well as many T-cell genes, with a strong MHC association, pointing to immunogenetic mechanisms as disease triggers leading to chronicity. The aim of our study was to explore DNA methylation in early, drug-naïve RA patients, towards a better understanding of early events in pathogenesis. Result Monocytes, naïve and memory CD4+ T-cells were sorted from 6 healthy controls and 10 RA patients. DNA methylation was assessed using a genome-wide Illumina 450K CpG promoter array. Differential methylation was confirmed using bisulfite sequencing for a specific gene promoter, ELISA for several cytokines and flow cytometry for cell surface markers. Differentially methylated (DM) CpGs were observed in 1047 genes in naïve CD4+ T-cells, 913 in memory cells and was minimal in monocytes with only 177 genes. Naive CD4+ T-cells were further investigated as presenting differential methylation in the promoter of > 500 genes associated with several disease-relevant pathways, including many cytokines and their receptors. We confirmed hypomethylation of a region of the TNF-alpha gene in early RA and differential expression of 3 cytokines (IL21, IL34 and RANKL). Using a bioinformatics package (DMRcate) and an in-house analysis based on differences in β values, we established lists of DM genes between health and RA. Publicly available gene expression data were interrogated to confirm differential expression of over 70 DM genes. The lists of DM genes were further investigated based on a functional relationship database analysis, which pointed to an IL6/JAK1/STAT3 node, related to TNF-signalling and engagement in Th17 cell differentiation amongst many pathways. Five DM genes for cell surface markers (CD4, IL6R, IL2RA/CD25, CD62L, CXCR4) were investigated towards identifying subpopulations of CD4+ T-cells undergoing these modifications and pointed to a subset of naïve T-cells, with high levels of CD4, IL2R, and CXCR4, but reduction and loss of IL6R and CD62L, respectively. Conclusion Our data provided novel conceptual advances in the understanding of early RA pathogenesis, with implications for early treatment and prevention.
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Lopez-Pedrera C, Barbarroja N, Patiño-Trives AM, Luque-Tévar M, Torres-Granados C, Aguirre-Zamorano MA, Collantes-Estevez E, Pérez-Sánchez C. Role of microRNAs in the Development of Cardiovascular Disease in Systemic Autoimmune Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2012. [PMID: 32188016 PMCID: PMC7139533 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are the systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) most associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular (CV) events. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in SADs results from a complex interaction between traditional CV-risk factors, immune deregulation and disease activity. Oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory/prothrombotic mediators (cytokines/chemokines, adipokines, proteases, adhesion-receptors, NETosis-derived-products, and intracellular-signaling molecules) have been implicated in these vascular pathologies. Genetic and genomic analyses further allowed the identification of signatures explaining the pro-atherothrombotic profiles in RA, SLE and APS. However, gene modulation has left significant gaps in our understanding of CV co-morbidities in SADs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as key post-transcriptional regulators of a suite of signaling pathways and pathophysiological effects. Abnormalities in high number of miRNA and their associated functions have been described in several SADs, suggesting their involvement in the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis in the setting of RA, SLE and APS. This review focusses on recent insights into the potential role of miRNAs both, as clinical biomarkers of atherosclerosis and thrombosis in SADs, and as therapeutic targets in the regulation of the most influential processes that govern those disorders, highlighting the potential diagnostic and therapeutic properties of miRNAs in the management of CVD.
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Abstract
Cells, the basic units of life, have striking differences at transcriptomic, proteomic and epigenomic levels across tissues, organs, organ systems and organisms. The coordination of individual immune cells is essential for the generation of effective immune responses to pathogens while immune tolerance is maintained to protect the host. In rheumatic diseases, when immune responses are dysregulated, pathologically important cells might represent only a small fraction of the immune system. Interrogation of the contributions of individual immune cells to pathogenesis and disease progression should therefore reveal important insights into the complicated aetiology of rheumatic diseases. Technological advances are enabling the high-dimensional dissection of single cells at multiple omics levels, which could facilitate the identification of dysregulated molecular mechanisms in patients with rheumatic diseases and the discovery of new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. The single-cell technologies that have been developed over the past decade and the experimental platforms that enable multi-omics integrative analyses have already made inroads into immunology-related fields of study and have potential for use in rheumatology. Layers of omics data derived from single cells are likely to fundamentally change our understanding of the molecular pathways that underpin the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases.
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31
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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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Lymphocyte DNA methylation mediates genetic risk at shared immune-mediated disease loci. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 145:1438-1451. [PMID: 31945409 PMCID: PMC7201180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.12.910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Defining regulatory mechanisms through which noncoding risk variants influence the cell-mediated pathogenesis of immune-mediated disease (IMD) has emerged as a priority in the post–genome-wide association study era. Objectives With a focus on rheumatoid arthritis, we sought new insight into genetic mechanisms of adaptive immune dysregulation to help prioritize molecular pathways for targeting in this and related immune pathologies. Methods Whole-genome methylation and transcriptional data from isolated CD4+ T cells and B cells of more than 100 genotyped and phenotyped patients with inflammatory arthritis, all of whom were naive to immunomodulatory treatments, were obtained. Analysis integrated these comprehensive data with genome-wide association study findings across IMDs and other publicly available resources. Results We provide strong evidence that disease-associated DNA variants regulate cis-CpG methylation in CD4+ T and/or B cells at 37% RA loci. Using paired, cell-specific transcriptomic data and causal inference testing, we identify examples where site-specific DNA methylation in turn mediates gene expression, including FCRL3 in both cell types and ORMDL3/GSDMB, IL6ST/ANKRD55, and JAZF1 in CD4+ T cells. A number of genes regulated in this way highlight mechanisms common to RA and other IMDs including multiple sclerosis and asthma, in turn distinguishing them from osteoarthritis, a primarily degenerative disease. Finally, we corroborate the observed effects experimentally. Conclusions Our observations highlight important mechanisms of genetic risk in RA and the wider context of immune dysregulation. They confirm the utility of DNA methylation profiling as a tool for causal gene prioritization and, potentially, therapeutic targeting in complex IMD.
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Zhang L, Wu H, Zhao M, Lu Q. Identifying the differentially expressed microRNAs in autoimmunity: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Autoimmunity 2020; 53:122-136. [DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2019.1710135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lian Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
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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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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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36
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Tahir RA, Zheng D, Nazir A, Qing H. A review of computational algorithms for CpG islands detection. J Biosci 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-019-9961-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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37
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Evangelatos G, Fragoulis GE, Koulouri V, Lambrou GI. MicroRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis: From pathogenesis to clinical impact. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102391. [PMID: 31520804 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, many epigenetic mechanisms that contribute in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders have been revealed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding, RNA molecules that bind to messenger RNAs and disrupt the transcription of target genes. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease in which a plethora of epigenetic changes take place. Current research on RA epigenetics has focused mainly on miRNAs. Genetic variance of some miRNA genes, especially miR-499, might predispose an individual to RA development. Additionally, altered expression of many miRNAs has been discovered in several cells, tissues and body fluids in patients with RA. MiRNAs expression also differs depending on disease's stage and activity. Serum miR-22 and miR-103a might predict RA development in susceptible individuals (pre-RA), while serum miR-16, miR-24, miR-125a and miR-223 levels are altered in early RA (disease duration <12 months) patients compared to established RA or healthy individuals. Moreover, serum miR-223 levels have been associated with RA activity and disease relapse. What is more, serum levels of several miRNAs, including miR-125b and miR-223, could be used to predict response to RA treatment. Finally, miRNA analogs or antagonists have been used as therapeutic regimens in experimental arthritis models and have demonstrated promising results. In conclusion, the research on the miRNA alterations in RA sheds light to several aspects of RA pathogenesis, introduces new biomarkers for RA diagnosis and treatment response prediction and offers the opportunity to discover new, targeted drugs for patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Evangelatos
- Rheumatology Department, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital (NMTS), Athens, Greece; Postgraduate Program "Metabolic Bone Diseases", School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
| | - George E Fragoulis
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Vassiliki Koulouri
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - George I Lambrou
- Postgraduate Program "Metabolic Bone Diseases", School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Choremeio Research Laboratory, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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38
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Analysis of the epigenetic regulation of TNF receptor superfamily 25 (TNFRSF25) in rheumatoid arthritis. GENE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2019.100424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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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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40
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Abstract
Increasing numbers of studies implicate abnormal DNA methylation in cancer and many non-malignant diseases. This is consistent with numerous findings about differentiation-associated changes in DNA methylation at promoters, enhancers, gene bodies, and sites that control higher-order chromatin structure. Abnormal increases or decreases in DNA methylation contribute to or are markers for cancer formation and tumour progression. Aberrant DNA methylation is also associated with neurological diseases, immunological diseases, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis. In this review, I discuss DNA hypermethylation in disease and its interrelationships with normal development as well as proposed mechanisms for the origin of and pathogenic consequences of disease-associated hypermethylation. Disease-linked DNA hypermethylation can help drive oncogenesis partly by its effects on cancer stem cells and by the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP); atherosclerosis by disease-related cell transdifferentiation; autoimmune and neurological diseases through abnormal perturbations of cell memory; and diverse age-associated diseases by age-related accumulation of epigenetic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Ehrlich
- Tulane Cancer Center and Tulane Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Tulane University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans , LA , USA
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41
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Khan H, Sureda A, Belwal T, Çetinkaya S, Süntar İ, Tejada S, Devkota HP, Ullah H, Aschner M. Polyphenols in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:647-657. [PMID: 31059841 PMCID: PMC6588481 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In addition to protecting body from infections and diseases, the immune system produces auto-antibodies that can cause complex autoimmune disorders, such as Type I diabetes, primary biliary cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, to name a few. In such cases, the immune system fails to recognize between foreign agents and its own body cells. Different factors, such as genetic factors (CD25, STAT4), epigenetic factors (DNA methylation, histone modifications) and environmental factors (xenobiotics, drugs, hormones) trigger autoimmunity. Glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressive and biological agents are currently used to manage autoimmune diseases of different origins. However, complete cure remains elusive. Many dietary and natural products including polyphenols have been widely studied as possible alternative treatment strategies for the management of autoimmune disorders. Polyphenols possess a wide-range of pharmacological and therapeutic properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. As immunomodulatory agents, polyphenols are emerging pharmaceutical tools for management of various autoimmune disorders including vitiligo, ulcerative colitis and multiple sclerosis (MS). Polyphenols activate intracellular pathways such as arachidonic acid dependent pathway, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway and epigenetic modulation, which regulate the host's immune response. This timely review discusses putative points of action of polyphenols in autoimmune diseases, characterizing their efficacy and safety as therapeutic agents in managing autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200, KPK, Pakistan; University of Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands & CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Tarun Belwal
- G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sümeyra Çetinkaya
- Biotechnology Research Center of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 06330, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İpek Süntar
- Department of Pharmacognosy Faculty of Pharmacy Gazi University, 06330 Etiler Ankara, Turkey
| | - Silvia Tejada
- Laboratory of neurophysiology, Biology Department & CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Hari Prasad Devkota
- School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, 5-1 Oe-honmachi, Chuo ku, Kumamoto 862-0973, Japan; Program for Leading Graduate Schools, Health life science: Interdisciplinary and Glocal Oriented (HIGO) Program, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200, KPK, Pakistan
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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42
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Dunaeva M, Blom J, Thurlings R, Pruijn GJM. Circulating serum miR-223-3p and miR-16-5p as possible biomarkers of early rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Immunol 2019; 193:376-385. [PMID: 29892977 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs have emerged as possible biomarkers for various diseases including autoimmune diseases. A number of studies have demonstrated that the expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) is dysregulated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). So far, all studies on miRNAs in RA patients have been performed using either microarray or reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses. Compared to RT-qPCR and microarray analyses, next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows the genome-wide analysis of small RNAs and the differentiation between miRNAs that differ by a single nucleotide. The application of NGS to the analysis of small RNAs circulating in sera of RA patients has not been reported. This study provides a global overview of the circulating small RNAs in the sera of RA patients and healthy subjects and identifies differences between these groups using NGS. Several classes of small RNAs, including hY RNA-derived fragments, tRNA-derived fragments and miRNAs, were determined. Differentially expressed individual small RNAs were verified by RT-qPCR. The levels of two miRNAs, miR-223-3p and miR-16-5p, were significantly lower in the sera from early RA patients than in those from established RA patients and healthy controls. In contrast, the serum level of miR-16-5p was higher in patients with established RA than in healthy control samples. These miRNAs may not only serve as biomarkers, but may also shed more light on the pathophysiology of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dunaeva
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J Blom
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - R Thurlings
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - G J M Pruijn
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Institute for Molecules and Materials and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Nemtsova MV, Zaletaev DV, Bure IV, Mikhaylenko DS, Kuznetsova EB, Alekseeva EA, Beloukhova MI, Deviatkin AA, Lukashev AN, Zamyatnin AA. Epigenetic Changes in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Genet 2019; 10:570. [PMID: 31258550 PMCID: PMC6587113 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects about 1% of the world’s population. The etiology of RA remains unknown. It is considered to occur in the presence of genetic and environmental factors. An increasing body of evidence pinpoints that epigenetic modifications play an important role in the regulation of RA pathogenesis. Epigenetics causes heritable phenotype changes that are not determined by changes in the DNA sequence. The major epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone proteins modifications and changes in gene expression caused by microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs. These modifications are reversible and could be modulated by diet, drugs, and other environmental factors. Specific changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications and abnormal expression of non-coding RNAs associated with RA have already been identified. This review focuses on the role of these multiple epigenetic factors in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease, not only in synovial fibroblasts, immune cells, but also in the peripheral blood of patients with RA, which clearly shows their high diagnostic potential and promising targets for therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V Nemtsova
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Epigenetics, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Zaletaev
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Epigenetics, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V Bure
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry S Mikhaylenko
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Epigenetics, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina B Kuznetsova
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Epigenetics, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Alekseeva
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Epigenetics, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina I Beloukhova
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei A Deviatkin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander N Lukashev
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.,Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.,A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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Seyhan AA, Carini C. Are innovation and new technologies in precision medicine paving a new era in patients centric care? J Transl Med 2019; 17:114. [PMID: 30953518 PMCID: PMC6451233 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1864-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare is undergoing a transformation, and it is imperative to leverage new technologies to generate new data and support the advent of precision medicine (PM). Recent scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements have improved our understanding of disease pathogenesis and changed the way we diagnose and treat disease leading to more precise, predictable and powerful health care that is customized for the individual patient. Genetic, genomics, and epigenetic alterations appear to be contributing to different diseases. Deep clinical phenotyping, combined with advanced molecular phenotypic profiling, enables the construction of causal network models in which a genomic region is proposed to influence the levels of transcripts, proteins, and metabolites. Phenotypic analysis bears great importance to elucidat the pathophysiology of networks at the molecular and cellular level. Digital biomarkers (BMs) can have several applications beyond clinical trials in diagnostics-to identify patients affected by a disease or to guide treatment. Digital BMs present a big opportunity to measure clinical endpoints in a remote, objective and unbiased manner. However, the use of "omics" technologies and large sample sizes have generated massive amounts of data sets, and their analyses have become a major bottleneck requiring sophisticated computational and statistical methods. With the wealth of information for different diseases and its link to intrinsic biology, the challenge is now to turn the multi-parametric taxonomic classification of a disease into better clinical decision-making by more precisely defining a disease. As a result, the big data revolution has provided an opportunity to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to this vast data set. The advancements in digital health opportunities have also arisen numerous questions and concerns on the future of healthcare practices in particular with what regards the reliability of AI diagnostic tools, the impact on clinical practice and vulnerability of algorithms. AI, machine learning algorithms, computational biology, and digital BMs will offer an opportunity to translate new data into actionable information thus, allowing earlier diagnosis and precise treatment options. A better understanding and cohesiveness of the different components of the knowledge network is a must to fully exploit the potential of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila A Seyhan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA. .,Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
| | - Claudio Carini
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 8WA, UK
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45
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Ramos PS, Zimmerman KD, Haddad S, Langefeld CD, Medsger TA, Feghali-Bostwick CA. Integrative analysis of DNA methylation in discordant twins unveils distinct architectures of systemic sclerosis subsets. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:58. [PMID: 30947741 PMCID: PMC6449959 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0652-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune fibrosing disease with an incompletely understood genetic and non-genetic etiology. Defining its etiology is important to allow the development of effective predictive, preventative, and therapeutic strategies. We conducted this epigenomic study to investigate the contributions of DNA methylation to the etiology of SSc while minimizing confounding due to genetic heterogeneity. Methods Genomic methylation in whole blood from 27 twin pairs discordant for SSc was assayed over 450 K CpG sites. In silico integration with reported differentially methylated cytosines, differentially expressed genes, and regulatory annotation was conducted to validate and interpret the results. Results A total of 153 unique cytosines in limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and 266 distinct sites in diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) showed suggestive differential methylation levels in affected twins. Integration with available data revealed 76 CpGs that were also differentially methylated in blood cells from lupus patients, suggesting their role as potential epigenetic blood biomarkers of autoimmunity. It also revealed 27 genes with concomitant differential expression in blood from SSc patients, including IFI44L and RSAD2. Regulatory annotation revealed that dcSSc-associated CpGs (but not lcSSc) are enriched at Encyclopedia of DNA Elements-, Roadmap-, and BLUEPRINT-derived regulatory regions, supporting their potential role in disease presentation. Notably, the predominant enrichment of regulatory regions in monocytes and macrophages is consistent with the role of these cells in fibrosis, suggesting that the observed cellular dysregulation might be, at least partly, due to altered epigenetic mechanisms of these cells in dcSSc. Conclusions These data implicate epigenetic changes in the pathogenesis of SSc and suggest functional mechanisms in SSc etiology. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0652-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula S Ramos
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kip D Zimmerman
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Center for Public Health Genomics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Carl D Langefeld
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Center for Public Health Genomics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Thomas A Medsger
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carol A Feghali-Bostwick
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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46
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Mazzone R, Zwergel C, Artico M, Taurone S, Ralli M, Greco A, Mai A. The emerging role of epigenetics in human autoimmune disorders. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:34. [PMID: 30808407 PMCID: PMC6390373 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0632-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic pathways play a pivotal role in the development and function of the immune system. Over the last decade, a growing body of studies has been published out seeking to explain a correlation between epigenetic modifications and the development of autoimmune disorders. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs, are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases mainly by regulating gene expression. This paper reviews the importance of epigenetic alterations during the development of the most prevalent human autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc), Sjogren’s syndrome (SS), autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), and type 1 diabetes (T1D), aiming to provide new insights in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and the possibility to develop novel therapeutic approaches targeting the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Mazzone
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Samanta Taurone
- IRCCS G.B. Bietti Foundation, Via Livenza, 3, 00198, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy. .,Pasteur Institute - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Liu C, Pan A, Chen X, Tu J, Xia X, Sun L. MiR-5571-3p and miR-135b-5p, derived from analyses of microRNA profile sequencing, correlate with increased disease risk and activity of rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:1753-1765. [PMID: 30707326 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-018-04417-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in synovium tissues of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by RNA sequencing and to evaluate the values of dysregulated miRNAs in RA diagnosis and monitoring. METHODS Thirty RA patients who underwent knee arthroscopy and 30 controls with knee trauma who underwent surgery were consecutively recruited, and synovium tissue samples of both groups were obtained during surgeries. In the exploration part, miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of 3 RA samples and 3 control samples were detected using RNA sequencing then followed by bioinformatic analyses. In the validation part, 5 candidate miRNA levels were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 30 RA patients and 30 control patients. RESULTS In the exploration part, 78 miRNAs and 1582 mRNAs were upregulated while 40 miRNAs and 1295 mRNAs were downregulated in synovium tissue samples of RA patients compared with those of controls. Furthermore, enrichment analyses revealed that these dysregulated miRNAs and mRNAs were mainly implicated in immune activities and inflammatory diseases such as leukocyte migration, complement activation, and RA. In the validation part, qPCR assay revealed that miR-5571-3p and miR-135b-5p expressions were increased in RA patients compared with those in controls and disclosed good predictive values for RA risk with high area under the curves (AUCs). Besides, both miR-5571-3p and miR-135b-5p levels were positively correlated with disease activity and inflammation level of RA. CONCLUSIONS Analyses of miRNA expression profiles by sequencing indicate that miR-5571-3p and miR-135b-5p correlate with increased RA risk and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cailong Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Axiao Pan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jianxin Tu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaoru Xia
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, South Baixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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Shervington L, Darekar A, Shaikh M, Mathews R, Shervington A. Identifying Reliable Diagnostic/Predictive Biomarkers for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Biomark Insights 2018; 13:1177271918801005. [PMID: 30262983 PMCID: PMC6153528 DOI: 10.1177/1177271918801005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and objective: Elevated C-reactive protein is usually a good indicator of rheumatoid
arthritis (RA); however, there are limitations that compromise its
specificity and therefore there is an urgent need to identify more reliable
diagnostic biomarkers to detect early stages of RA. In addition, identifying
the correct therapeutic biomarker for the treatment of RA using methotrexate
(MTX) would greatly increase the benefits experienced by the patients. Materials and methods: Primary normal synoviocytes human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS) and its
phenotype rheumatic HFLS-RA cells were chosen for this study. The
HFLS-RA–untreated and MTX-treated cells were subjected to microarray
analysis. Results: Microarray data identified 74 differentially expressed genes. These genes
were mapped against an RA inflammatory pathway, shortlisting 10 candidate
genes. Gene expression profiling of the 10 genes were studied. Fold change
(FC) was calculated to determine the differential expression of the
samples. Discussion: The transcription profiles of the 10 candidate genes were highly induced in
HFLS-RA cells compared with HFLS cells. However, on treating the HFLS-RA
cells with MTX, the transcription profiles of these genes were highly
downregulated. The most significant expression FC difference between HFLS
and HFLS-RA (treated and untreated) was observed with HSPA6, MMP1,
MMP13, and TNFSF10 genes. Conclusions: The data from this study suggest the use of HSPA6, MMP1,
MMP13, and TNFSF10 gene expression profiles as
potential diagnostic biomarkers. In addition, these gene profiles can help
in predicting the therapeutic efficacy of MTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leroy Shervington
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | | | - Murassa Shaikh
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Roshini Mathews
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Amal Shervington
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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49
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Webster AP, Plant D, Ecker S, Zufferey F, Bell JT, Feber A, Paul DS, Beck S, Barton A, Williams FMK, Worthington J. Increased DNA methylation variability in rheumatoid arthritis-discordant monozygotic twins. Genome Med 2018; 10:64. [PMID: 30176915 PMCID: PMC6122744 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-018-0575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Epigenome-wide association studies can identify environmentally mediated epigenetic changes such as altered DNA methylation, which may also be influenced by genetic factors. To investigate possible contributions of DNA methylation to the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis with minimum confounding genetic heterogeneity, we investigated genome-wide DNA methylation in disease-discordant monozygotic twin pairs. METHODS Genome-wide DNA methylation was assessed in 79 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for rheumatoid arthritis using the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array (Illumina). Discordant twins were tested for both differential DNA methylation and methylation variability between rheumatoid arthritis and healthy twins. The methylation variability signature was then compared with methylation variants from studies of other autoimmune diseases and with an independent healthy population. RESULTS We have identified a differentially variable DNA methylation signature that suggests multiple stress response pathways may be involved in the aetiology of the disease. This methylation variability signature also highlighted potential epigenetic disruption of multiple RUNX3 transcription factor binding sites as being associated with disease development. Comparison with previously performed epigenome-wide association studies of rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes identified shared pathways for autoimmune disorders, suggesting that epigenetics plays a role in autoimmunity and offering the possibility of identifying new targets for intervention. CONCLUSIONS Through genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in disease-discordant monozygotic twins, we have identified a differentially variable DNA methylation signature, in the absence of differential methylation in rheumatoid arthritis. This finding supports the importance of epigenetic variability as an emerging component in autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy P Webster
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Genetics and Genomics, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. .,Department of Cancer Biology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Darren Plant
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academy of Health Sciences, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Simone Ecker
- Department of Cancer Biology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Flore Zufferey
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Feber
- Department of Cancer Biology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.,Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dirk S Paul
- MRC/BHF Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephan Beck
- Department of Cancer Biology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anne Barton
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Genetics and Genomics, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academy of Health Sciences, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Frances M K Williams
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jane Worthington
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Genetics and Genomics, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. .,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academy of Health Sciences, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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50
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Karouzakis E, Raza K, Kolling C, Buckley CD, Gay S, Filer A, Ospelt C. Analysis of early changes in DNA methylation in synovial fibroblasts of RA patients before diagnosis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7370. [PMID: 29743579 PMCID: PMC5943364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24240-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that is known to be altered in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF). Here, we compared the status of promoter DNA methylation of SF from patients with very early RA with SF from patients with resolving arthritis, fully established RA and from non-arthritic patients. DNA was hybridized to Infinium Human methylation 450k and 850k arrays and differential methylated genes and pathways were identified. We could identify a significant number of CpG sites that differed between the SF of different disease stages, showing that epigenetic changes in SF occur early in RA development. Principal component analysis confirmed that the different groups of SF were separated according to their DNA methylation state. Furthermore, pathway analysis showed that important functional pathways were altered in both very early and late RASF. By focusing our analysis on CpG sites in CpG islands within promoters, we identified genes that have significant hypermethylated promoters in very early RASF. Our data show that changes in DNA methylation differ in RASF compared to other forms of arthritis and occur at a very early, clinically yet unspecific stage of disease. The identified differential methylated genes might become valuable prognostic biomarkers for RA development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Karouzakis
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8952, Switzerland.
| | - Karim Raza
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK.,Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, West Bromwich, B71 4HJ, UK
| | | | - Christopher D Buckley
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Steffen Gay
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8952, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Filer
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK.,University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2 GW, UK
| | - Caroline Ospelt
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University of Zurich, Zurich, CH-8952, Switzerland
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