The role of microRNAs in the activation of synovial fibroblasts

​MicroRNAs are small cellular RNAs that have emerged as key regulators of basic cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, apoptosis or differentiation. Our work showed that several microRNAs are differentially expressed in RA synovial fibroblasts compared to synovial fibroblasts from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and that these microRNAs regulate the expression of arthritis-relevant factors, such as matrix-metalloproteinases. Currently, we are working on tools to better understand cell-type specific functions of microRNA and on the identification of microRNAs that can be used as biomarkers or as therapeutic tools.

Collaborators

• Prof George Kollias, Dr Marietta Armaka, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Athens, Greece
• Prof Ursula Fearon, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Relevant publications

• Pandis I, Ospelt C, Karagianni N, Denis M, Rezcko M, Camps C, Hatzigeorgiou A, Ragoussis J, Gay S, Kollias G. Identification of microRNA -221, -222 and -323-3p association with rheumatoid arthritis via predictions using the human TNF transgenic mouse model. Ann Rheum Dis. 2012 Oct;71(10):1716-23.
• Stanczyk J*, Ospelt C*, Karouzakis E, Filer A, Raza K, Kolling C, Gay RE, Buckley CD, Tak PP, Gay S, Kyburz D. Altered expression of miR-203 in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts and its role in fibroblast activation. Arthritis Rheum. 2011 Feb;63(2):373-81.