Project description:We developed a protein microarray to identify autoantigens in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Baculovirus-Sf9 cell expression system was used to create a protein microarray with 1543 full-length human proteins expressed with a biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP) folding tag. We assayed sera from UK and USA SLE individuals (total n=277), age/ancestry matched control cohorts (n=280) and a confounding disease cohort (n=92).
Project description:mRNA expression levels in synovial fibroblasts in 6 rheumatoid arthritis patients versus 6 osteoarthritis patients. Experiment Overall Design: Synovial tissue was obtained from open joint replacement surgery or Experiment Overall Design: arthroscopic synovectomy. Patients with RA or OA (n = 6 each for gene expression analysis and further patients for validation experiments) were classified according to the ACR criteria.
Project description:Transcriptomic profiles of synovial biopsies of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who were recruited into the R4RA randomised clinical trial. Patients were randomised to treatment with rituximab or tocilizumab. All patients fulfilled the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for RA and were eligible for treatment with rituximab therapy according to UK NICE guidelines, i.e. failing or intolerant to csDMARD therapy and at least one biologic therapy (excluding trial IMPs) were recruited when fulfilling the trial inclusion/exclusion criteria. For the full study protocol and baseline patient characteristics see Humby et al (2021) The Lancet 397(10271): 305-17. PMID: 33485455.
Project description:In the current study, we compared DNA methylation patterns using the Illumina 850k array technology between normal synovial fibroblasts and synovial fibroblasts from early (veRASF) and late stages of RA (estRASF) and transient, resolving arthritis (rSF). In doing so, we obtained a detailed view of changes in DNA methylation that occur during the development of RA from the earliest clinically apparent stages to established RA with its typical signs and symptoms.
Project description:In the current study, we compared DNA methylation patterns using the Illumina 450k array technology between normal synovial fibroblasts and synovial fibroblasts from early (veRASF) and late stages of RA (estRASF) and transient, resolving arthritis (rSF). In doing so, we obtained a detailed view of changes in DNA methylation that occur during the development of RA from the earliest clinically apparent stages to established RA with its typical signs and symptoms.
Project description:Rheumatoid synoviocytes, which consist of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and synovial macrophages (SM), are crucial for the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Particularly, FLS of RA patients (RA-FLS) exhibit invasive characteristics reminiscent of cancer cells, destroying cartilage and bone, although it remains unresolved how RA-FLS exhibit invasive phenotype. RA-FLS and SM originate differently from mesenchymal and myeloid cells, respectively, but share many pathologic functions. However, the molecular signatures and biological networks representing the distinct and shared features of the two cell types are unknown. Presently, we performed global transcriptome profiling of FLS and SM obtained from RA and osteoarthritis patients. By comparing the transcriptomes, we identified distinct molecular signatures and cellular processes defining invasiveness of RA-FLS and pro-inflammatory properties of RA synovial macrophages (RA-SM), respectively. Interestingly, under interleukin1β-stimulated condition, RA-FLS newly acquired pro-inflammatory signature mimicking RA-SM without losing invasive properties. We next reconstructed a network model that delineates the shared, RA-FLS-dominant (invasive), and RA-SM-dominant (inflammatory) processes. From the network model, we selected 13 genes, including POSTN and TWIST1, as novel regulator candidates responsible for FLS invasiveness. Of note, POSTN and TWIST1 expressions were elevated in independent RA-FLS and were further instigated by interleukin1β. In vitro functional assays demonstrated the requirement of POSTN and TWIST1 for migration and invasion of RA-FLS stimulated with interleukin1β. Taken together, our systems approach to rheumatoid synovitis provides a basis for identifying novel regulators responsible for pathological features of RA-FLS and RA-SM, demonstrating how a certain type of cells acquires functional redundancy under chronic inflammatory conditions. To identify molecular signatures of FLS and MLS in RA joints, we isolated FLS from synovial tissues of RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients, obtained synovial macrophages from synovial fluid of RA patients, and differentiated control macrophages from peripheral blood of healthy subjects. Also, we stimulated FLS with IL1β, and then analyzed gene expression profiles of both IL1β-stimulated RA-FLS and OA-FLS
Project description:We report the first comparative analysis between histology, RNA-seq of synovium and matched peripheral blood, and clinico-radiological parameters in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using a novel modular approach, we describe underlying pathways associated with three pre-dominant RA pathotypes. Myeloid was associated with macrophages, lymphoid with B and plasma cells, and fibroid with minimal inflammatory cell infiltration. Synovium RNA-seq was better correlated with the pathotypes than blood RNA-seq, but peripheral blood signatures, including type I interferon, were detected as associated with particular myeloid or lymphoid pathotypes. This study describes the molecular heterogeneity of RA and provides major new insights into the cross compartmental molecular pathways that underlie RA.
Project description:Citrullinated and unmodified peptides (>95% purity, ProImmune AB) were immobilized onto a chemically modified glass slide, sera from RA patients and healthy controls were applied into the reactions sites and fluorescence intensity after incubation with anti-human IgG antibody was acquired in a laser scanner. Final results for each citrullinated peptide were calculated by subtracting the intensity values of corresponding arginine containing control peptide from citrullinated peptide for all RA patients and controls.
Project description:We prepared five RASF samples from each donor under four conditions: in the presence or absence of CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, and with or without cytokine stimulations. In total, 20 samples were analyzed. RASFs were treated with CDK4/6 inhibitor for 24 hours in advance to the stimulation. RNA was collected after 24 hours of the stimulation(TNF+IL-1b, 0.2ng/ml each)
Project description:In arthritis, synovial fibroblast (SF) senescence is linked to the activation of a pro-inflammatory phenotype contributing to chronic arthritis pathogenesis. Additionally, senescent cells accumulate in ageing tissues further promoting ageing and inflammation. These cells have dysregulated mitochondrial function and metabolism, limited tissue regeneration, produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secrete bioactive molecules, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and matrix-remodelling enzymes known as SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype). In vitro, senescent cells can induce a senescent phenotype in surrounding bystander cells. Interestingly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have critical roles in cellular senescence and ageing and are mediators in intercellular communication. We hypothesize that senescent cells in osteoarthritic SFs induce senescence and/or a proinflammatory phenotype in non-senescent osteoarthritic SFs, mediated through EV cargo.