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Edalat SG, Gerber R, Houtman M, Lückgen J, Teixeira RL, Palacios Cisneros MDP, Pfanner T, Kuret T, Ižanc N, Micheroli R, Polido-Pereira J, Saraiva F, Lingam S, Burki K, Burja B, Pauli C, Rotar Ž, Tomšič M, Čučnik S, Fonseca JE, Distler O, Calado Â, Romão VC, Ospelt C, Sodin-Semrl S, Robinson MD, Frank Bertoncelj M. Molecular maps of synovial cells in inflammatory arthritis using an optimized synovial tissue dissociation protocol. iScience 2024; 27:109707. [PMID: 38832018 PMCID: PMC11144743 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we optimized the dissociation of synovial tissue biopsies for single-cell omics studies and created a single-cell atlas of human synovium in inflammatory arthritis. The optimized protocol allowed consistent isolation of highly viable cells from tiny fresh synovial biopsies, minimizing the synovial biopsy drop-out rate. The synovium scRNA-seq atlas contained over 100,000 unsorted synovial cells from 25 synovial tissues affected by inflammatory arthritis, including 16 structural, 11 lymphoid, and 15 myeloid cell clusters. This synovial cell map expanded the diversity of synovial cell types/states, detected synovial neutrophils, and broadened synovial endothelial cell classification. We revealed tissue-resident macrophage subsets with proposed matrix-sensing (FOLR2+COLEC12high) and iron-recycling (LYVE1+SLC40A1+) activities and identified fibroblast subsets with proposed functions in cartilage breakdown (SOD2highSAA1+SAA2+SDC4+) and extracellular matrix remodeling (SERPINE1+COL5A3+LOXL2+). Our study offers an efficient synovium dissociation method and a reference scRNA-seq resource, that advances the current understanding of synovial cell heterogeneity in inflammatory arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam G. Edalat
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Reto Gerber
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences and SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miranda Houtman
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | - Rui Lourenço Teixeira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon Academic Medical Center, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Tadeja Kuret
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nadja Ižanc
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Raphael Micheroli
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Joaquim Polido-Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon Academic Medical Center, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fernando Saraiva
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon Academic Medical Center, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Swathi Lingam
- Team PTA, BioMed X Institute, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristina Burki
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Blaž Burja
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Chantal Pauli
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Žiga Rotar
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Tomšič
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Saša Čučnik
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon Academic Medical Center, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Oliver Distler
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Ângelo Calado
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vasco C. Romão
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon Academic Medical Center, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Caroline Ospelt
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Snežna Sodin-Semrl
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Mark D. Robinson
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences and SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mojca Frank Bertoncelj
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences and SIB, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Damerau A, Rosenow E, Alkhoury D, Buttgereit F, Gaber T. Fibrotic pathways and fibroblast-like synoviocyte phenotypes in osteoarthritis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385006. [PMID: 38895122 PMCID: PMC11183113 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by osteophyte formation, cartilage degradation, and structural and cellular alterations of the synovial membrane. Activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) of the synovial membrane have been identified as key drivers, secreting humoral mediators that maintain inflammatory processes, proteases that cause cartilage and bone destruction, and factors that drive fibrotic processes. In normal tissue repair, fibrotic processes are terminated after the damage has been repaired. In fibrosis, tissue remodeling and wound healing are exaggerated and prolonged. Various stressors, including aging, joint instability, and inflammation, lead to structural damage of the joint and micro lesions within the synovial tissue. One result is the reduced production of synovial fluid (lubricants), which reduces the lubricity of the cartilage areas, leading to cartilage damage. In the synovial tissue, a wound-healing cascade is initiated by activating macrophages, Th2 cells, and FLS. The latter can be divided into two major populations. The destructive thymocyte differentiation antigen (THY)1─ phenotype is restricted to the synovial lining layer. In contrast, the THY1+ phenotype of the sublining layer is classified as an invasive one with immune effector function driving synovitis. The exact mechanisms involved in the transition of fibroblasts into a myofibroblast-like phenotype that drives fibrosis remain unclear. The review provides an overview of the phenotypes and spatial distribution of FLS in the synovial membrane of OA, describes the mechanisms of fibroblast into myofibroblast activation, and the metabolic alterations of myofibroblast-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Damerau
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Glucocorticoids - Bioenergetics - 3R Research Lab, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emely Rosenow
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dana Alkhoury
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Glucocorticoids - Bioenergetics - 3R Research Lab, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timo Gaber
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin, a Leibniz Institute, Glucocorticoids - Bioenergetics - 3R Research Lab, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Qian H, Deng C, Chen S, Zhang X, He Y, Lan J, Wang A, Shi G, Liu Y. Targeting pathogenic fibroblast-like synoviocyte subsets in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:103. [PMID: 38783357 PMCID: PMC11112866 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03343-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play a central role in RA pathogenesis and are the main cellular component in the inflamed synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). FLSs are emerging as promising new therapeutic targets in RA. However, fibroblasts perform many essential functions that are required for sustaining tissue homeostasis. Direct targeting of general fibroblast markers on FLSs is challenging because fibroblasts in other tissues might be altered and side effects such as reduced wound healing or fibrosis can occur. To date, no FLS-specific targeted therapies have been applied in the clinical management of RA. With the help of high-throughput technologies such as scRNA-seq in recent years, several specific pathogenic FLS subsets in RA have been identified. Understanding the characteristics of these pathogenic FLS clusters and the mechanisms that drive their differentiation can provide new insights into the development of novel FLS-targeting strategies for RA. Here, we discuss the pathogenic FLS subsets in RA that have been elucidated in recent years and potential strategies for targeting pathogenic FLSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Qian
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Chaoqiong Deng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Shiju Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Xinwei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Jingying Lan
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Aodi Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Guixiu Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
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4
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Madsen SF, Sinkeviciute D, Thudium CS, Karsdal MA, Bay-Jensen AC. The fibroid phenotype of biological naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis are less likely to respond to anti-IL-6R treatment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10751. [PMID: 38730088 PMCID: PMC11087519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61435-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Type III collagen gene expression is upregulated in the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presenting the fibroid phenotype. The soluble type III collagen formation biomarker, PRO-C3, is known to measure fibrogenesis in fibrotic diseases. In this exploratory study, we aimed to investigate the association between fibrogenesis (PRO-C3) and the disease- and treatment response in patients with RA. We measured PRO-C3 in subsets of two clinical trials assessing the effect of the anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor treatment tocilizumab (TCZ) as monotherapy or polytherapy with methotrexate. PRO-C3 levels had weak or very weak correlations with the clinical parameters (Spearman's). However, when the patients were divided into Disease Activity Score-28 groups characterized by the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR), there was a statistical difference between the PRO-C3 levels of the different groups (p < 0.05). To determine the response in relation to PRO-C3, a cut-off based on PRO-C3 levels and patients in remission (DAS28-ESR ≤ 2.6) was identified. This showed that a reduction in PRO-C3 after treatment initiation was associated with decreased DAS28-ESR and a higher response rate in patients with low PRO-C3 levels than in those with high PRO-C3 levels. This indicates that a fibrotic component affects the responsiveness of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Falkenløve Madsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- ImmunoScience, Nordic Bioscience, Herlev Hovedgade 205, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.
| | - Dovile Sinkeviciute
- ImmunoScience, Nordic Bioscience, Herlev Hovedgade 205, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Christian S Thudium
- ImmunoScience, Nordic Bioscience, Herlev Hovedgade 205, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Morten A Karsdal
- ImmunoScience, Nordic Bioscience, Herlev Hovedgade 205, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
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Karabayas M, Ibrahim HE, Roelofs AJ, Reynolds G, Kidder D, De Bari C. Vascular disease persistence in giant cell arteritis: are stromal cells neglected? Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2023-225270. [PMID: 38684323 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225270] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA), the most common systemic vasculitis, is characterised by aberrant interactions between infiltrating and resident cells of the vessel wall. Ageing and breach of tolerance are prerequisites for GCA development, resulting in dendritic and T-cell dysfunction. Inflammatory cytokines polarise T-cells, activate resident macrophages and synergistically enhance vascular inflammation, providing a loop of autoreactivity. These events originate in the adventitia, commonly regarded as the biological epicentre of the vessel wall, with additional recruitment of cells that infiltrate and migrate towards the intima. Thus, GCA-vessels exhibit infiltrates across the vascular layers, with various cytokines and growth factors amplifying the pathogenic process. These events activate ineffective repair mechanisms, where dysfunctional vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts phenotypically shift along their lineage and colonise the intima. While high-dose glucocorticoids broadly suppress these inflammatory events, they cause well known deleterious effects. Despite the emerging targeted therapeutics, disease relapse remains common, affecting >50% of patients. This may reflect a discrepancy between systemic and local mediators of inflammation. Indeed, temporal arteries and aortas of GCA-patients can show immune-mediated abnormalities, despite the treatment induced clinical remission. The mechanisms of persistence of vascular disease in GCA remain elusive. Studies in other chronic inflammatory diseases point to the fibroblasts (and their lineage cells including myofibroblasts) as possible orchestrators or even effectors of disease chronicity through interactions with immune cells. Here, we critically review the contribution of immune and stromal cells to GCA pathogenesis and analyse the molecular mechanisms by which these would underpin the persistence of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Karabayas
- Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hafeez E Ibrahim
- Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Anke J Roelofs
- Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gary Reynolds
- Centre for Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dana Kidder
- Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Cosimo De Bari
- Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Yu J, Wang S, Chen SJ, Zheng MJ, Yuan CR, Lai WD, Wen JJ, You WT, Liu PQ, Khanna R, Jin Y. Sinomenine ameliorates fibroblast-like synoviocytes dysfunction by promoting phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of CRMP2. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117704. [PMID: 38176664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and arthritic pain. Sinomenine (SIN), derived from the rhizome of Chinese medical herb Qing Teng (scientific name: Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd. Et Wils), has a longstanding use in Chinese traditional medicine for treating rheumatoid arthritis. It has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunosuppressive effects with minimal side-effects clinically. However, the mechanisms governing its effects in treatment of joint pathology, especially on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) dysfunction, and arthritic pain remains unclear. AIM This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of SIN on arthritic joint inflammation and joint FLSs dysfunctions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was induced in rats and the therapeutic effects of SIN on joint pathology were evaluated histopathologically. Next, we conducted a series of experiments using LPS-induced FLSs, which were divided into five groups (Naïve, LPS, SIN 10, 20, 50 μg/ml). The expression of inflammatory factors was measured by qPCR and ELISA. The invasive ability of cells was detected by modified Transwell assay and qPCR. Transwell migration and cell scratch assays were used to assess the migration ability of cells. The distribution and content of relevant proteins were observed by immunofluorescence and laser confocal microscopy, as well as Western Blot and qPCR. FLSs were transfected with plasmids (CRMP2 T514A/D) to directly modulate the post-translational modification of CRMP2 protein and downstream effects on FLSs function was monitored. RESULTS SIN alleviated joint inflammation in rats with CIA, as evidenced by improvement of synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration and cartilage damage, as well as inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines release from FLSs induced by LPS. In vitro studies revealed a concentration-dependent suppression of SIN on the invasion and migration of FLSs induced by LPS. In addition, SIN downregulated the expression of cellular CRMP2 that was induced by LPS in FLSs, but increased its phosphorylation at residue T514. Moreover, regulation of pCRMP2 T514 by plasmids transfection (CRMP2 T514A/D) significantly influenced the migration and invasion of FLSs. Finally, SIN promoted nuclear translocation of pCRMP2 T514 in FLSs. CONCLUSIONS SIN may exert its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by modulating CRMP2 T514 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation of FLSs, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and suppressing abnormal invasion and migration. Phosphorylation of CRMP2 at the T514 site in FLSs may present a new therapeutic target for treating inflammatory joint's destruction and arthritic pain in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China; College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Song Wang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Si-Jia Chen
- College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Meng-Jia Zheng
- College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Cun-Rui Yuan
- College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei-Dong Lai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China; College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jun-Jun Wen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China; College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wen-Ting You
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, 317500, China
| | - Pu-Qing Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, College of Dentistry, and NYU Pain Research Center, New York, 10010, USA.
| | - Yan Jin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China; College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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7
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Abeni E, Cocola C, Croci S, Martino V, Piscitelli E, Gualtierotti R, Pelucchi P, Tria V, Porta G, Troschel F, Greve B, Nano G, Tomilin A, Kehler J, Gerovska D, Mazzaccaro D, Götte M, Arauzo-Bravo MJ, Carlo S, Zucchi I, Reinbold R. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis to identify endomembrane regulation of metalloproteins and motor proteins in autoimmunity. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2024; 141:299-329. [PMID: 38960478 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
TMEM230 promotes antigen processing, trafficking, and presentation by regulating the endomembrane system of membrane bound organelles (lysosomes, proteosomes and mitochondria) and phagosomes. Activation of the immune system requires trafficking of various cargos between the endomembrane system and cell plasma membrane. The Golgi apparatus is the hub of the endomembrane system and essential for the generation, maintenance, recycling, and trafficking of the components of the endomembrane system itself and immune system. Intracellular trafficking and secretion of immune system components depend on mitochondrial metalloproteins for ATP synthesis that powers motor protein transport of endomembrane cargo. Glycan modifying enzyme genes and motor proteins are essential for the activation of the immune system and trafficking of antigens between the endomembrane system and the plasma membrane. Recently, TMEM230 was identified as co-regulated with RNASET2 in lysosomes and with metalloproteins in various cell types and organelles, including mitochondria in autoimmune diseases. Aberrant metalloproteinase secretion by motor proteins is a major contributor to tissue remodeling of synovial membrane and joint tissue destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by promoting infiltration of blood vessels, bone erosion, and loss of cartilage by phagocytes. In this study, we identified that specific glycan processing enzymes are upregulated in certain cell types (fibroblast or endothelial cells) that function in destructive tissue remodeling in rheumatoid arthritis compared to osteoarthritis (OA). TMEM230 was identified as a regulator in the secretion of metaloproteinases and heparanase necessary tissue remodeling in OA and RA. In dendritic (DC), natural killer and T cells, TMEM230 was expressed at low or no levels in RA compared to OA. TMEM230 expression in DC likely is necessary for regulatory or helper T cells to maintain tolerance to self-antigens and prevent susceptibility to autoimmune disease. To identify how TMEM230 and the endomembrane system contribute to autoimmunity we investigated, glycan modifying enzymes, metalloproteinases and motor protein genes co-regulated with or regulated by TMEM230 in synovial tissue by analyzing published single cell transcriptomic datasets from RA patient derived synovial tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Abeni
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cocola
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Croci
- Clinical Immunology, Allergy and Advanced Biotechnologies, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Valentina Martino
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Gualtierotti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paride Pelucchi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Tria
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Porta
- Centro di Medicina Genomica Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Fabian Troschel
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Burkhard Greve
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Giovanni Nano
- Operative Unit of Vascular Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alexey Tomilin
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Science, St-Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St-Petersburg University, St-Petersburg, Russia
| | - James Kehler
- National Institutes of Health, NIDDK, Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Daniela Gerovska
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Daniela Mazzaccaro
- Operative Unit of Vascular Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Martin Götte
- Department of Gynecology, and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marcos J Arauzo-Bravo
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain; Basque Foundation for Science, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Salvarani Carlo
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy; University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Ileana Zucchi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy; Associazione Fondazione Renato Dulbecco, Milan, Italy.
| | - Rolland Reinbold
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milan, Italy; Associazione Fondazione Renato Dulbecco, Milan, Italy.
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Hu X, Zhang Z, Long L, Gu M, Chen W, Pan B, Wu X, Wang C, Li C, Zheng L, Sheng P. Deconvolution of synovial myeloid cell subsets across pathotypes and role of COL3A1+ macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis remission. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1307748. [PMID: 38601143 PMCID: PMC11005452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1307748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Monocyte/macrophage (Mo/Mp) is a critical cell population involved in immune modulation of rheumatoid synovitis (RA) across different pathotypes. This study aims to investigate the contribution of Mo/Mp clusters to RA activity, and the biological function of particular subtypes in RA remission. Methods We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from 4 published and 1 in-house studies using Liger selected by comparison. We estimated the abundance of Mo/Mp subtypes in bulk RNA-seq data from the 81 patients of the Pathobiology of Early Arthritis Cohort (PEAC) using deconvolution analysis. Correlations between Mo/Mp subtypes and RA clinical metrics were assessed. A particular cell type was identified using multicolor immunofluorescence and flow cytometry in vivo and successfully induced from a cell line in vitro. Potential immune modulation function of it was performed using immunohistochemical staining, adhesion assay, and RT-qPCR. Results We identified 8 Mo/Mp clusters. As a particular subtype among them, COL3A1+ Mp (CD68+, COL3A1+, ACTA2-) enriched in myeloid pathotype and negatively correlated with RA severity metrics in all pathotypes. Flow cytometry and multicolor immunofluorescence evidenced the enrichment and M2-like phenotype of COL3A1+ Mp in the myeloid pathotype. Further assays suggested that COL3A1+ Mp potentially attenuates RA severity via expressing anti-inflammatory cytokines, enhancing Mp adhesion, and forming a physical barrier at the synovial lining. Conclusion This study reported unexplored associations between different pathologies and myeloid cell subtypes. We also identified a fibroblast-and-M2-like cluster named COL3A1+ Mp, which potentially contributes to synovial immune homeostasis. Targeting the development of COL3A1+ Mp may hold promise for inducing RA remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuantao Hu
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziji Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingli Long
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghu Gu
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weishen Chen
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baiqi Pan
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengxin Li
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linli Zheng
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Puyi Sheng
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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M. S. Barron A, Fabre T, De S. Distinct fibroblast functions associated with fibrotic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and their implications for therapeutic development. F1000Res 2024; 13:54. [PMID: 38681509 PMCID: PMC11053351 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.143472.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are ubiquitous cells that can adopt many functional states. As tissue-resident sentinels, they respond to acute damage signals and shape the earliest events in fibrotic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Upon sensing an insult, fibroblasts produce chemokines and growth factors to organize and support the response. Depending on the size and composition of the resulting infiltrate, these activated fibroblasts may also begin to contract or relax thus changing local stiffness within the tissue. These early events likely contribute to the divergent clinical manifestations of fibrotic and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Further, distinct changes to the cellular composition and signaling dialogue in these diseases drive progressive fibroblasts specialization. In fibrotic diseases, fibroblasts support the survival, activation and differentiation of myeloid cells, granulocytes and innate lymphocytes, and produce most of the pathogenic extracellular matrix proteins. Whereas, in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, sequential accumulation of dendritic cells, T cells and B cells programs fibroblasts to support local, destructive adaptive immune responses. Fibroblast specialization has clear implications for the development of effective induction and maintenance therapies for patients with these clinically distinct diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M. S. Barron
- Inflammation & Immunology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Thomas Fabre
- Inflammation & Immunology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
| | - Saurav De
- Inflammation & Immunology Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
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10
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Ju J, Ma M, Zhang Y, Ding Z, Chen J. State transition and intercellular communication of synovial fibroblasts in response to chronic and acute shoulder injuries unveiled by single-cell transcriptomic analyses. Connect Tissue Res 2024; 65:73-87. [PMID: 38090785 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2023.2295322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of synovial fibroblasts and their potential to undergo cell state transitions at the resolution of single cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS We employed the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approach to comprehensively map the cellular landscape of the shoulder synovium in individuals with chronic rotator cuff tears (RCTs) and acute proximal humerus fractures (PHFs). Utilizing unbiased clustering analysis, we successfully identified distinct subpopulations of fibroblasts within the synovial environment. We utilized Monocle 3 to delineate the trajectory of synovial fibroblast state transition. And we used CellPhone DB v2.1.0 to predict cell-cell communication patterns within the synovial microenvironment. RESULTS We identified eight main cell clusters in the shoulder synovium. Unbiased clustering analysis identified four synovial fibroblast subpopulations, with diverse biological functions associated with protein secretion, ECM remodeling, inflammation regulation and cell division. Lining, mesenchymal, pro-inflammatory and proliferative fibroblasts subsets were identified. Combining the results from StemID and characteristic gene features, mesenchymal fibroblasts exhibited characteristics of fibroblast progenitor cells. The trajectory of synovial fibroblast state transition showed a transition from mesenchymal to pro-inflammatory and lining phenotypes. In addition, the cross talk between fibroblast subclusters increased in degenerative shoulder diseases compared to acute trauma. CONCLUSION We successfully generated the scRNA-seq transcriptomic atlas of the shoulder synovium, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of synovial fibroblasts, their potential to undergo state transitions, and their intercellular communication in the context of chronic degenerative and acute traumatic shoulder diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabao Ju
- Department of Trauma & Orthopedics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingtai Ma
- Department of Trauma & Orthopedics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yichong Zhang
- Department of Trauma & Orthopedics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhentao Ding
- Department of Trauma & Orthopedics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhai Chen
- Department of Trauma & Orthopedics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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11
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Elhai M, Micheroli R, Houtman M, Mirrahimi M, Moser L, Pauli C, Bürki K, Laimbacher A, Kania G, Klein K, Schätzle P, Frank Bertoncelj M, Edalat SG, Keusch L, Khmelevskaya A, Toitou M, Geiss C, Rauer T, Sakkou M, Kollias G, Armaka M, Distler O, Ospelt C. The long non-coding RNA HOTAIR contributes to joint-specific gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8172. [PMID: 38071204 PMCID: PMC10710443 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44053-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) typically exhibit symmetrical joint involvement, some patients develop alternative disease patterns in response to treatment, suggesting that different molecular mechanism may underlie disease progression depending on joint location. Here, we identify joint-specific changes in RA synovium and synovial fibroblasts (SF) between knee and hand joints. We show that the long non-coding RNA HOTAIR, which is only expressed in knee SF, regulates more than 50% of this site-specific gene expression in SF. HOTAIR is downregulated after stimulation with pro-inflammatory cytokines and is expressed at lower levels in knee samples from patients with RA, compared with osteoarthritis. Knockdown of HOTAIR in knee SF increases PI-Akt signalling and IL-6 production, but reduces Wnt signalling. Silencing HOTAIR inhibits the migratory function of SF, decreases SF-mediated osteoclastogenesis, and increases the recruitment of B cells by SF. We propose that HOTAIR is an important epigenetic factor in joint-specific gene expression in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Elhai
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Micheroli
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miranda Houtman
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Masoumeh Mirrahimi
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Larissa Moser
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Pauli
- Institute for Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Bürki
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Laimbacher
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriela Kania
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Klein
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Mojca Frank Bertoncelj
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sam G Edalat
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Leandra Keusch
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Khmelevskaya
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Melpomeni Toitou
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Celina Geiss
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Rauer
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Sakkou
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Kollias
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center (BSRC) 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marietta Armaka
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
| | - Oliver Distler
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Ospelt
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Tsuchiya M, Ohashi Y, Kodera Y, Satoh M, Matsui T, Fukushima K, Iwase D, Aikawa J, Mukai M, Inoue G, Takaso M, Uchida K. CD39+CD55- Fb Subset Exhibits Myofibroblast-Like Phenotype and Is Associated with Pain in Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3047. [PMID: 38002046 PMCID: PMC10669511 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies utilizing single-cell analysis have unveiled the presence of various fibroblast (Fb) subsets within the synovium under inflammatory conditions in osteoarthritis (OA), distinguishing them from those in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Moreover, it has been reported that pain in knee OA patients is linked to specific fibroblast subsets. Single-cell expression profiling methods offer an incredibly detailed view of the molecular states of individual cells. However, one limitation of these methods is that they require the destruction of cells during the analysis process, rendering it impossible to directly assess cell function. In our study, we employ flow cytometric analysis, utilizing cell surface markers CD39 and CD55, in an attempt to isolate fibroblast subsets and investigate their relationship with OA pathology. Synovial tissues were obtained from 25 knee OA (KOA) patients. Of these, six samples were analyzed by RNA-seq (n = 3) and LC/MS analysis (n = 3). All 25 samples were analyzed to estimate the proportion of Fb (CD45-CD31-CD90+) subset by flow cytometry. The proportion of Fb subsets (CD39+CD55- and CD39-CD55+) and their association with osteoarthritis pathology were evaluated. CD39+CD55- Fb highly expressed myogenic markers such as CNN1, IGFBP7, MYH11, and TPM1 compared to CD39-CD55+ Fb. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CD39+CD55- Fb identified the Apelin pathway and cGMP-PKC-signaling pathway as possibly contributing to pain. LC/MS analysis indicated that proteins encoded by myogenic marker genes, including CNN1, IGFBP7, and MYH11, were also significantly higher than in CD39-CD55+ Fb. CD39-CD55+ Fb highly expressed PRG4 genes and proteins. Upregulated DEGs were enriched for pathways associated with proinflammatory states ('RA', 'TNF signaling pathway', 'IL-17 signaling pathway'). The proportion of CD39+CD55- Fb in synovium significantly correlated with both resting and active pain levels in knee OA (KOA) patients (resting pain, ρ = 0.513, p = 0.009; active pain, ρ = 0.483, p = 0.015). There was no correlation between joint space width (JSW) and the proportion of CD39+CD55- Fb. In contrast, there was no correlation between the proportion of CD39-CD55+ Fb and resting pain, active pain, or JSW. In conclusion, CD39+CD55- cells exhibit a myofibroblast phenotype, and its proportion is associated with KOA pain. Our study sheds light on the potential significance of CD39+CD55- synovial fibroblasts in osteoarthritis, their myofibroblast-like phenotype, and their association with joint pain. These findings provide a foundation for further research into the mechanisms underlying fibrosis, the impact of altered gene expression on osteoarthritic joints, and potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maho Tsuchiya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Minami-ku, Kitasato, Sagamihara 252-0374, Kanagawa, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.); (K.F.); (D.I.); (J.A.); (M.M.); (G.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Yoshihisa Ohashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Minami-ku, Kitasato, Sagamihara 252-0374, Kanagawa, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.); (K.F.); (D.I.); (J.A.); (M.M.); (G.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Yoshio Kodera
- Department of Physics, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Kanagawa, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.M.)
- Center for Disease Proteomics, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masashi Satoh
- Department of Immunology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Minami-ku, Kitasato, Sagamihara 252-0374, Kanagawa, Japan;
| | - Takashi Matsui
- Department of Physics, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Kanagawa, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.M.)
- Center for Disease Proteomics, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kensuke Fukushima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Minami-ku, Kitasato, Sagamihara 252-0374, Kanagawa, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.); (K.F.); (D.I.); (J.A.); (M.M.); (G.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Dai Iwase
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Minami-ku, Kitasato, Sagamihara 252-0374, Kanagawa, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.); (K.F.); (D.I.); (J.A.); (M.M.); (G.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Jun Aikawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Minami-ku, Kitasato, Sagamihara 252-0374, Kanagawa, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.); (K.F.); (D.I.); (J.A.); (M.M.); (G.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Manabu Mukai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Minami-ku, Kitasato, Sagamihara 252-0374, Kanagawa, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.); (K.F.); (D.I.); (J.A.); (M.M.); (G.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Gen Inoue
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Minami-ku, Kitasato, Sagamihara 252-0374, Kanagawa, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.); (K.F.); (D.I.); (J.A.); (M.M.); (G.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Masashi Takaso
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Minami-ku, Kitasato, Sagamihara 252-0374, Kanagawa, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.); (K.F.); (D.I.); (J.A.); (M.M.); (G.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Kentaro Uchida
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Minami-ku, Kitasato, Sagamihara 252-0374, Kanagawa, Japan; (M.T.); (Y.O.); (K.F.); (D.I.); (J.A.); (M.M.); (G.I.); (M.T.)
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13
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Wang L, Hong X, Du H. Association Between Serum Chemokine Ligand 20 Levels and Disease Activity and Th1/Th2/Th17-Related Cytokine Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:512-517. [PMID: 37815793 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0057] [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] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis autoimmune disease characterized by systemic chronic inflammation. C-C Chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) is the same as most chemokines with immunomodulatory and inflammatory processes. The correlation of CCL20 in RA remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association among levels of CCL20, T helper cell (TH) subset (Th1/Th2/Th17)-related cytokine levels, and clinical indices of RA disease activity. Serum CCL20 levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and a flow-fluorescence technique was used to assess Th1/Th2/Th17-related cytokine levels. The serum CCL20 levels in patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls and positively associated with C-reactive protein levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and disease activity score-28 (DAS28). Patients with RA were categorized into 4 major groups, including remission, low, moderate, and high disease activity, with related DAS28 scores for each group. CCL20 levels of the disease moderate/high activity group were moderately positively correlated with IL-6 levels, but not with the other Th1/Th2/Th17-related cytokines. Serum CCL20 levels correlate strongly with RA disease activity and clinical inflammation and were significantly elevated in patients compared to healthy individuals. CCL20 plays a key role in the immune response of patients with RA and is, therefore, a potential biomarker of disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuqing Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jin Hua, China
| | - Xuelian Hong
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jin Hua, China
| | - Hongwei Du
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jin Hua, China
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14
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Zhao H, Tang C, Wang M, Zhao H, Zhu Y. Ferroptosis as an emerging target in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1260839. [PMID: 37928554 PMCID: PMC10620966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1260839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Due to the rise in the incidence rate of RA and the limitations of existing therapies, the search for new treatment strategies for RA has become a global focus. Ferroptosis is a novel programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, with distinct differences from apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis. Under the conditions of iron accumulation and the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity loss, the lethal accumulation of lipid peroxide is the direct cause of ferroptosis. Ferroptosis mediates inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid oxidative damage processes, and also participates in the occurrence and pathological progression of inflammatory joint diseases including RA. This review provides insight into the role and mechanism of ferroptosis in RA and discusses the potential and challenges of ferroptosis as a new therapeutic strategy for RA, with an effort to provide new targets for RA prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- The Geriatrics, Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Wang
- The Geriatrics, Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hongfang Zhao
- The Geriatrics, Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- The Geriatrics, Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- The Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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15
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Chen X, Gong L, Li C, Wang S, Wang Z, Chu M, Zhou Y. Single-cell and bulk tissue sequencing unravels the heterogeneity of synovial microenvironment in arthrofibrosis. iScience 2023; 26:107379. [PMID: 37705954 PMCID: PMC10495645 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107379] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthrofibrosis (AF) is a debilitating complication that occurs after trauma or surgery, leading to functional impairment and surgical failures worldwide. This study aimed to uncover the underlying mechanism of AF. A total of 141 patients were enrolled, and synovial samples were collected from both patients and animal models at different time points. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk tissue RNA sequencing (bulk-seq) were employed to profile the distinct synovial microenvironment. This study revealed changes in cell proportions during AF pathogenesis and identified Engrailed-1 (EN1) as a key transcription factor strongly associated with disease severity and clinical prognosis. Additionally, the researchers discovered a specific type of synovial fibroblast called DKK3-SLF, which played a critical role in driving AF development. These findings shed light on the composition and heterogeneity of the synovial microenvironment in AF, offering potential avenues for identifying therapeutic targets and developing clinical treatments for AF and other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Adult Joint Reconstructive Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 31 East Xinjiekou Street, Beijing 100035, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Gong
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Adult Joint Reconstructive Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 31 East Xinjiekou Street, Beijing 100035, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Adult Joint Reconstructive Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 31 East Xinjiekou Street, Beijing 100035, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- Department of Adult Joint Reconstructive Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 31 East Xinjiekou Street, Beijing 100035, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Yixin Zhou
- Department of Adult Joint Reconstructive Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 31 East Xinjiekou Street, Beijing 100035, China
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16
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Kugler M, Dellinger M, Kartnig F, Müller L, Preglej T, Heinz LX, Simader E, Göschl L, Puchner SE, Weiss S, Shaw LE, Farlik M, Weninger W, Superti-Furga G, Smolen JS, Steiner G, Aletaha D, Kiener HP, Lewis MJ, Pitzalis C, Tosevska A, Karonitsch T, Bonelli M. Cytokine-directed cellular cross-talk imprints synovial pathotypes in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:1142-1152. [PMID: 37344156 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Structural reorganisation of the synovium with expansion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and influx of immune cells is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Activated FLS are increasingly recognised as a critical component driving synovial tissue remodelling by interacting with immune cells resulting in distinct synovial pathotypes of RA. METHODS Automated high-content fluorescence microscopy of co-cultured cytokine-activated FLS and autologous peripheral CD4+ T cells from patients with RA was established to quantify cell-cell interactions. Phenotypic profiling of cytokine-treated FLS and co-cultured T cells was done by flow cytometry and RNA-Seq, which were integrated with publicly available transcriptomic data from patients with different histological synovial pathotypes. Computational prediction and knock-down experiments were performed in FLS to identify adhesion molecules for cell-cell interaction. RESULTS Cytokine stimulation, especially with TNF-α, led to enhanced FLS-T cell interaction resulting in cell-cell contact-dependent activation, proliferation and differentiation of T cells. Signatures of cytokine-activated FLS were significantly enriched in RA synovial tissues defined as lymphoid-rich or leucocyte-rich pathotypes, with the most prominent effects for TNF-α. FLS cytokine signatures correlated with the number of infiltrating CD4+ T cells in synovial tissue of patients with RA. Ligand-receptor pair interaction analysis identified ICAM1 on FLS as an important mediator in TNF-mediated FLS-T cell interaction. Both, ICAM1 and its receptors were overexpressed in TNF-treated FLS and co-cultured T cells. Knock-down of ICAM1 in FLS resulted in reduced TNF-mediated FLS-T cell interaction. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the role of cytokine-activated FLS in orchestrating inflammation-associated synovial pathotypes providing novel insights into disease mechanisms of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Kugler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirjam Dellinger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Kartnig
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lena Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Core Facility Flow Cytometry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Teresa Preglej
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonhard X Heinz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Simader
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Göschl
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan E Puchner
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa E Shaw
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Farlik
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Weninger
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Guenter Steiner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans P Kiener
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Myles J Lewis
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
- Centre for Translational Bioinformatics, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
| | - Costantino Pitzalis
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University & IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Anela Tosevska
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Karonitsch
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
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17
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Hegarty C, Neto N, Cahill P, Floudas A. Computational approaches in rheumatic diseases - Deciphering complex spatio-temporal cell interactions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4009-4020. [PMID: 37649712 PMCID: PMC10462794 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.08.005] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid (RA), and psoriatic (PsA) arthritis, are clinically and immunologically heterogeneous diseases with no identified cure. Chronic inflammation of the synovial tissue ushers loss of function of the joint that severely impacts the patient's quality of life, eventually leading to disability and life-threatening comorbidities. The pathogenesis of synovial inflammation is the consequence of compounded immune and stromal cell interactions influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Deciphering the complexity of the synovial cellular landscape has accelerated primarily due to the utilisation of bulk and single cell RNA sequencing. Particularly the capacity to generate cell-cell interaction networks could reveal evidence of previously unappreciated processes leading to disease. However, there is currently a lack of universal nomenclature as a result of varied experimental and technological approaches that discombobulates the study of synovial inflammation. While spatial transcriptomic analysis that combines anatomical information with transcriptomic data of synovial tissue biopsies promises to provide more insights into disease pathogenesis, in vitro functional assays with single-cell resolution will be required to validate current bioinformatic applications. In order to provide a comprehensive approach and translate experimental data to clinical practice, a combination of clinical and molecular data with machine learning has the potential to enhance patient stratification and identify individuals at risk of arthritis that would benefit from early therapeutic intervention. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effect of computational approaches in deciphering synovial inflammation pathogenesis and discuss the impact that further experimental and novel computational tools may have on therapeutic target identification and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Hegarty
- Translational Immunology lab, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nuno Neto
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Cahill
- Vascular Biology lab, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Achilleas Floudas
- Translational Immunology lab, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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18
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Smith MH, Gao VR, Periyakoil PK, Kochen A, DiCarlo EF, Goodman SM, Norman TM, Donlin LT, Leslie CS, Rudensky AY. Drivers of heterogeneity in synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1200-1210. [PMID: 37277655 PMCID: PMC10307631 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01527-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation of non-barrier immunologically quiescent tissues is associated with a massive influx of blood-borne innate and adaptive immune cells. Cues from the latter are likely to alter and expand activated states of the resident cells. However, local communications between immigrant and resident cell types in human inflammatory disease remain poorly understood. Here, we explored drivers of fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) heterogeneity in inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis using paired single-cell RNA and ATAC sequencing, multiplexed imaging and spatial transcriptomics along with in vitro modeling of cell-extrinsic factor signaling. These analyses suggest that local exposures to myeloid and T cell-derived cytokines, TNF, IFN-γ, IL-1β or lack thereof, drive four distinct FLS states some of which closely resemble fibroblast states in other disease-affected tissues including skin and colon. Our results highlight a role for concurrent, spatially distributed cytokine signaling within the inflamed synovium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie H Smith
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program at Sloan Kettering Institute, Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Vianne R Gao
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College and Graduate School, New York, NY, USA
| | - Preethi K Periyakoil
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alejandro Kochen
- Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program and the David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward F DiCarlo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan M Goodman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College and Graduate School, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas M Norman
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura T Donlin
- Weill Cornell Medical College and Graduate School, New York, NY, USA
- Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program and the David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christina S Leslie
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Alexander Y Rudensky
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Immunology Program at Sloan Kettering Institute, Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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19
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Fenton KA, Pedersen HL. Advanced methods and novel biomarkers in autoimmune diseases ‑ a review of the recent years progress in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1183535. [PMID: 37425332 PMCID: PMC10326284 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1183535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
There are several autoimmune and rheumatic diseases affecting different organs of the human body. Multiple sclerosis (MS) mainly affects brain, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mainly affects joints, Type 1 diabetes (T1D) mainly affects pancreas, Sjogren's syndrome (SS) mainly affects salivary glands, while systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects almost every organ of the body. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by production of autoantibodies, activation of immune cells, increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and activation of type I interferons. Despite improvements in treatments and diagnostic tools, the time it takes for the patients to be diagnosed is too long, and the main treatment for these diseases is still non-specific anti-inflammatory drugs. Thus, there is an urgent need for better biomarkers, as well as tailored, personalized treatment. This review focus on SLE and the organs affected in this disease. We have used the results from various rheumatic and autoimmune diseases and the organs involved with an aim to identify advanced methods and possible biomarkers to be utilized in the diagnosis of SLE, disease monitoring, and response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Andreassen Fenton
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre of Clinical Research and Education, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hege Lynum Pedersen
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Centre of Clinical Research and Education, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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20
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Feng ZW, Tang YC, Sheng XY, Wang SH, Wang YB, Liu ZC, Liu JM, Geng B, Xia YY. Screening and identification of potential hub genes and immune cell infiltration in the synovial tissue of rheumatoid arthritis by bioinformatic approach. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12799. [PMID: 36699262 PMCID: PMC9868484 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12799] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects individuals of all ages. The basic pathological manifestations are synovial inflammation, pannus formation, and erosion of articular cartilage, bone destruction will eventually lead to joint deformities and loss of function. However, the specific molecular mechanisms of synovitis tissue in RA are still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to screen and explore the potential hub genes and immune cell infiltration in RA. Methods Three microarray datasets (GSE12021, GSE55457, and GSE55235), from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, have been analyzed to explore the potential hub genes and immune cell infiltration in RA. First, the LIMMA package was used to screen the differentially expression genes (DEGs) after removing the batch effect. Then the clusterProfiler package was used to perform functional enrichment analyses. Second, through weighted coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), the key module was identified in the coexpression network of the gene set. Third, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed through STRING website and the module analysis was performed using Cytoscape software. Fourth, the CIBERSORT and ssGSEA algorithm were used to analyze the immune status of RA and healthy synovial tissue, and the associations between immune cell infiltration and RA-related diagnostic biomarkers were evaluated. Fifth, we used the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to validate the expression levels of the hub genes, and ROC curve analysis of hub genes for discriminating between RA and healthy tissue. Finally, the gene-drug interaction network was constructed using DrugCentral database, and identification of drug molecules based on hub genes using the Drug Signature Database (DSigDB) by Enrichr. Results A total of 679 DEGs were identified, containing 270 downregulated genes and 409 upregulated genes. DEGs were primarily enriched in immune response and chemokine signaling pathways, according to functional enrichment analysis of DEGs. WGCNA explored the co-expression network of the gene set and identified key modules, the blue module was selected as the key module associated with RA. Seven hub genes are identified when PPI network and WGCNA core modules are intersected. Immune infiltration analysis using CIBERSORT and ssGSEA algorithms revealed that multiple types of immune infiltration were found to be upregulated in RA tissue compared to normal tissue. Furthermore, the levels of 7 hub genes were closely related to the relative proportions of multiple immune cells in RA. The results of the qRT-PCR demonstrated that the relative expression levels of 6 hub genes (CD27, LCK, CD2, GZMB, IL7R, and IL2RG) were up-regulated in RA synovial tissue, compared with normal tissue. Simultaneously, ROC curves indicated that the above 6 hub genes had strong biomarker potential for RA (AUC >0.8). Conclusions Through bioinformatics analysis and qRT-PCR experiment, our study ultimately discovered 6 hub genes (CD27, LCK, CD2, GZMB, IL7R, and IL2RG) that closely related to RA. These findings may provide valuable direction for future RA clinical diagnosis, treatment, and associated research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-wei Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Orthopaedic Clinical Medicine Research Center, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Intelligent Orthopedics Industry Technology Center, Lanzhou, China,Department of Orthopaedics, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Institute of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yu-chen Tang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Orthopaedic Clinical Medicine Research Center, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Intelligent Orthopedics Industry Technology Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-yun Sheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Orthopaedic Clinical Medicine Research Center, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Intelligent Orthopedics Industry Technology Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sheng-hong Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Orthopaedic Clinical Medicine Research Center, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Intelligent Orthopedics Industry Technology Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yao-bin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Orthopaedic Clinical Medicine Research Center, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Intelligent Orthopedics Industry Technology Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhong-cheng Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Orthopaedic Clinical Medicine Research Center, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Intelligent Orthopedics Industry Technology Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jin-min Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Orthopaedic Clinical Medicine Research Center, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Intelligent Orthopedics Industry Technology Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bin Geng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Orthopaedic Clinical Medicine Research Center, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Intelligent Orthopedics Industry Technology Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ya-yi Xia
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Orthopaedic Clinical Medicine Research Center, Lanzhou, China,Gansu Province Intelligent Orthopedics Industry Technology Center, Lanzhou, China,Corresponding author. No. 82 Cuiyingmen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.;
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21
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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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22
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Long L, Guo H, Chen X, Liu Y, Wang R, Zheng X, Huang X, Zhou Q, Wang Y. Advancement in understanding the role of ferroptosis in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1036515. [PMID: 36267583 PMCID: PMC9576928 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1036515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic disease of unknown etiology. The primary manifestation of RA is inflammatory synovitis, which eventually leads to deformity and functional loss. Ferroptosis is a non-apoptosis form of cell death that depends on intracellular iron accumulation. This leads to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced-lipid peroxidation. The underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis are System Xc- and Glutathione metabolism, regulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 activity, and ROS generation. Recent studies have shown an association between the pathogenesis of RA and ferroptosis, suggesting the involvement of ferroptosis in the onset and progression of RA. In this review, we have focused on the mechanism of ferroptosis and its association with RA pathogenesis. Further, we discuss the status of therapeutics targeting ferroptosis in the treatment of patients with RA. Targeting ferroptosis could be a potential therapeutic approach for RA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Long
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongmei Guo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xixi Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ruyi Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
- Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
- Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Wang, ; Xiaobo Huang, ; Qiao Zhou,
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Wang, ; Xiaobo Huang, ; Qiao Zhou,
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Wang, ; Xiaobo Huang, ; Qiao Zhou,
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Yang J, Zhang Y, Liang J, Yang X, Liu L, Zhao H. Fibronectin-1 is a dominant mechanism for rheumatoid arthritis via the mediation of synovial fibroblasts activity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1010114. [PMID: 36225320 PMCID: PMC9548557 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1010114] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a high incidence and adverse effects on patients, thus posing a serious threat to people’s life and health. However, the underlying mechanisms regarding the development of RA are still elusive. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the RA-associated molecular mechanisms using the scRNA-seq technique. We used the GEO database to obtain scRNA-seq datasets for synovial fibroblasts (SFs) from RA cases, and the genes were then analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and T-Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (TSNE) analyses. Bioinformatics evaluations were carried out for asserting the highly enriched signaling pathways linked to the marker genes, and the key genes related to RA initiation were further identified. According to the obtained results, 3 cell types (0, 1, and 2) were identified by TSNE and some marker genes were statistically upregulated in cell type 1 than the other cell types. These marker genes predominantly contributed to extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture, collagen-harboring ECM, and ECM structural components, and identified as enriched with PI3K/AKT signaling cascade. Notably, fibronectin-1 (FN-1) has been identified as a critical gene that is strongly linked to the development of SFs and has enormous promise for regulating the onset of RA. Moreover, such an investigation offers novel perspectives within onset/progression of RA, suggesting that FN-1 may be a key therapeutic target for RA therapies.
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Mahmoud DE, Kaabachi W, Sassi N, Tarhouni L, Rekik S, Jemmali S, Sehli H, Kallel-Sellami M, Cheour E, Laadhar L. The synovial fluid fibroblast-like synoviocyte: A long-neglected piece in the puzzle of rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:942417. [PMID: 35990693 PMCID: PMC9388825 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.942417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease during which fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) contribute to both joint inflammation and destruction. FLS represent the core component of the synovial membrane. Following inflammation of this membrane, an effusion of cell-rich synovial fluid (SF) fills the joint cavity. Unlikely, SF has been shown to contain fibroblasts with some shared phenotypic traits with the synovial membrane FLS. These cells are called SF-FLS and their origin is still unclear. They are either brought into the synovium via migration through blood vessels, or they could originate within the synovium and exist in projections of the synovial membrane. SF-FLS function and phenotype are poorly documented compared to recently well-characterized synovial membrane FLS subsets. Furthermore, no study has yet reported a SF-FLS single-cell profiling analysis. This review will discuss the origin and cellular characteristics of SF-FLS in patients with RA. In addition, recent advances on the involvement of SF-FLS in the pathogenesis of RA will be summarized. Current knowledge on possible relationships between SF-FLS and other types of fibroblasts, including synovial membrane FLS, circulating fibrocytes, and pre- inflammatory mesenchymal (PRIME) cells will also be addressed. Finally, recent therapeutic strategies employed to specifically target SF-FLS in RA will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorra Elhaj Mahmoud
- Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Rheumatology Department, La Rabta Hospital, University of Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Unité de Recherche Infections Respiratoires Fongiques (IRF), Structure Fédérative de Recherche “Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques” (SFR ICAT), Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Wajih Kaabachi
- Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Rheumatology Department, La Rabta Hospital, University of Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Sassi
- Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Rheumatology Department, La Rabta Hospital, University of Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Lamjed Tarhouni
- Department of Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Kassab Institute of Traumatic and Orthopedic Surgery, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sonia Rekik
- Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Rheumatology Department, La Rabta Hospital, University of Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Samia Jemmali
- Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Rheumatology Department, La Rabta Hospital, University of Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hela Sehli
- Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Rheumatology Department, La Rabta Hospital, University of Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Maryam Kallel-Sellami
- Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Rheumatology Department, La Rabta Hospital, University of Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Elhem Cheour
- Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Rheumatology Department, La Rabta Hospital, University of Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Laadhar
- Immuno-Rheumatology Research Laboratory, Rheumatology Department, La Rabta Hospital, University of Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- *Correspondence: Lilia Laadhar,
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25
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Németh T, Nagy G, Pap T. Synovial fibroblasts as potential drug targets in rheumatoid arthritis, where do we stand and where shall we go? Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:annrheumdis-2021-222021. [PMID: 35715191 PMCID: PMC9279838 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-222021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes or synovial fibroblasts (FLS) are important cellular components of the inner layer of the joint capsule, referred to as the synovial membrane. They can be found in both layers of this synovial membrane and contribute to normal joint function by producing extracellular matrix components and lubricants. However, under inflammatory conditions like in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they may start to proliferate, undergo phenotypical changes and become central elements in the perpetuation of inflammation through their direct and indirect destructive functions. Their importance in autoimmune joint disorders makes them attractive cellular targets, and as mesenchymal-derived cells, their inhibition may be carried out without immunosuppressive consequences. Here, we aim to give an overview of our current understanding of the target potential of these cells in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Németh
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György Nagy
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Thomas Pap
- Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Westphalian Wilhelm University, Münster, Germany
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26
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Floudas A, Gorman A, Neto N, Monaghan MG, Elliott Z, Fearon U, Marzaioli V. Inside the Joint of Inflammatory Arthritis Patients: Handling and Processing of Synovial Tissue Biopsies for High Throughput Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:830998. [PMID: 35372383 PMCID: PMC8967180 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.830998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, which affects the joints. If untreated, these diseases can have a detrimental effect on the patient's quality of life, leading to disabilities, and therefore, exhibit a significant socioeconomic impact and burden. While studies of immune cell populations in arthritis patient's peripheral blood have been informative regarding potential immune cell dysfunction and possible patient stratification, there are considerable limitations in identifying the early events that lead to synovial inflammation. The joint, as the site of inflammation and the local microenvironment, exhibit unique characteristics that contribute to disease pathogenesis. Understanding the contribution of immune and stromal cell interactions within the inflamed joint has been met with several technical challenges. Additionally, the limited availability of synovial tissue biopsies is a key incentive for the utilization of high-throughput techniques in order to maximize information gain. This review aims to provide an overview of key methods and novel techniques that are used in the handling, processing and analysis of synovial tissue biopsies and the potential synergy between these techniques. Herein, we describe the utilization of high dimensionality flow cytometric analysis, single cell RNA sequencing, ex vivo functional assays and non-intrusive metabolic characterization of synovial cells on a single cell level based on fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy. Additionally, we recommend important points of consideration regarding the effect of different storage and handling techniques on downstream analysis of synovial tissue samples. The introduction of new powerful techniques in the study of synovial tissue inflammation, brings new challenges but importantly, significant opportunities. Implementation of novel approaches will accelerate our path toward understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis and lead to the identification of new avenues of therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achilleas Floudas
- Molecular Rheumatology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Centre of Excellence, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, St. Vincent's University Hospital, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Achilleas Floudas
| | - Aine Gorman
- European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Centre of Excellence, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, St. Vincent's University Hospital, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nuno Neto
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael G. Monaghan
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zoe Elliott
- European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Centre of Excellence, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, St. Vincent's University Hospital, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ursula Fearon
- Molecular Rheumatology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Centre of Excellence, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, St. Vincent's University Hospital, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Viviana Marzaioli
- Molecular Rheumatology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Centre of Excellence, Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, St. Vincent's University Hospital, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
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27
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Kriegsmann J, Casadonte R, Kriegsmann K. Allgemeiner Aufbau und histologische Pathophysiologie der Tunica synovialis. ARTHROSKOPIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00142-022-00527-5] [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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