Molecular maps of synovial cells in inflammatory arthritis using an optimized synovial tissue dissociation protocol.

In this study, we optimized the dissociation of synovial tissue biopsies for single-cell omics studies and created a single-cell atlas of human synovium in inflammatory arthritis. The optimized protocol allowed consistent isolation of highly viable cells from tiny fresh synovial biopsies, minimizing the synovial biopsy drop-out rate. The synovium scRNA-seq atlas contained over 100,000 unsorted synovial cells from 25 synovial tissues affected by inflammatory arthritis, including 16 structural, 11 lymphoid, and 15 myeloid cell clusters.

The long non-coding RNA HOTAIR contributes to joint-specific gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis.

Although patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) typically exhibit symmetrical joint involvement, some patients develop alternative disease patterns in response to treatment, suggesting that different molecular mechanism may underlie disease progression depending on joint location. Here, we identify joint-specific changes in RA synovium and synovial fibroblasts (SF) between knee and hand joints. We show that the long non-coding RNA HOTAIR, which is only expressed in knee SF, regulates more than 50% of this site-specific gene expression in SF.

Liposomal aggregates sustain the release of rapamycin and protect cartilage from friction.

Liposomes show promise as biolubricants for damaged cartilage, but their small size results in low joint and cartilage retention. We developed a zinc ion-based liposomal drug delivery system for local osteoarthritis therapy, focusing on sustained release and tribological protection from phospholipid lubrication properties. Our strategy involved inducing aggregation of negatively charged liposomes with zinc ions to extend rapamycin (RAPA) release and improve cartilage lubrication.

An Optimized Tissue Dissociation Protocol for Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis of Fresh and Cultured Human Skin Biopsies.

We present an optimized dissociation protocol for preparing high-quality skin cell suspensions for in-depth single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of fresh and cultured human skin. Our protocol enabled the isolation of a consistently high number of highly viable skin cells from small freshly dissociated punch skin biopsies, which we use for scRNA-seq studies. We recapitulated not only the main cell populations of existing single-cell skin atlases, but also identified rare cell populations, such as mast cells.

Role of synovial fibroblast subsets across synovial pathotypes in rheumatoid arthritis: a deconvolution analysis.

Objectives: To integrate published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and assess the contribution of synovial fibroblast (SF) subsets to synovial pathotypes and respective clinical characteristics in treatment-naïve early arthritis.

Methods: In this in silico study, we integrated scRNA-seq data from published studies with additional unpublished in-house data. Standard Seurat, Harmony and Liger workflow was performed for integration and differential gene expression analysis.

Coordinated glucocorticoid receptor and MAFB action induces tolerogenesis and epigenome remodeling in dendritic cells.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) exert potent anti-inflammatory effects in immune cells through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Dendritic cells (DCs), central actors for coordinating immune responses, acquire tolerogenic properties in response to GCs. Tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs) have emerged as a potential treatment for various inflammatory diseases.

Collagen Type I Containing Hybrid Hydrogel Enhances Cardiomyocyte Maturation in a 3D Cardiac Model.

In vitro maturation of cardiomyocytes in 3D is essential for the development of viable cardiac models for therapeutic and developmental studies. The method by which cardiomyocytes undergoes maturation has significant implications for understanding cardiomyocytes biology. The regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by changing the composition and stiffness is quintessential for engineering a suitable environment for cardiomyocytes maturation.