Ddb1-Cullin4-Associated-Factor 1 in Macrophages Restricts the Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Osteomyelitis

Yang Zong1, Haojie Shan1, Fuli Yin1

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Insights

DDB1-cullin4-associated-factor 1 (DCAF1) deficiency in macrophages worsens Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis by increasing inflammatory cytokines and p38 hyperactivation, indicating DCAF1

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Bone Biology

Background:

  • DDB1-cullin4-associated-factor 1 (DCAF1) regulates protein ubiquitination.
  • The role of DCAF1 in osteomyelitis is currently unknown.
  • This study investigates DCAF1's function in macrophages during osteomyelitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the effect of DCAF1 deficiency in macrophages on osteomyelitis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying DCAF1's role in osteomyelitis.

Main Methods:

  • Established a Staphylococcus aureus-induced mouse model of osteomyelitis using DCAF1 conditional knockout mice.
  • Analyzed immune cell populations via flow cytometry.
  • Investigated inflammatory markers and cytokine release (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) using qRT-PCR, immunoblot, and ELISA.
  • Assessed p38 pathway activation.

Main Results:

  • DCAF1 deficiency in macrophages did not alter immune cell populations.
  • DCAF1 suppressed inflammatory cytokine production in LPS-induced BMDMs.
  • DCAF1 deficiency exacerbated osteomyelitis, leading to reduced bacterial load, significant cortical bone loss, and increased reactive bone formation.
  • Mechanistically, DCAF1 deficiency resulted in p38 hyperactivation.

Conclusions:

  • DCAF1 in macrophages plays a protective role by suppressing Staphylococcus aureus-induced osteomyelitis.
  • DCAF1 deficiency promotes inflammation and bone destruction through p38 pathway activation.