Project description:The purpose of this study was (1) to identify novel genes involved in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) disease, which may provide additional targets for therapeutic intervention and (2) to examine the molecular mechanisms associated with the response to anti-TNF treatment. Microarray analysis of LPS-stimulated whole blood from RA patients pre and post anti-TNF treatment was conducted. This study identified 818 transcripts, differentially expressed in RA patients pre-treatment compared to non-RA control samples. While a number of these genes were associated with RA in previous studies, validating our data, a number of novel genes with possible functions in RA disease were also identified. The number of transcripts (1051) significantly altered post anti-TNF treatment indicates the impact of anti-TNF therapy on systemic gene expression. A number of these transcripts were confirmed to be altered in a larger patient group and may represent potential genetic markers of a patient’s clinical response to anti-TNF treatment. Keywords: Expression profiling in RA disease pre and post anti-TNF treatment
Project description:The purpose of this study was (1) to identify novel genes involved in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) disease, which may provide additional targets for therapeutic intervention and (2) to examine the molecular mechanisms associated with the response to anti-TNF treatment. Microarray analysis of LPS-stimulated whole blood from RA patients pre and post anti-TNF treatment was conducted. This study identified 818 transcripts, differentially expressed in RA patients pre-treatment compared to non-RA control samples. While a number of these genes were associated with RA in previous studies, validating our data, a number of novel genes with possible functions in RA disease were also identified. The number of transcripts (1051) significantly altered post anti-TNF treatment indicates the impact of anti-TNF therapy on systemic gene expression. A number of these transcripts were confirmed to be altered in a larger patient group and may represent potential genetic markers of a patientâs clinical response to anti-TNF treatment. Experiment Overall Design: Transcriptome profiling was performed on two RA patients, pre- and three months post-Enbrel therapy and two matched non-RA controls. The whole blood model described by Wang et al (2000) was used with minor modifications. Briefly, to EDTA anti-coagulated blood, LPS (30ng/ml) was added immediately after drawing, and incubated at 37oC for 4 hours, mixing at 80s. After 4 hours red blood cells were lysed and pelleted, white cells were washed once in PBS (Gibco) and frozen at â70oC for subsequent RNA extraction. Total RNA was extracted using the RNeasy kit (QIAGEN) as per manufacturerâs instructions. Samples were treated with DNA-Free (Ambion) to remove genomic DNA and checked using intron-overlapping primers prior to generating cRNA probes or cDNA (data not shown). Affymetrix array data was normalised (globally) and statistically (t-test) analysed using GeneSight software (Biodiscovery). Gene expression changes with a p value of < 0.05 and a fold change of 3 or greater were considered differentially expressed.
Project description:A major unmet need in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the choice of treatment options for patients with an inadequate response to anti-TNF agents (anti-TNF–IR). In order to identify pharmacodynamic biomarkers and assess differential effects of TNF- and non–TNF-targeting agents on RA patients with an inadequate response to anti-TNF–IR in comparison with biologic-naïve patients, peripheral protein markers and gene expression levels in association with clinical response posttreatment in two disease strata were assessed in disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-IR and anti-TNF-IR patients. Serum proteomics results indicated the existence of specific pharmacodynamic markers for golimumab and mavrilimumab, regardless of prior anti-TNF treatment. In contrast, both antibodies induced early and sustained suppression of RA disease markers, including IL-6, CRP, IL2RA, and MMP1, in DMARD-IR patients. Golimumab-induced early changes rapidly returned toward baseline concentrations in anti-TNF–IR patients, whereas mavrilimumab-induced changes were maintained through Day 169. RNA sequencing demonstrated gene expression changes at Day 169 after administration of mavrilimumab but not golimumab in anti-TNF–IR patients. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic curve and regression analysis showed the association of early IL-6 change and subsequent clinical responses to golimumab in anti-TNF-IR patients. Our results revealed golimumab- and mavrilimumab-specific pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and demonstrated differential biomarker-treatment relationships in anti-TNF–IR and DMARD-IR patients respectively. Early IL-6 change after anti-TNF antibody treatment may be a potential predictive biomarker for selection of different treatment regimens in anti-TNF-IR patients.
Project description:Transcriptional profiling of Homo sapiens inflammatory skin diseases (whole skin biospies): Psoriasis (Pso), vs Atopic Dermatitis (AD) vs Lichen planus (Li), vs Contact Eczema (KE), vs Healthy control (KO) In recent years, different genes and proteins have been highlighted as potential biomarkers for psoriasis, one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases worldwide. However, most of these markers are not psoriasis-specific but also found in other inflammatory disorders. We performed an unsupervised cluster analysis of gene expression profiles in 150 psoriasis patients and other inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, contact eczema, and healthy controls). We identified a cluster of IL-17/TNFα-associated genes specifically expressed in psoriasis, among which IL-36γ was the most outstanding marker. In subsequent immunohistological analyses IL-36γ was confirmed to be expressed in psoriasis lesions only. IL-36γ peripheral blood serum levels were found to be closely associated with disease activity, and they decreased after anti-TNFα-treatment. Furthermore, IL-36γ immunohistochemistry was found to be a helpful marker in the histological differential diagnosis between psoriasis and eczema in diagnostically challenging cases. These features highlight IL-36γ as a valuable biomarker in psoriasis patients, both for diagnostic purposes and measurement of disease activity during the clinical course. Furthermore, IL-36γ might also provide a future drug target, due to its potential amplifier role in TNFα- and IL-17 pathways in psoriatic skin inflammation. In recent years, different genes and proteins have been highlighted as potential biomarkers for psoriasis, one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases worldwide. However, most of these markers are not psoriasis-specific but also found in other inflammatory disorders. We performed an unsupervised cluster analysis of gene expression profiles in 150 psoriasis patients and other inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, contact eczema, and healthy controls). We identified a cluster of IL-17/TNFα-associated genes specifically expressed in psoriasis, among which IL-36γ was the most outstanding marker. In subsequent immunohistological analyses IL-36γ was confirmed to be expressed in psoriasis lesions only. IL-36γ peripheral blood serum levels were found to be closely associated with disease activity, and they decreased after anti-TNFα-treatment. Furthermore, IL-36γ immunohistochemistry was found to be a helpful marker in the histological differential diagnosis between psoriasis and eczema in diagnostically challenging cases. These features highlight IL-36γ as a valuable biomarker in psoriasis patients, both for diagnostic purposes and measurement of disease activity during the clinical course. Furthermore, IL-36γ might also provide a future drug target, due to its potential amplifier role in TNFα- and IL-17 pathways in psoriatic skin inflammation.
Project description:Although multiple single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) based studies have explored rheumatoid arthritis (RA), most have focused on synovial tissue, limiting the ability to perform paired pre- and post-treatment comparisons and to elucidate dynamic changes. Moreover, the single-cell impact of TNF-α and JAK inhibitors on RA remains poorly understood, hindering effects toward precision medicine for RA. Here, we present a comprehensive scRNA-seq analysis of synovial fluid samples of RA patients treated with tofacitinib or adalimumab, both pre- and post-treatment. Following stringent quality control, we analyzed 106,506 high-quality cells, providing an in-depth characterization of cell composition, molecular signaling pathways, and functional properties. This rich dataset offers a valuable resource to address diverse research questions, from uncovering the mechanisms of action of TNF-α and JAK inhibitors, to identifying novel therapeutic targets for RA, and advancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases.
Project description:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and premature cardiovascular death. Anti-TNF therapy is thought to reduce clinical cardiovascular disease risk and improve vascular function in RA patients. However, the specific effects of TNF inhibitors on endothelial cell function are largely unknown. Our aim was to explore the effects of certolizumab pegol (CZP) on TNF-activated human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs. HAoECs were cultured in vitro and exposed to i) TNF alone, ii) TNF plus CZP, or iii) neither agent followed by transcription profiling.
Project description:Gene expression profiling of immortalized human mesenchymal stem cells with hTERT/E6/E7 transfected MSCs. hTERT may change gene expression in MSCs. Goal was to determine the gene expressions of immortalized MSCs.
Project description:Transcriptional profiling of human mesenchymal stem cells comparing normoxic MSCs cells with hypoxic MSCs cells. Hypoxia may inhibit senescence of MSCs during expansion. Goal was to determine the effects of hypoxia on global MSCs gene expression.