MiR-146a-5p Expression in Peripheral CD14⁺ Monocytes from Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis Induces Osteoclast...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) involves bone destruction by monocyte-derived osteoclasts.
• The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in PsA monocyte function remains largely unexamined.
• Specific miRNAs may regulate osteoclastogenesis in PsA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of specific miRNAs in CD14⁺ monocytes and osteoclasts from PsA patients.
• To determine if these miRNAs contribute to active osteoclastogenesis in PsA.
• To assess the correlation of miRNA expression with disease activity and treatment response.

Main Methods:

• Quantified candidate miRNAs (miR-146a-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-155-5p) in CD14⁺ monocytes from PsA, psoriasis (PsO), and normal controls (NCs).
• Differentiated monocytes into osteoclasts using TNF-α and RANKL.
• Assessed osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, and used RNA interference to target miR-146a-5p.

Main Results:

• miR-146a-5p expression was significantly higher in PsA patient monocytes compared to PsO and NCs.
• Osteoclasts derived from PsA patients showed enhanced activation and bone resorption, which was reduced by miR-146a-5p inhibition.
• miR-146a-5p levels decreased in PsA patients after successful biologic treatment, correlating with reduced C-reactive protein (CRP).

Conclusions:

• miR-146a-5p in CD14⁺ monocytes is upregulated in PsA patients and promotes osteoclast activation and bone resorption.
• miR-146a-5p expression serves as a potential biomarker for clinical efficacy in PsA treatment.
• Targeting miR-146a-5p may offer a therapeutic strategy for managing bone destruction in PsA.