Premium
Molecular aspects of rheumatoid arthritis: role of transcription factors
Author(s) -
Okamoto Hiroshi,
Cujec Thomas P.,
Yamanaka Hisashi,
Kamatani Naoyuki
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2008.06582.x
Subject(s) - pannus , chemokine , cell adhesion molecule , immunology , inflammation , microbiology and biotechnology , rheumatoid arthritis , tumor necrosis factor alpha , monocyte , medicine , cancer research , biology
Rheumatoid arthritis is a multifactorial disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis leading to joint destruction and ultimately disability. In the inflamed RA joint the synovium is highly infiltrated by CD4 + T cells, B cells and macrophages, and the intimal lining becomes hyperplastic owing to the increased number of macrophage‐like and fibroblast‐like synoviocytes. This hyperplastic intimal synovial lining forms an aggressive front, called pannus, which invades cartilage and bone structures, leading to the destruction and compromised function of affected joints. This process is mediated by a number of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐17 interferon‐γ, etc.), chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐4 CCL18, etc.), cell adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, etc.) and matrix metalloproteinases. Expression of these molecules is controlled at the transcription level and activation of a limited number of transcription factors is involved in this process.