FXR1 impedes the development of osteoarthritis by targeting SND1.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of fragile X mental retardation syndrome-related protein 1 (FXR1), an RNA binding protein, in the development of osteoarthritis (OA), to define its mechanism of action in cartilage, and to determine whether targeting FXR1 can prevent OA in mice.

METHODS

Western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed using cartilage tissue from control and osteoarthritic mice. FXR1 expression was detected by immunofluorescence staining using cartilage tissue from mice. OA was induced by destabilising the medial meniscus in the mice. Infection of mouse chondrocytes with FXR1 lentivirus, as well as viral injection into the mouse knee joint cavity, resulted in high FXR1 protein expression. Chondrocyte apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay and cell senescence was detected by SA-β-gal staining assay.

RESULTS

FXR1 expression was significantly reduced in cartilage and soft tissue from mice with OA compared with the controls. FXR1 overexpression reduced staphylococcal nuclease domain protein 1 (SND1) levels. Furthermore, FXR1 is able to inhibit apoptosis and senescence of chondrocytes via SND1 and hinder the development of OA in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

FXR1 down-regulates SND1 expression, thereby alleviating osteoarthritic symptoms in mice. In summary, FXR1 may have a therapeutic approach to the treatment of OA.