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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune mediated inflammatory disease (IMID), characterized by chronic inflammation and irreversible bone loss. Studies have shown that fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), a key cell population in the pathogenesis of RA, have an impact on balancing bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-destroying osteoclasts towards joint damage. Once activated, RA-FLS are able to destroy cartilage and subchondral bone through the release of RANKL, members of the metalloproteinase family and many more cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. Additionally, RA-FLS are responsible for the perpetuation and chronicity of the disease due the interaction with immune cells supporting the influx of T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages neutrophils and dendritic cells from the blood stream into the inflamed synovial tissue. In this review we highlight the direct and indirect impact of synovial fibroblasts in RA on joint damage and disease progression. Moreover, we describe mechanisms of synovitis and regulators of bone homeostasis in further inflammatory joint diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and compare them to RA.

BackgroundIn rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLS) undergo a “tumor-like” transformation, wherein they develop an aggressive phenotype that is characterized by increased adhesion to components of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) and that contributes extensively to joint destruction. The collagen binding integrin α11β1 was previously shown to be involved in similar processes in cancer-associated fibroblasts mediating tumorigenicity and metastasis in certain tumors. Therefore, this study aimed to study the role of integrin α11β1 in RA and to characterize the effects of α11β1 deficiency on the disease course and severity in arthritic hTNFtg mice.MethodsThe expression levels of integrin α11β1 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blot analysis in synovial samples and FLS of patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA) as well as in samples from wild type (wt) and arthritic hTNFtg mice. Furthermore, the subcellular expression of integrin α11β1 was investigated in co-culture experiments with cartilage explants and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. To investigate the effects of integrin α11β1 deficiency, itga11-/- mice were interbred with hTNFtg mice and disease severity was assessed by clinical scoring of grip strength and paw swelling over the disease course. Hind paws of 12-weeks-old mice of all genotypes were analyzed by µCT imaging followed by stainings of paraffin-embedded tissue sections with Toluidine-blue and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) to evaluate established parameters of joint destruction such as inflammation area, cartilage destaining, FLS attachment to the cartilage surface, and bone damage.ResultsExpression levels of integrin α11β1 were clearly elevated in synovial tissues and FLS from RA patients and hTNFtg mice, compared to the controls derived from OA patients and wt mice. Interestingly, this expression was shown to be particularly localized in focal adhesions of the FLS. As revealed by transmission electron microscopy, integrin α11β1 expression was particularly evident in areas of direct cellular contact with the ECM of cartilage. Evaluations of clinical scorings and histomorphological analyses demonstrated that itga11-/-hTNFtg displayed alleviated clinical symptoms, higher bone volume, less cartilage destruction and reduced FLS attachment to the cartilage in comparison to hTNFtg mice.ConclusionsThe collagen-binding integrin α11β1 is upregulated in the context of RA and its deficiency in mice with an inflammatory hTNFtg background leads to a significant reduction in the arthritic phenotype which makes integrin α11β1 an interesting target for therapeutical intervention.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the extent and the mechanism by which activin A contributes to progressive joint destruction in experimental arthritis and which activin A-expressing cell type is important for disease progression.MethodsLevels of activin A in synovial tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, cell-specific expression and secretion by PCR and ELISA, respectively. Osteoclast (OC) formation was assessed by tartrat-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and activity by resorption assay. Quantitative assessment of joint inflammation and bone destruction was performed by histological and micro-CT analysis. Immunoblotting was applied for evaluation of signalling pathways.ResultsIn this study, we demonstrate that fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are the main producers of activin A in arthritic joints. Most significantly, we show for the first time that deficiency of activin A in arthritic FLS (ActβAd/dColVI-Cre) but not in myeloid cells (ActβAd/dLysM-Cre) reduces OC development in vitro, indicating that activin A promotes osteoclastogenesis in a paracrine manner. Mechanistically, activin A enhanced OC formation and activity by promoting the interaction of activated Smad2 with NFATc1, the key transcription factor of osteoclastogenesis. Consistently, ActβAd/dLysM-Cre hTNFtg mice did not show reduced disease severity, whereas deficiency of activin A in ColVI-Cre-expressing cells such as FLS highly diminished joint destruction reflected by less inflammation and less bone destruction.ConclusionsThe results highly suggest that FLS-derived activin A plays a crucial paracrine role in inflammatory joint destruction and may be a promising target for treating inflammatory disorders associated with OC formation and bone destruction like rheumatoid arthritis.

The LIM and SH3 domain protein 1 (Lasp1) was originally cloned from metastatic breast cancer and characterised as an adaptor molecule associated with tumourigenesis and cancer cell invasion. However, the regulation of Lasp1 and its function in the aggressive transformation of cells is unclear. Here we use integrative epigenomic profiling of invasive fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and from mouse models of the disease, to identify Lasp1 as an epigenomically co-modified region in chronic inflammatory arthritis and a functionally important binding partner of the Cadherin-11/β-Catenin complex in zipper-like cell-to-cell contacts. In vitro, loss or blocking of Lasp1 alters pathological tissue formation, migratory behaviour and platelet-derived growth factor response of arthritic FLS. In arthritic human TNF transgenic mice, deletion of Lasp1 reduces arthritic joint destruction. Therefore, we show a function of Lasp1 in cellular junction formation and inflammatory tissue remodelling and identify Lasp1 as a potential target for treating inflammatory joint disorders associated with aggressive cellular transformation., Fibroblast-like synoviocytes are important mediators of joint pathology in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here the authors show that Lasp1 is epigenetically regulated and highly expressed by these cells in RA and its deletion can limit joint pathology in a mouse model of inflammatory arthritis.

Arthritis typically involves recurrence and progressive worsening at specific predilection sites, but the checkpoints between remission and persistence remain unknown. Here, we defined the molecular and cellular mechanisms of this inflammation-mediated tissue priming. Re-exposure to inflammatory stimuli caused aggravated arthritis in rodent models. Tissue priming developed locally and independently of adaptive immunity. Repeatedly stimulated primed synovial fibroblasts (SFs) exhibited enhanced metabolic activity inducing functional changes with intensified migration, invasiveness and osteoclastogenesis. Meanwhile, human SF from patients with established arthritis displayed a similar primed phenotype. Transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses as well as genetic and pharmacological targeting demonstrated that inflammatory tissue priming relies on intracellular complement C3- and C3a receptor-activation and downstream mammalian target of rapamycin- and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α-mediated metabolic SF invigoration that prevents activation-induced senescence, enhances NLRP3 inflammasome activity, and in consequence sensitizes tissue for inflammation. Our study suggests possibilities for therapeutic intervention abrogating tissue priming without immunosuppression.

Synovial joints are complex functional elements of the vertebrate body that provide the organism with motion capabilities and, thus, with the ability for locomotion and for direct physical interaction with its environment. They are composed of different connective tissues structures that are derived from the same developmental structures in the embryo, but have distinct cellular and biochemical properties. Articular cartilage and synovial membrane are key components of synovial joints and show a number of peculiarities that makes them different from other tissues in our body. An in-depth knowledge of these structural and functional peculiarities is not only important for understanding key features of articular function, but also provides explanations for important characteristics of both degenerative and inflammatory joint diseases. This chapter reviews the structure, biochemical composition, and function of articular cartilage and synovium, and points to important links between physiology and pathological conditions, particularly arthritis. Special emphasis is put on the interaction of resident cells with both the extracellular matrix and other neighbouring or invading cells.

ObjectiveSyndecan-4 (sdc4) is a cell-anchored proteoglycan that consists of a transmembrane core protein and glucosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains. Binding of soluble factors to the GAG chains of sdc4 may result in the dimerisation of sdc4 and the initiation of downstream signalling cascades. However, the question of how sdc4 dimerisation and signalling affects the response of cells to inflammatory stimuli is unknown.MethodsSdc4 immunostaining was performed on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tissue sections. Interleukin (IL)-1 induced extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) phosphorylation and matrix metalloproteinase-3 production was investigated. Il-1 binding to sdc4 was investigated using immunoprecipitation. IL-1 receptor (IL1R1) staining on wild-type, sdc4 and IL1R1 knockout fibroblasts was performed in fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses. A blocking sdc4 antibody was used to investigate sdc4 dimerisation, IL1R1 expression and the histological paw destruction in the human tumour necrosis factor-alpha transgenic mouse.ResultsWe show that in fibroblasts, the loss of sdc4 or the antibody-mediated inhibition of sdc4 dimerisation reduces the cell surface expression of the IL-1R and regulates the sensitivity of fibroblasts to IL-1. We demonstrate that IL-1 directly binds to sdc4 and in an IL-1R-independent manner leads to its dimerisation. IL-1-induced dimerisation of sdc4 regulates caveolin vesicle-mediated trafficking of the IL1R1, which in turn determines the responsiveness to IL-1. Administration of antibodies (Ab) against the dimerisation domain of sdc4, thus, strongly reduces the expression IL1R1 on arthritic fibroblasts both in vitro and an animal model of human RA.ConclusionCollectively, our data suggest that Ab that specifically inhibit sdc4 dimerisation may support anti-IL-1 strategies in diseases such as inflammatory arthritis.

Synovial joints are unique functional elements of the body and provide the ability for locomotion and for physical interaction with the environment. They are composed of different connective tissue structures, of which the synovial membrane is one central component. It shows a number of peculiarities that makes it different from other membranes in our body, while several lines of evidence suggest that synovial fibroblasts, also termed fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) critically contribute to these peculiarities. This becomes evident particularly under disease conditions such as in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, where the synovium is a key pathophysiological component. Therefore, an in-depth knowledge of FLS biology is not only important for understanding key features of articular function but also provides explanations for important characteristics of both degenerative and inflammatory joint diseases. This article reviews the structure, biochemical composition and functions of the synovial membrane and by focusing on the role of synovial fibroblasts explains key features of articular tissue remodelling particularly under disease conditions.

The foot processes of podocytes exhibit a dynamic actin cytoskeleton, which maintains their complex cell structure and antagonizes the elastic forces of the glomerular capillary. Interdigitating secondary foot processes form a highly selective filter for proteins in the kidney, the slit membrane. Knockdown of slit membrane components such as Nephrin or Neph1 and cytoskeletal adaptor proteins such as CD2AP in mice leads to breakdown of the filtration barrier with foot process effacement, proteinuria, and early death of the mice. Less is known about the crosstalk between the slit membrane‐associated proteins and cytoskeletal components inside the podocyte foot processes. Our study shows that LASP‐1, an actin‐binding protein, is highly expressed in podocytes. Electron microscopy studies demonstrate that LASP‐1 is found at the slit membrane suggesting a role in anchoring slit membrane components to the actin cytoskeleton. Live cell imaging experiments with transfected podocytes reveal that LASP‐1 is either part of a highly dynamic granular complex or a static, actin cytoskeleton‐bound protein. We identify CD2AP as a novel LASP‐1 binding partner that regulates its association with the actin cytoskeleton. Activation of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system, which is crucial for podocyte function, leads to phosphorylation and altered localization of LASP‐1. In vivo studies using the Drosophila nephrocyte model indicate that Lasp is necessary for the slit membrane integrity and functional filtration.

Career situation of first and presenting author Post-doctoral fellow. Introduction In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) undergo a stable transformation resulting in an aggressive, tumour-like phenotype that mediates cartilage damage by increased levels of MMPs and adhesion molecules such as β1 integrins. In this context, the tumour-associated protein Lasp1 is of interest because it modulates actin organization and focal adhesion turnover. Objectives The effects of Lasp1 deficiency on RA-FLS cell-to-cell contact formations, the disease course and joint destruction have been investigated in this study. Methods Lasp-1 expression was analysed in RA synovial tissue and in murine models of arthritis (hTNFtg mice and G6PI mouse model). Hind paws were analysed by using WB analyses and immunofluorescence stainings, primary FLS were isolated and cultivated, respectively. Furthermore, Lasp1-/- mice were interbred with hTNFtg mice and offsprings were analysed for the progression of joint destruction by clinical evaluation and histopathology. Migration characteristics of FLS derived from wild type (wt), Lasp1-/-, hTNFtg and Lasp1-/-hTNFtg mice were analysed by live cell imaging. Additionally, we used an in vitro 3D organ culture system for functional analyses. Results Upregulated Lasp1 levels in RA synovial tissue and FLS were observed. In line with the human data, increased levels of Lasp1 were found in murine FLS derived from hTNFtg mice and the chronic G6PI model. Lasp1 was located in structures of cell-matrix as well as cell-to-cell contacts. The loss of Lasp1 led to clear alterations in adherens junction arrangement indicated by altered β-catenin pattern. In vivo evaluation of Lasp1-/-hTNFtg mice revealed a milder arthritis score, less cartilage degradation and reduced FLS attachment to articular cartilage compared to hTNFtg mice. In vitro migration assays using live cell imaging demonstrated alterations in spreading morphology and cell-to-cell contact turnovers and a significantly reduced migration rate of Lasp1-/- FLS and Lasp1-/-hTNFtg FLS compared to controls (−69.11% after 24 hour). Histological sections of the 3D matrices demonstrated that wt FLS formed an organised synovial structure comparable with healthy synovial tissue in vivo, whereas in matrices with hTNFtg FLS this synovial architecture absent. Interestingly, Lasp1 deletion in the hTNFtg background resulted in an organised cellular lining layer comparable with wt FLS matrices. Conclusions Lasp1 represents an interesting target involved in RA-caused joint destruction, because its loss resulted in significantly reduced cartilage destruction in vivo and RA-FLS interactions and migration rates in vitro. Disclosure of Interest None declared.

Cartilage damage is a key feature of degenerative joint disorders-primarily osteoarthritis (OA)-and chronic inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Substantial progress has been made towards understanding the mechanisms that lead to degradation of the cartilage matrix in either condition, which ultimately results in the progressive remodelling of affected joints. The available data have shown that the molecular steps in cartilage matrix breakdown overlap in OA and RA. However, they have also, to a great extent, changed our view of the roles of cartilage in the pathogenesis of these disorders. In OA, cartilage loss occurs as part of a complex programme that resembles aspects of embryonic bone formation through endochondral ossification. In RA, early cartilage damage is a key trigger of cellular reactions in the synovium. In a proposed model of RA as a site-specific manifestation of a systemic autoimmune disorder, early cartilage damage in the context of immune activation leads to a specific cellular response within articular joints that could explain not only the organ specificity of RA, but also the chronic nature and perpetuation of the disease.

Background Emerging evidence suggests that fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are key effector cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and research into the mechanisms defining FLS activity in RA indicate that cytokines secreted by leukocytes play a crucial role. Nevertheless, the contribution of IFNγ, which is increased in rheumatoid synovitis, to the inflammatory synovial tissue reaction is not known. Objectives To explore the function of the T-cell cytokine IFNγ for mesenchymal tissue remodeling in RA, and to determine whether IFNγ-signaling controls the invasive potential of FLS. Methods To assess architectural responses, FLS were cultured in three-dimensional micromasses. FLS motility was analyzed in migration-, spreading- and invasion assays. Signaling events relevant to cellular motility were defined by western blots. Baricitinb and siRNA pools were used to suppress Janus Kinase (JAK) functions. Results Histological analyses of micromasses revealed unique effects of IFNγ on FLS shape and tissue organization. This was consistent with accelerated migration, pronounced actin and focal adhesion (FA) re-organization upon IFNγ stimulation. Since actin and FA dynamics and, thus, cell motility are integrated by the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), we next analyzed its activity. Indeed, IFNγ stimulation induced the phosphorylation of FAK-Y925, a phosphosite implicated in FAK-mediated cell migration. siRNA knockdown of JAK2, but not JAK1, abrogated FAK activation by IFNγ. Correspondingly, IFNγ-inudced FAK activation and invasion of FLS was abrogated by the JAK-inhibitor baricitinib. Conclusions Our study contributes insight into the synovial response to IFNγ and reveals JAK2 as a potential therapeutic target for FLS-mediated joint destruction in arthritis, especially in RA. Disclosure of Interest None declared

ObjectiveWe analysed the role of the adaptor molecule four-and-a-half Lin11, Isl-1 & Mec-3 (LIM) domain protein 2 (FHL2) in the activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα)-dependent animal models of the disease.MethodsSynovial tissues of patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA) as well as hind paw sections from arthritic human TNFα transgenic (hTNFtg) mice and synovial fibroblasts from these were analysed. The effects of cytokines on the expression of FHL2 and disease-relevant matrixmetalloproteases (MMPs) were determined. Analyses of human tissue specimens from patients treated with anti-TNFα as well as anti-TNFα treatment of hTNFtg mice were performed to substantiate the TNFα effects on FHL2 levels. FHL2−/− mice and hTNFtg mice (with constitutive or inducible transgene expression) were crossbred to generate TNFα overexpressing FHL2-deficient animals. Signalling pathways were analysed in cells from these mice and in human cells after knock down of FHL2 by western blot.ResultsFHL2 levels were higher in RA than in OA and in hTNFtg than in wild-type mice. Surprisingly, while transforming growth factor (TGF)β-induced FHL2 expression, TNFα suppressed FHL2. In vivo, anti-TNFα treatment led to higher FHL2 levels both in RA patients and hTNFtg mice. The loss of FHL2 increased joint destruction in hTNFtg mice, which was accompanied by elevated MMP-13. In vitro, TNFα-mediated MMP-13 was significantly higher in FHL2−/− cells and after knock down of FHL2, which was caused by prolonged p38 MAPK activation.ConclusionsThese data suggest that FHL2 serves as a protective factor and that, rather than promoting the pathology, the upregulation of FHL2 in RA occurs in frame of a regenerative attempt.

Background In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the attachment of synovial fibroblasts to articular cartilage is an important prerequisite in the process of cartilage degradation. The actin-associated protein Lasp-1 is involved in processes of actin organisation and polymerization and focal adhesion turnover, respectively. Therefore, we investigated its role in regulating cell-cell contacts and ECM interactions of synovial fibroblasts in RA. Methods Lasp-1 expression was analysed in human RA tissue and in arthritic mouse models such as the hTNFtg and G6PI mouse model by using WB and immunohistochemistry. Lasp-1 expression and its subcellular distribution was investigated in isolated synovial fibroblasts by immunofluorescence in all genotypes. Furthermore, the formation of cell-cell and -ECM contacts was investigated in an electrical cell/substrate impedance sensing assay (ECIS) as well as by immunofluorescence. Additionally, we performed an in vitro three-dimensional organ culture system to identify genotype-specific differences of cellular distribution and formation of the artificial synovial lining layer. Results An increased Lasp-1 expression was observed in synovial tissue from RA patients as well as in RASF. Isolated SF from hTNFtg mice also produced higher levels of Lasp-1 compared to wild type (wt) SF. Interestingly, this was completely reproducible in the G6PI model. Lasp-1 deficient mice that had been crossed into the hTNFtg background exhibited less cartilage degradation (−4% vs. hTNFtg) and less attachment of synovial tissue to the cartilage (−30% vs. hTNFtg) compared to hTNFtg mice. Functional analyses indicated that Lasp-1-/- hTNFtg SF form closer (+20% vs hTNFtg SF) and more stable cell-cell contacts in comparison to hTNFtg SF. Furthermore, we detected Lasp-1 to be located at structures of adherens junction complexes. The loss of Lasp-1 led to alterations of these structures. Histological analysis of 3D matrices showed that Lasp-1 deletion in the hTNFtg background resulted in an organised cellular lining layer at the interface between the matrix and fluid phases comparable with wild type SF. In contrast, hTNFtg SF formed unorganised cellular condensations with no synovial architecture evident. Conclusions Lasp-1 regulates the migratory behaviour of synovial fibroblasts and their invasion into cartilage matrix in rheumatoid arthritis by controlling the dynamics of cell-cell contacts.

Background Integrins are involved in regulating and controlling cellular proliferation, migration, tissue invasion, cytokine and MMP production – key mechanisms leading to joint destruction during rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this context, integrin α11β1 (ITGA11) is of special interest, because it is mainly expressed in cellular adhesive structures of mesenchymal cells and its role in regulating cartilage degradation due to altered interactions of synovial fibroblasts with ECM components in inflammatory arthritis is still unknown. Materials and methods ITGA11 expression levels in SF of wild type and arthritic hTNFtg mice were analysed by Western Blot (WB) and immunofluorescence as well as immunohistochemistry using paraffin-embedded hind paws. Furthermore, different extracellular matrix substrates and their influence on ITGA11 expression and its subcellular location as well as integrin down-stream signalling pathways such as FAK and src and interaction partners (eg, vinculin) were investigated using WB and immunofluorescence. Next, we analysed isolated SF of ITGA11 -/- mice in functional studies (proliferation assay, modified scratch assay and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing) to identify differences in migration and adhesion. To identify an effect of integrin α11β1 loss on expression levels of other β1 integrins e.g integrin α2β1, we performed WB and immunofluorescence analyses. Results hTNFtg SF showed an enrichment of focal adhesions with increased and most prominent expression of ITGA11. Furthermore, ITGA11 -/- SF showed a modified cytoskeleton arrangement compared to wt SF. Analyses of the functional assays showed a reduced proliferation rate of ITGA11 -/- SF (−41,2% vs wt SF), an altered coating-dependent migration rate (−29,7% vs wt SF at 48 hours with fibronectin coating, −66% vs wt SF at 48 hours with collagen I coating) and adhesion capacity of ITGA11 -/- SF in comparison to wt SF and an altered cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction. WB analyses showed only a slight increase of ITGA2 expression in ITGA11 -/- SF compared to wt SF. Conclusion Integrin α11β1 is induced under inflammatory conditions and contributes to the migratory and adhesive capacity of SF.

Background Rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) are known to travel via the bloodstream from sites of cartilage destruction to new locations where they reinitiate the destructive processes at distant articular cartilage surfaces. In this study, we examined the role of interleukin (IL)-1-induced cartilage changes and their chemotactic effect on RASF transmigratory capacity. Methods To investigate synovial fibroblast (SF) transmigration through endothelial layers, we used a modified Boyden chamber with an endothelioma cell layer (bEnd.5) as a barrier and IL-1-treated murine cartilage explants as a chemotactic stimulus for SFs from human tumor necrosis factor–transgenic (hTNFtg) mice. We injected recombinant IL-1 or collagenase into knee joints of wild-type mice, followed by tail vein injection of fluorescence-labeled hTNFtg SFs. The distribution and intensity of transmigrating hTNFtg SFs were measured by fluorescence reflectance imaging with X-ray coregistration. Toluidine blue staining was performed to evaluate the amount of cartilage destruction. Results Histomorphometric analyses and in vivo imaging revealed a high degree of cartilage proteoglycan loss after intra-articular IL-1 and collagenase injection, accompanied by an enhanced in vivo extravasation of hTNFtg SFs into the respective knee joints, suggesting that structural cartilage damage contributes significantly to the attraction of hTNFtg SFs into these joints. In vitro results showed that degraded cartilage was directly responsible for the enhanced transmigratory capacity because stimulation with IL-1-treated cartilage, but not with IL-1 or cartilage alone, was required to increase hTNFtg SF migration. Conclusions The present data indicate that structural cartilage damage facilitates the migration of arthritic SF into affected joints. The prevention of early inflammatory cartilage damage may therefore help prevent the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and its spread to previously unaffected joints.

Objectives The aim was to explore the function of the T-cell cytokine IFNγ for mesenchymal tissue remodelling in RA and to determine whether IFNγ signalling controls the invasive potential of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Methods To assess architectural responses, FLS were cultured in three-dimensional micromasses. FLS motility was analysed in migration and invasion assays. Signalling events relevant to cellular motility were defined by western blots. Baricitinib and small interfering RNA pools were used to suppress Janus kinase (JAK) functions. Results Histological analyses of micromasses revealed unique effects of IFNγ on FLS shape and tissue organization. This was consistent with accelerated migration upon IFNγ stimulation. Given that cell shape and cell motility are under the control of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), we next analysed its activity. Indeed, IFNγ stimulation induced the phosphorylation of FAK-Y925, a phosphosite implicated in FAK-mediated cell migration. Small interfering RNA knockdown of JAK2, but not JAK1, substantially abrogated FAK activation by IFNγ. Correspondingly, IFNγ-induced FAK activation and invasion of FLS was abrogated by the JAK inhibitor, baricitinib. Conclusion Our study contributes insight into the synovial response to IFNγ and reveals JAK2 as a potential therapeutic target for FLS-mediated joint destruction in arthritis, especially in RA.

Podosomes are highly dynamic structures that are involved in cell adhesion and extracellular matrix remodeling. They present as intracellular columns composed of an actin-rich core region and a surrounding ring-like structure containing focal adhesion proteins, actin binders as well as cell signaling molecules. A key player in podosome biogenesis is the scaffolding protein cortactin, which is thought to control actin assembly at the core region. We show that the zona occludens protein 1 (ZO-1), a pivotal tight junction protein and known binding partner of cortactin, is a component of podosomes. In the smooth muscle cell line A7r5, phorbol ester treatment induced a rapid relocation of ZO-1 from the cell cortex and cytosolic pools toward newly formed podosomes. Podosomal localization was also observed for the known ZO-1-binding proteins l-afadin, α-catenin, and phospho-connexin 43. Truncation studies revealed that the actin-binding domain but not the association with cortactin is necessary for ZO-1 recruitment to podosomes. Moreover, impaired ZO-1 expression leads to significantly reduced podosome formation and concomitant decreased matrix degradation at podosomes. Our findings demonstrate that besides their known function in tight junction assembly and intercellular communication, zona occludens proteins and their binding partners may play a novel role in podosome formation and associated function, thus regulating cell adhesion and matrix remodeling.

Item does not contain fulltext Sclerostin, an inhibitor of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, has anti-anabolic effects on bone formation by negatively regulating osteoblast differentiation. Mutations in the human sclerostin gene (SOST) lead to sclerosteosis with progressive skeletal overgrowth, whereas sclerostin-deficient (Sost(-/-)) mice exhibit increased bone mass and strength. Therefore, antibody-mediated inhibition of sclerostin is currently being clinically evaluated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in humans. We report that in chronic TNFalpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha)-dependent arthritis, fibroblast-like synoviocytes constitute a major source of sclerostin and that either the lack of sclerostin or its antibody-mediated inhibition leads to an acceleration of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-like disease in human TNFalpha transgenic (hTNFtg) mice with enhanced pannus formation and joint destruction. Inhibition of sclerostin also failed to improve clinical signs and joint destruction in the partially TNFalpha-dependent glucose-6-phosphate isomerase-induced arthritis mouse model, but ameliorated disease severity in K/BxN serum transfer-induced arthritis mouse model, which is independent of TNF receptor signaling, thus suggesting a specific role for sclerostin in TNFalpha signaling. Sclerostin effectively blocked TNFalpha- but not interleukin-1-induced activation of p38, a key step in arthritis development, pointing to a previously unrealized protective role of sclerostin in TNF-mediated chronic inflammation. The possibility of anti-sclerostin antibody treatment worsening clinical RA outcome under chronic TNFalpha-dependent inflammatory conditions in mice means that caution should be taken both when considering such treatment for inflammatory bone loss in RA and when using anti-sclerostin antibodies in patients with TNFalpha-dependent comorbidities.

The progressive destruction of articular cartilage is a hallmark of RA, a systemic autoimmune disease predominantly affecting synovial joints that often results in severe disability. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) have been demonstrated to play a key role in both the initiation and perpetuation of the disease. During RA pathogenesis, FLSs acquire a permanently aggressive, tumour-like phenotype that mediates cartilage destruction both directly and indirectly. This short review summarizes the recent advances in the understanding of FLS cellular transformation during RA, as well as the consequences for disease progression and for novel treatment strategies.

Myostatin is shown to directly promote osteoclast differentiation, and its inhibition improves arthritic bone loss in two mouse models. Myostatin (also known as growth and differentiation factor 8) is a secreted member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family that is mainly expressed in skeletal muscle, which is also its primary target tissue. Deletion of the myostatin gene (Mstn) in mice leads to muscle hypertrophy, and animal studies support the concept that myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth and regeneration1,2,3,4,5. However, myostatin deficiency also increases bone formation, mainly through loading-associated effects on bone6,7,8,9,10,11. Here we report a previously unknown direct role for myostatin in osteoclastogenesis and in the progressive loss of articular bone in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We demonstrate that myostatin is highly expressed in the synovial tissues of RA subjects and of human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α transgenic (hTNFtg) mice, a model for human RA12. Myostatin strongly accelerates receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast formation in vitro through transcription factor SMAD2-dependent regulation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATC1). Myostatin deficiency or antibody-mediated inhibition leads to an amelioration of arthritis severity in hTNFtg mice, chiefly reflected by less bone destruction. Consistent with these effects in hTNFtg mice, the lack of myostatin leads to increased grip strength and less bone erosion in the K/BxN serum-induced arthritis model in mice. The results strongly suggest that myostatin is a potent therapeutic target for interfering with osteoclast formation and joint destruction in RA.

Item does not contain fulltext OBJECTIVE: Integrin alpha2beta1 functions as a major receptor for type I collagen on different cell types, including fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. Although in vitro data suggest a role for alpha2beta1 integrin in regulating both cell attachment and expression of matrix-degrading enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), mice that lack the alpha2 integrin subunit (Itga2(-/-) mice) develop normally and are fertile. We undertook this study to investigate the effect of Itga2 deficiency in 2 different mouse models of destructive arthritis: the antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) mouse model and the human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)-transgenic mouse model. METHODS: AIA was induced in the knee joints of Itga2(-/-) mice and wild-type controls. Human TNF-transgenic mice were crossed with Itga2(-/-) mice and were assessed clinically and histopathologically for signs of arthritis, inflammation, bone erosion, and cartilage damage. MMP expression, proliferation, fibroblast attachment, and ERK activation were determined. RESULTS: Under arthritic conditions, Itga2 deficiency led to decreased severity of joint pathology. Specifically, Itga2(-/-) mice showed less severe clinical symptoms and dramatically reduced pannus formation and cartilage erosion. Mice lacking alpha2beta1 integrin exhibited reduced MMP-3 expression, both in their sera and in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), due to impaired ERK activation. Further, both the proliferation and attachment of FLS to cartilage were partially dependent on alpha2beta1 integrin in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that alpha2beta1 integrin contributes significantly to inflammatory cartilage destruction by promoting fibroblast proliferation and attachment and MMP expression. 01 mei 2012

Objective To elucidate the mechanisms involved in cartilage damage in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by specifically addressing the time course of extracellular matrix degradation and the contribution of cell–matrix interactions for initiation and perpetuation of this process. Methods The human tumour necrosis factor (TNF) transgenic (hTNFtg) mouse model of RA was used to analyse the time course of pannus attachment to the cartilage and cartilage destruction, respectively, and crossed hTNFtg mice with interleukin (IL)-1 −/− animals were used to investigate the role of IL-1 on these TNF-induced mechanisms in vivo. In addition, an in vitro attachment assay using synovial fibroblasts (SFs) from hTNFtg mice and freshly isolated articular cartilage was used to determine the role of proteoglycan loss in attachment of SFs and the role of the transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-4. Results In vivo analyses of hTNFtg mice showed that proteoglycan loss induced by IL-1 precedes and constitutes an important prerequisite for these processes as, in hTNFtg mice, IL-1 deficiency protected from the loss of cartilage proteoglycans and almost completely prevented the attachment and subsequent invasion of inflamed synovial tissue into cartilage. In vitro studies confirmed that loss of cartilage proteoglycans is required for attachment of SFs and that syndecan-4 is prominently involved in SF attachment and activation. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that the loss of cartilage proteoglycans is an early event in the course of destructive arthritis that facilitates the attachment of the inflamed synovial membrane and also initiates matrix degradation and inflammation through cell–matrix interactions.

Background and objectives The LIM-and-SH3-domain-protein-1 (Lasp-1) is an actin-associated protein and is localised at focal adhesion sites where it is involved in organisation of actin polymerization and focal adhesion turnover prozesses. We investigated its role in regulating synovial fibroblast (SF) interaction with components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and in establishing cell-cell contacts during RA. Materials and methods Lasp-1 expression was analysed in tissue from RA patients and in the hind paws of arthritic hTNFtg mice by Western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, Lasp-1-/- mice were interbred with hTNFtg mice and offsprings were analysed for the progression of joint destruction by clinical evaluation and histopathology. Migration characteristics of SF derived from wild type (wt), Lasp-1-/-, hTNFtg and Lasp1-/-/hTNFtg mice were analysed in a modified scratch assay and by live cell imaging. Cell-matrix interactions and cell-cell contacts of isolated SF from all different genotypes were investigated using fibronectin coating in an electrical cell/substrate impedance sensing assay (ECIS). Additionally, we used an in vitro three-dimensional organ culture system for functional analyes. Results Lasp-1 expression levels were increased in human RA tissue and hTNFtg mice in comparison to healthy controls. Evaluation of Lasp-1-/-/hTNFtg mice revealed milder arthritis score compared to hTNFtg mice,which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Results of the scratch assays demonstrated a significantly reduced migration rate of Lasp-1-/- SF (-43,7% vs wt SF) and Lasp-1-/-/hTNFtg SF (-69,11% vs hTNFtg SF). Furthermore, live cell imaging studies demonstrated striking differences in the migration velocity and in migration edge formation of Lasp-1-/-/hTNFtg SF compared to hTNFtg SF. ECIS analysis demonstrated an increased cell-cell contact formation in Lasp1-/- compared to wt SF (+22% versus wt SF) and prolonged cell-cell interaction remodelling of Lasp-1-/-/hTNFtg SF in comparison to hTNFtg SF. Histological analysis of 3D matrices showed that Lasp-1 deletion in the hTNFtg background resulted in an organised cellular lining layer at the interface between the matrix and fluid phases comparable with wild type SF. In contrast, hTNFtg SF formed unorganised cellular condensations with no synovial architecture evident. Conclusion Lasp-1 regulates the migratory behaviour of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis by controlling the dynamics of cell-matrix and cell-cell contacts.

Background and objectives Wnt-inhibitor sclerostin has anti-anabolic effects on bone formation by negatively regulating osteoblast differentiation. Loss of sclerostin expression results in high bone mass and bone strength in patients with sclerosteosis and sclerostin knockout mice. Therefore, antibody-mediated inhibition of sclerostin is currently evaluated for the treatment of osteoporosis in humans. Since it has been shown that sclerostin is upregulated by TNFα, we studied its impacton inflammatory arthritis using RA mouse models such as the human TNF transgenic (hTNFtg) model, the G6PI-induced arthritis model and the K/BxN serum transfer-induced arthritis model. Materials and methods Sclerostin knockout ( sost -/- ) mice were crossed with hTNFtg mice to generate sost -/ - /hTNFtg. Mice with serum transfer-induced arthritis were generated by injection of arthritogenic serum collected from K/BxN mice in sost -/- and wild type (WT) mice. Arthritis was induced in DEREG mice by immunisation with recombinant glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6PI). To switch to the non-remitting G6PI-induced arthritis, Foxp3 + regulatory T-cells were depleted by diphtheria toxin. hTNFtg and G6PI-induced arthritis mice were treated with a neutralising antibody against human and murine sclerostin. Clinical disease severity, bone erosion, cartilage destruction and pannus formation were evaluated by histomorphometric, x-ray and micro-CT analysis. Sclerostin expression and p38 activation was assessed by immunohistochemistry, western-blot-analysisor RT-PCR. Knockdown of LRP5 and LRP6 was performed by transfection of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) with siRNA. Results This study showed for the first time that TNFα induces sclerostin expressionin RA-FLS. Surprisingly, the lack of sclerostin and its antibody-mediated inhibition led to deterioration of RA-like disease in hTNFtgmice with enhanced pannus formation and joint destruction. Suggesting a specific role for sclerostin in TNFα signalling, inhibition of sclerostin also failed to improve clinical signs and joint destruction in the partially TNFα-dependent G6PI-induced arthritis, but ameliorated disease severity in K/BxN serum transfer-induced arthritis,in which TNFα plays only a minor role. FLS from sost -/- /hTNFtg mice displayed increased TNFα-mediated p38 activation, a key step in arthritis development. In turn, sclerostin effectively blocked TNFα-induced but not IL-1-induced activation of p38 with participation of the canonical Wnt receptor LRP6. Conclusion Collectively, these data demonstrated that sclerostin appears to have a protective function in TNF-mediated chronic inflammation.

Background and objectives Lasp-1 (LIM-and-SH3-domain-protein-1) is an actin-binding protein that modifies cytoskeleton organisation and is localised at cell-matrix interaction sites where it is involved in cell adhesion, migration and metastatic invasion. Its role in regulating synovial fibroblast (SF) interaction with components of extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell-cell contacts during RA is unknown. Furthermore, involved signalling pathways have to be elucidated. Materials and methods Lasp-1 expression in RA tissue and hind paws of arthritic hTNFtg mice was analysed via Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, Lasp-1 ko mice were interbred with hTNFtg mice and offsprings were analysed for the progression of joint destruction by clinical evaluation and histopathology. Cell migration properties of SF derived from wild type (wt), Lasp-1 -/- , hTNFtg and Lasp1 -/- /hTNFtg mice were measured using a modified scratch assay and by live cell imaging. Extracellular matrix structure and organisation from wt, Lasp-1 -/- , hTNFtg and Lasp-1 -/- /hTNFtg SF were analysed by electron microscopy (EM). Cell-matrix interactions as well as cell-cell contacts of isolated SF from mice of all genotypes were investigated using fibronectin and self-purified collagen matrix in an electrical cell/substrate impedance sensing assay (ECIS). Via pull down assays and EM components of integrin mediated cell-matrix interaction complexes were examined. In addition, src-phosphorylation levels were evaluated by Western blot. Results Lasp-1 expression levels were increased in human RA and in hTNFtg mice compared to healthy controls. Lasp-1 -/- /hTNFtg mice displayed milder clinical symptoms confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Migration assays presented a significantly reduced migration rate of Lasp-1 -/- and Lasp-1 -/- /hTNFtg SF compared to SF from wt and hTNFtg mice. Analyses of SF ECM showed thickened collagen fibrils with less crosslinking of Lasp-1 -/- SF in comparison to wt controls. In ECIS, Lasp-1 -/- SF adhered to both fibronectin and self purified ECM faster than other genotypes (-50% vs. hTNFtg and wt SF). Additionally, Lasp-1 -/- SF formed a higher number of cell-cell contacts than wt and hTNFtg SF (-17% vs. hTNFtg and -22% wt vs. SF). Pull down assays identified cortactin, uPar and vinculin as components of cell-matrix interaction complexes with increased levels of vinculin found in complexes from Lasp-1 -/- compared to wtSF. Finally, both Lasp-1 -/- and Lasp-1 -/- /hTNFtg SF showed reduced src-phosphorylation compared to wt and hTNFtg SF. Conclusion The loss of Lasp-1 leads to altered src-phosphorylation and changes in cell-matrix interaction complexes as well as altered extracellular matrix organisation. Furthermore, Lasp-1 deficiency leads to significantly reduced migration rates of RASF and hTNFtg SF in vitro and to decreased cartilage degradation in hTNFtg mice in vivo .

Background Cell-matrix interactions of synovial fibroblasts (SF) with cartilage components via β1 integrins are of importance not only for cartilage degradation, but also for the persistence of synovial inflammation during rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this context, integrin α11β1 (ITGA11) is of special interest, because it is mainly expressed in cellular adhesive structures. The loss of ITGA11 leads to disturbed cell-collagen interactions, altered metalloproteinase synthesis and reduced cell proliferation. Objectives The underlying mechanisms and the role of ITGA11 in inflammatory arthritis such as RA are of special interest, but currently unknown. Methods Hind paws of 14-week-old wild type (wt) and hTNFtg mice, an established mouse model of RA were prepared, paraffin-embedded, sectioned and stained with a specific anti-ITGA11 antibody. Furthermore, wt and hTNFtg SF were isolated and seeded on various extracellular matrix substrates, including collagen I, fibronectin and ternary collagen complexes of articular cartilage followed by an analysis of the ITGA11 expression and its subcellular location by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The migration capacity of wt, hTNFtg as well as SF isolated from ITGA11–/– mice was investigated in a modified scratch assay and by live cell imaging. To analyse the adhesive potential, a published cartilage attachment assay was performed, using isolated IL-1β pre-treated murine femoral head cartilage followed by incubation with wt, hTNFtg and ITGA11–/– SF. Results In immunohistological stainigs and Western blot analyses, elevated ITGA11 levels were detected in hTNFtg SF as compared to wt SF. This was also confirmed by immunofluorescence, where hTNFtg SF showed an enrichment of focal adhesions with elevated and most prominent expression of ITGA11. ITGA11–/– SF showed a modified cytoskeleton and an altered cell morphology after cultivation on the different substrates. The most intriguing differences were detected when using the ternary collagen complexes of articular cartilage. Analyses of the functional assays showed an altered migration rate and adhesion capacity of ITGA11–/– SF in comparison to wt SF, as well in the modified scratch assay as in the cartilage attachment assay, even enforced by IL-1β stimulation. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that integrin α11β1 is induced under inflammatory conditions such as in hTNFtg mice and contributes to the migratory and adhesive capacity of synovial fibroblasts. Therefore, integrin α11β1–/– may be an important target for therapeutic strategies in rheumatoid arthritis. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.4180

Background and Objectives Lasp-1 is an important actin-crosslinking protein. It’s localises at focal adhesions, along stress fibres and leading edges and is involved in cellular migration and metastatic dissemination of different cancers. Rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF) are also able to enter the bloodstream from sites of cartilage destruction to new locations where they re-initiate the destructive processes. The underlying mechanisms of this process are of special interest, but currently unclear. Therefore we have investigated the role of Lasp-1 in synovial fibroblast migration during RA. Materials and Methods Lasp-1 expression and its subcellular location was analysed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy of cells seeded on various coatings, including fibronectin, laminin and a self-purified collagen matrix. Furthermore, Lasp-1 deficient mice were generated, which were interbred with hTNFtg mice, to form a model of inflammatory arthritis. Mice of all genotypes were analysed using a clinical score, measuring weight, grip strength and paw swelling over a time course of 14 weeks. Hind paws from each genotype were isolated, paraffin-embedded and toluidine blue stained in order to assess synovial inflammation, cartilage degradation and SF attachment. Cell migration properties of SFs derived from WT, Lasp-1-/-, hTNFtg and Lasp1-/-/hTNFtg were measured using a modified scratch assay and by live cell imaging. Results Lasp-1 expression was up regulated in RASF and in SF from hTNFtg mice compared to healthy controls. In immunofluorescence, Lasp-1 was co-localised with cortactin, a marker for structures of cell adhesion and invasion, particularly when cultured on a purified collagen matrix. Lasp1-/-/hTNFtg mice showed milder clinical symptoms in comparison to hTNFtg mice. Notably, histopathological analyses revealed less cartilage destruction (0.4 mm vs. 1.6 mm, p Conclusion Lasp-1 deficiency leads to significantly reduced migration rates of RASF and hTNFtg SF in vitro and results in a decreased cartilage degradation and destruction and less SF attachment to articular cartilage in hTNFtg mice in vivo. Therefore, Lasp-1 is an important target for therapeutic strategies aimed to reduce the invasive and migratory behaviour of synovial fibroblast in rheumatoid arthritis.

Background Recent studies demonstrated the potential of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) to emigrate from affected joints and migrate via the bloodstream toward distant healthy cartilage in the SCID mouse model of disease. While the mechanisms of breaking endothelial barriers by RA-FLS are largely unclear, the junctional adhesion molecule C (JAM-C) has become of interest in this context due to its involvement in trans-endothelial migration of leukocytes. Using the human TNF transgenic (hTNFtg) mouse as a model for human RA, we studied the role of JAM-C in the transmigration of FLS derived from these mice. Methods The expression pattern of JAM-C on wild-type and hTNFtg FLS was analyzed by Western-blot and immunocytochemistry. We investigated the transmigratory capacity of these cells in a transmigration assay using murine endothelioma cells (bEnd.5) as an endothelial barrier, IL-1alpha treated murine cartilage tissue served as chemoattractant stimulus within this setting. Functional analyses included the knock down of JAM-C expression by siRNA against murine JAM-C as well as its neutralization by blocking antibodies. Results The expression of JAM-C could be detected on the surface of both wild-type and hTNFtg FLS and it was primarly located on sites of cell-cell interactions. Additionally, Western blot data showed an elevated expression of JAM-C in FLS from hTNFtg mice. Our transmigration experiments demonstrated a markedly higher potential of hTNFtg FLS to migrate through the endothelial monolayer than FLS from wild-type mice (+40%, p≤0.05), and cartilage explants pre-treated with IL-1alpha as chemoattractant strengthened the migratory capacity of hTNFtg FLS. Interestingly, knock down of JAM-C expression on hTNFtg FLS mediated by siRNA decreased the number of transmigrated cells of about 40% comparing with mock control (p≤0.01). Equally, the neutralization of JAM-C by blocking antibodies against murine JAM-C resulted in a reduction of transmigration on a similar level. Conclusions The inflammatory environment characteristic for joints of hTNFtg mice induces an up-regulation of JAM-C on FLS similar to that of human FLS during RA. Moreover, the differentiation of a trans-migrating phenotype of FLS, capable to break through endothelial barriers is supported by this environment. In this context, JAM-C seems to be contributed to this process of transmigration and, thus, to the extravasation of FLS and, therefore targeting JAM-C may be a promising therapeutic strategy for RA. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Background and Objectives RA synovial fibroblasts (SF) have been suggested to contribute to the spreading of disease through their ability to leave cartilage destruction sites, migrate via the bloodstream and re-initiate the destructive process at distant articular cartilage surfaces. In this context, the actin-crosslinking protein Lasp-1 is of interest, because it is localised at leading edges of migrating cells and regulates metastatic dissemination of different tumours. Therefore, it is particularly important to investigate the role of Lasp-1 in SF migration and its effects on RA. Materials and Methods To identify different Lasp-1 expression levels in the hind paws of wt and hTNFtg mice, an established model for human RA, Western- blot analyses were performed. In parallel, Lasp-1 expression and its sub-cellular distribution was investigated in SF from wt and hTNFtg mice by Western-blot analyses and immunofluorescence. The migratory capacity of SFs derived from wild-type, Lasp-1 -/- , hTNFtg and Lasp1 -/- /hTNFtg mice was studied in a modified scratch assay as well as in live cell imaging studies. Furthermore, a transmigration assay using SF from all four genotypes and murine endothelioma cells (bEnd.5) as an endothelial barrier was carried out. For more detailed information, SF transmigration was evaluated when endothelial cells were also pre-treated with TNF-alpha, mimicking inflammatory conditions. Results Lasp-1 expression is upregulated in SF from hTNFtg mice and localises to structures of cell adhesion and invasion. In the scratch assay, a significantly reduced migration rate was detected in Lasp-1 -/- SFs after 24 hrs (–43.7% versus wt, p -/- /hTNFtg, respectively (–69.11% versus hTNFtg, p -/- /hTNFtg compared to hTNFtg SF. Furthermore, analyses showed a significant reduction of transmigration of Lasp1 -/- /hTNFtg compared to hTNFtg SF that was even enhanced by TNF-alpha stimulation of the endothelial cells. Interestingly, interbred Lasp1 -/- /hTNFtg mice presented milder clinical symptoms and analyses of histopathology revealed less cartilage degradation and less attachment of synovial tissue to the cartilage than hTNFtg mice at an age of 14 weeks. Conclusions Our data provide that the migratory capacity of SF is regulated by Lasp-1 and influences the severity of arthritis in hTNFtg mice. SF – when activated – migrate through the formation of invasive and adhesive membrane structures such as invadopodia, where Lasp-1 is prominently localised. Thus, targeting Lasp-1 may be a promising strategy to reduce the invasive and migratory behaviour of synovial fibroblasts in RA.

Purpose/Objective Immunizstion with Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6PI) induces arthritis in susceptible strains of mice. Depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) prior to immunisation switches the usually acute, self-limiting course to a non-remitting, destructive arthritis. This provides a possibility to study molecular switches for the transition from acute, self-limiting to chronic, destructive arthritis within one mouse model. To examine the role of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), which are known to modulate immune responses via the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, the phenotype and function of FLS from mice with either acute, self-limiting or non-remitting, destructive arthritis was studied. Materials and Methods FLS from DBA/1 mice that developed either the acute or the chronic form of arthritis were isolated from joints over a time course of 56 days. To investigate the phenotype of FLS ELISA studies as well as zymography have been performed. For the functional clarification of those cells the matrix-associated transepithelial resistance invasion (MATRIN) assay and a cartilage attachment assay have been used. Furthermore, FLS have been transferred in vivo into the knee joints of immunodeficient mice and the joints have been scored histologically. Results FLS from Treg-depleted mice produced significantly more cytokines (e.g. Interleukin 6 (IL-6)) upon stimulation with other cytokines, growth factors and TLR ligands. This increased susceptibility to cytokine stimulation in chronic animals compared to acute ones is observable throughout the disease course (56 days). Furthermore, the secretion and activity of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) was enhanced in the FLS from chronic mice compared to samples from acute ones. Additional functional differences include the collagen-destructive potential and the potential to attach and eventually invade wild type cartilage. Here, FLS from Treg-depleted chronic arthritic mice showed a higher invasive and destructive potential. Ultimately, FLS from Treg-depleted mice were able to destroy cartilage in immunodeficient mice. Conclusions Our results are compatible with the hypothesis that uninhibited inflammation in the early phase of Treg-depleted mice causes the acquisition of an autonomously aggressive phenotype of synoviocytes which contribute to the switch from acute to chronic arthritis even in the absence of late support from T and B lymphocytes.

Background and objectives Recent studies demonstrated the potential of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) to migrate long distances via the bloodstream and invade distant cartilage in the SCID mouse model of disease.While the mechanisms of trans-endothelial migration of RA-FLS are largely unclear the junctional adhesion molecule C (JAM-C) has become of interest due to its involvement in trans-endothelial migration of leucocytes. Here, the authors used the hTNFtg mouse as a model for human RA and studied the role of JAM-C in the transmigration of FLS derived from these mice. Materials and methods The expression of JAM-C on wild-type and hTNFtg FLS was investigated by western-blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. The transmigratory capacity of these cells was studied in a transmigration assay using murine endothelioma cells (bEnd.5) as an endothelial barrier and IL-1alpha treated murine cartilage tissue as chemoattractant stimulus. Functional analyses included the knock down of JAM-C expression by siRNA against murine JAM-C as well as its neutralisation by blocking antibodies. Results The authors found the expression of JAM-C on the surface of both wild-type and hTNFtg FLS which is prominently located on sites of cell-cell interactions. Moreover, Western blot data revealed an elevated expression of JAM-C in FLS from hTNFtg mice. Transmigration experiments demonstrated a significantly higher potential of hTNFtg FLS to migrate through the endothelial monolayer than FLS from wild-type mice (+40%, p≤0,05), and cartilage explants pretreated with IL-1α enhanced the migratory capacity of hTNFtg FLS. Interestingly, siRNA-mediated knock down of JAM-C expression on hTNFtg FLS resulted in a reduction of transmigration of about 40% compared to mock control (p≤0,01). Likewise, the neutralisation of JAM-C by blocking antibodies against murine JAM-C reduced the number of transmigrated hTNFtg FLS on a similar level. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that the inflammatory environment within the joints of hTNFtg mice induces an up-regulation of JAM-C on FLS, which is characteristic for human RA-FLS. Moreover, they indicate that this environment supports the development of a trans-migrating phenotype of FLS able to get through endothelial barriers. JAM-C seems to be involved functionally in the transmigration and, thus, in extravasation of FLS and, therefore targeting JAM-C may be a promising therapeutic strategy for RA.

Introduction Inflammatory destructive arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is characterized by invasion of synovial fibroblasts (SF) into the articular cartilage and erosion of the underlying bone, leading to progressive joint destruction. Because fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) has been associated with cell migration and cell invasiveness, we studied the function of FAP in joint destruction in RA. Methods Expression of FAP in synovial tissues and fibroblasts from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and RA as well as from wild-type and arthritic mice was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fibroblast adhesion and migration capacity was assessed using cartilage attachment assays and wound-healing assays, respectively. For in vivo studies, FAP-deficient mice were crossed into the human tumor necrosis factor transgenic mice (hTNFtg), which develop a chronic inflammatory arthritis. Beside clinical assessment, inflammation, cartilage damage, and bone erosion were evaluated by histomorphometric analyses. Results RA synovial tissues demonstrated high expression of FAP whereas in OA samples only marginal expression was detectable. Consistently, a higher expression was detected in arthritis SF compared to non-arthritis OA SF in vitro. FAP-deficiency in hTNFtg mice led to less cartilage degradation despite unaltered inflammation and bone erosion. Accordingly, FAP−/− hTNFtg SF demonstrated a lower cartilage adhesion capacity compared to hTNFtg SF in vitro. Conclusions These data point to a so far unknown role of FAP in the attachment of SF to cartilage, promoting proteoglycan loss and subsequently cartilage degradation in chronic inflammatory arthritis.