Mitochondrial calcium uniporter regulates human fibroblast-like synoviocytes invasion via altering mitochondrial dynamics and dictates rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the aggressive migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) into cartilage and bone, a process that is significantly influenced by mitochondrial calcium uptake. This study highlights the critical role of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in regulating FLS migration and mitochondrial dynamics, and its potential as a therapeutic target in RA. Notably, RA-FLS exhibited increased MCU expression and mitochondrial dysfunction compared to controls. Treatment with Ru360, a potent MCU inhibitor significantly reduced RA-FLS migration, calcium influx, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, while restoring mitochondrial morphology and enhancing ATP production. Further analysis of MCU complex expression revealed elevated levels of MCU and other regulatory subunits (EMRE, MICU1, MICU2) in RA-FLS compared to controls, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction in RA. Mechanistically, MCU inhibition altered gene expression related to cytoskeletal dynamics, focal adhesion, and metabolic pathways. In human RA-FLS, MCU inhibition suppressed migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. The interaction between MCU and Miro1, essential for mitochondrial transport, was validated, and its disruption impaired FLS migration. Our findings highlight MCU as a promising therapeutic target to inhibit FLS migration and ameliorate RA progression.