Fibroblast-like synoviocytes-derived exosomal circFTO deteriorates rheumatoid arthritis by enhancing N6-methyladenosine modification of SOX9 in chondrocytes
Guoqing Li, Yuxuan Fang, Nan Xu, Yi-min Ding, Dan Liu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes disability worldwide. Exosomes released by fibroblast-like synoviocytes in RA (RA-FLSs-Exos) play a role in the development of RA, and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important for RA progression. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of RA-FLSs-Exos in RA and identify the potential pathway responsible for these effects. METHODS: We initially conducted microarray analysis to identify dysregulated circRNAs in exosomes associated with RA. We then co-cultured isolated RA-FLSs-Exos with chondrocytes to examine their role in RA. In vivo experiments were performed using collagen-induced arthritis mouse models, and circFTO knockdown was achieved through intra-articular injection of AAV5 vectors. RESULTS: Our findings revealed increased expression of circFTO in both RA-FLSs-Exos and synovial tissues from patients with RA. Exosomal circFTO hindered chondrocyte proliferation, migration, and anabolism while promoting apoptosis and catabolism. Mechanistically, we discovered that circFTO facilitates the formation of methyltransferases complex to suppress SRY-related high-mobility group box 9 (SOX9) expression with assistance from YTH domain family 2 (YTHDF2) through an m6A-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, inhibition of circFTO improved symptoms of RA in vivo. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our study demonstrates that exosomal circFTO derived from FLSs contributes to the progression of RA by targeting SOX9. These findings highlight a promising target for treating RA.