Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play a key role in controlling synovial inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The contribution of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to RA is largely unknown. Here, we show that the lncRNA LINK-A, located mainly in cytoplasm, has higher-than-normal expression in synovial tissues and FLSs from patients with RA. Synovial LINK-A expression was positively correlated with the severity of synovitis in patients with RA. LINK-A knockdown decreased migration, invasion, and expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases and proinflammatory cytokines in RA FLSs. Mechanistically, LINK-A controlled RA FLS inflammation and invasion through regulation of tyrosine protein kinase 6–mediated and leucine-rich repeat kinase 2–mediated HIF-1α. On the other hand, we also demonstrate that LINK-A could bind with microRNA 1262 as a sponge to control RA FLS aggression but not inflammation. Our findings suggest that increased level of LINK-A may contribute to FLS-mediated rheumatoid synovial inflammation and aggression. LINK-A might be a potential therapeutic target for RA.
Jingnan Wang, Chuyu Shen, Ruiru Li, Cuicui Wang, Youjun Xiao, Yu Kuang, Minxi Lao, Siqi Xu, Maohua Shi, Xiaoyan Cai, Liuqin Liang, Hanshi Xu
Usage data is cumulative from December 2022 through December 2023.
Usage | JCI | PMC |
---|---|---|
Text version | 318 | 141 |
30 | 63 | |
Figure | 45 | 1 |
Supplemental data | 24 | 2 |
Citation downloads | 9 | 0 |
Totals | 426 | 207 |
Total Views | 633 |
Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.
Various methods are used to distinguish robotic usage. For example, Google automatically scans articles to add to its search index and identifies itself as robotic; other services might not clearly identify themselves as robotic, or they are new or unknown as robotic. Because this activity can be misinterpreted as human readership, data may be re-processed periodically to reflect an improved understanding of robotic activity. Because of these factors, readers should consider usage information illustrative but subject to change.