MicroRNA-146a governs fibroblast activation and joint pathology in arthritis

Saferding, V. et al. (2017) MicroRNA-146a governs fibroblast activation and joint pathology in arthritis. Journal of Autoimmunity, 82, pp. 74-84. (doi: 10.1016/j.jaut.2017.05.006) (PMID:28545737)

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Abstract

Synovial fibroblasts are key cells orchestrating the inflammatory response in arthritis. Here we demonstrate that loss of miR-146a, a key epigenetic regulator of the innate immune response, leads to increased joint destruction in a TNF-driven model of arthritis by specifically regulating the behavior of synovial fibroblasts. Absence of miR-146a in synovial fibroblasts display a highly deregulated gene expression pattern and enhanced proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Deficiency of miR-146a induces deregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in synovial fibroblasts, leading to increased proliferation. In addition, loss of miR-146a shifts the metabolic state of fibroblasts towards glycolysis and augments the ability of synovial fibroblasts to support the generation of osteoclasts by controlling the balance of osteoclastogenic regulatory factors receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). Bone marrow transplantation experiments confirmed the importance of miR-146a in the radioresistant mesenchymal compartment for the control of arthritis severity, in particular for inflammatory joint destruction. This study therefore identifies microRNA-146a as an important local epigenetic regulator of the inflammatory response in arthritis. It is a central element of an anti-inflammatory feedback loop in resident synovial fibroblasts, who are orchestrating the inflammatory response in chronic arthritis. MiR-146a restricts their activation, thereby preventing excessive tissue damage during arthritis.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kurowska-Stolarska, Professor Mariola
Authors: Saferding, V., Puchner, A., Goncalves-Alves, E., Hofmann, M., Bonelli, M., Brunner, J. S., Sahin, E., Niederreiter, B., Hayer, S., Kiener, H. P., Einwallner, E., Nehmar, R., Carapito, R., Georgel, P., Koenders, M. I., Boldin, M., Schabbauer, G., Kurowska-Stolarska, M., Steiner, G., Smolen, J. S., Redlich, K., and Blüml, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Journal of Autoimmunity
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0896-8411
ISSN (Online):1095-9157
Published Online:22 May 2017

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