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Published on: March 24, 2017
Aberrant fumarate metabolism links interferon release in diffuse systemic sclerosis
Thomas Steadman1, Steven O'Reilly1
1Biosciences Department, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom.
Fumarate metabolism is altered in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), linking it to elevated Type I interferon. Mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA release contribute to this aberrant interferon response in SSc patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Metabolism
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an inflammatory disease causing skin fibrosis.
- Elevated Type I interferon is a hallmark of SSc.
- The role of TCA cycle metabolites in SSc pathogenesis is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of fumarate, a TCA cycle metabolite, in Systemic Sclerosis.
- To explore the link between fumarate metabolism and Type I interferon production in SSc.
Main Methods:
- Isolated CD14+ monocytes from SSc patients and controls.
- Quantified fumarate hydratase and interferon-dependent genes using qPCR.
- Utilized STING inhibitors, enforced mitophagy, and VDAC1 inhibitors in vitro.
- Measured fumarate and succinate levels in skin biopsies.
Main Results:
- Fumarate hydratase was reduced, and Type I interferon was elevated in SSc monocytes.
- Inhibition of cGAS-STING pathway and VDAC1 mitigated interferon-β release.
- Mitophagy induction and 4-octyl itaconate reduced interferon-β induction.
- Fumarate levels were elevated in SSc skin biopsies.
Conclusions:
- Fumarate metabolism is linked to interferon release in Systemic Sclerosis.
- Aberrant interferon expression in SSc may involve cytosolic DNA released from mitochondria.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in SSc pathogenesis.
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