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Background The genetic architecture of JIA remains only partially comprehended. There is a clear imperative for continued endeavours to uncover insights into the underlying causes of JIA. Methods This study encompassed a comprehensive spectrum of endeavours, including conducting a JIA genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis that incorporated data from 4550 JIA cases and 18 446 controls. We employed in silico and genome-editing approaches to prioritizing target genes. To investigate pleiotropic effects, we conducted phenome-wide association studies. Cell-type enrichment analyses were performed by integrating bulk and single-cell sequencing data. Finally, we delved into potential druggable targets for JIA. Results Fourteen genome-wide significant non-HLA loci were identified, including four novel loci, each exhibiting pleiotropic associations with other autoimmune diseases or musculoskeletal traits. We uncovered strong genetic correlation between JIA and BMD traits at 52 genomic regions, including three GWAS loci for JIA. Candidate genes with immune functions were captured by in silico analyses at each novel locus, with additional findings identified through our experimental approach. Cell-type enrichment analysis revealed 21 specific immune cell types crucial for the affected organs in JIA, indicating their potential contribution to the disease. Finally, 24 known or candidate druggable target genes were prioritized. Conclusions Our identification of four novel JIA-associated genes, CD247 , RHOH , COLEC10 and IRF8 , broadens the novel potential drug repositioning opportunities. We established a new genetic link between COLEC10 , TNFRSF11B and JIA/BMD. Additionally, the identification of RHOH underscores its role in positive thymocyte selection, thereby illuminating a critical facet of JIA's underlying biological mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts play an important role in skeletal biology, especially in bone reconstruction. Scientific and rational regulation of osteoclast formation and activity has become a critical strategy aimed at inhibiting the loss of bone mass in the body and alleviating the occurrence of bone diseases. Currently, there are only a few reports related to hesperetin-regulated osteoclast differentiation., Objectives: To investigate the influence of hesperetin on osteoclast-like cell differentiation and formation, and determine whether the MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the differentiation process., Material and Methods: The RAW264.7 cells were induced and cultured in vitro to promote their differentiation into osteoclast-like cells. Tetrazolium bromide was utilized to determine the effects of different concentrations (100, 200, 400, and 600 μM) of hesperetin on the proliferation of osteoclast-like cell precursors. Osteoclast-like cell differentiation was conducted using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining assay. The status of nuclei and actin filaments of differentiated osteoclast-like cells was observed with the use of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) and actin-tracker green staining experiments. Changes in key proteins of the MAPK signaling pathway were detected using western blot., Results: The results of TRAP staining experiments showed that the number of osteoclast-like cells decreased with the increase in hesperetin concentration. The DAPI and actin-tracker green staining demonstrated that the nuclei of differentiated osteoclast-like cells reduced in size with the increase in hesperetin concentration, and the osteoclast-like cells became smaller. Western blot for key MAPK signaling pathway proteins revealed that phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 protein levels were not significantly inhibited, but phospho-JNK protein levels were reduced., Conclusions: Hesperetin inhibits the differentiation of osteoclast-like cells. Further studies revealed that hesperetin also affects the activation level of phospho-JNK, a key signaling protein of the MAPK signaling pathway, in the induced differentiation of osteoclast-like cells.

Purpose: To explore the role of lncRNA MANCR in regulating in vitro proliferation and apoptosis in esophageal carcinoma cells and in vivo growth of esophageal carcinoma in nude mice., Methods: MANCR levels in 15 pairs of esophageal carcinomas and non-tumoral tissues were detected by qRT-PCR. In vitro regulations of MANCR on proliferative and apoptotic potentials in TE-1 and EC-109 cells were explored by CCK-8, colony formation assay and flow cytometry. In addition, dual-luciferase reporter assay and rescue experiments were conducted to clarify the potential mechanisms of MANCR on regulating PDE4D. Finally, in vivo role of MANCR in mediating esophageal carcinoma growth was determined in nude mice implanted with EC-109 cells., Results: MANCR was highly expressed in esophageal carcinomas tissues than non-tumoral ones. MANCR promoted proliferative ability and inhibited apoptosis in TE-1 and EC-109 cells. In nude mice with xenografted esophageal carcinoma, knockdown of MANCR markedly slowed down tumor growth. PDE4D was the target gene binding MANCR, which was downregulated in esophageal carcinoma tissues. Its level was negatively regulated by MANCR. Importantly, PDE4D could abolish the role of MANCR in stimulating the malignant progression of esophageal carcinoma., Conclusions: LncRNA MANCR is upregulated in esophageal carcinoma cases. Through negatively regulating PDE4D level, MANCR stimulates proliferative ability and inhibits apoptosis in esophageal carcinoma, thus driving the malignant progression.