Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 5, 2026

An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
07:37

An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice

Published on: June 6, 2025

936

MicroRNA-421 promotes inflammatory response of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis by targeting

F Jiang1, H-Y Zhou, L-F Zhou

  • 1Department of General Medicine, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. 1034556389@qq.com.

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|October 25, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-421 promotes rheumatoid arthritis by increasing fibroblast-like synoviocyte activity and inflammation through SPRY1 downregulation. This study reveals a key mechanism in RA pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation, migration, and inflammation.
  • The role of microRNAs in RA pathogenesis is an area of active investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of microRNA-421 (miR-421) in regulating FLS behavior in RA.
  • To determine if miR-421 targets SPRY1 to influence FLS proliferation, migration, and inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot to assess miR-421 and SPRY1 expression.
  • Dual-Luciferase reporter assay to confirm miR-421 binding to SPRY1.
  • In vitro assays (CCK-8, transwell, ELISA) and an in vivo collagen-induced RA mouse model to evaluate FLS function and RA development.

Main Results:

  • miR-421 was highly expressed in RA synovial tissues and FLS.
  • miR-421 negatively regulated SPRY1 expression.
  • Overexpression of miR-421 promoted FLS proliferation, migration, and inflammatory response.
  • In vivo, reduced miR-421 and increased SPRY1 were observed in RA mice treated with cortisone and miR-421 inhibitor.

Conclusions:

  • miR-421 promotes FLS-driven inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • This effect is mediated by the downregulation of SPRY1 expression.

More Related Videos

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain04:50

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain

Published on: May 16, 2025

768
Author Spotlight: Isolation and Culture of Primary Synovial Macrophages and Fibroblasts from Murine Arthritis Tissue09:18

Author Spotlight: Isolation and Culture of Primary Synovial Macrophages and Fibroblasts from Murine Arthritis Tissue

Published on: February 24, 2023

10.0K

Related Concept Videos

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway01:20

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as  SH2...
11.7K
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
2.1K
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
9.7K
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
15.8K
TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

TGF - β Signaling Pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors...
10.3K
Inflammatory Response II: Inflammatory Exudate and Tissue Repair01:24

Inflammatory Response II: Inflammatory Exudate and Tissue Repair

The immune system's inflammatory response destroys the invading pathogen, permitting the tissue to heal. The changes during the cellular and vascular stages allow exudate formation at the site of inflammation. The inflammatory exudate released from the wound has high protein content and a specific gravity above 1.020.
The typical wound exudate is odorless, transparent, straw-colored, thin, and watery. Exudate, however, can differ depending on the state of wound healing. Likewise, the...
7.2K