Specific macrophage RhoA targeting CRISPR-Cas9 for mitigating osteoclastogenesis-induced joint damage in inflammatory arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis with unknown etiology, characterized by synovial inflammation and articular bone erosion. Studies have highlighted that inhibiting macrophage-induced osteoclastogenesis holds promise in mitigating bone destruction. However, specifically halting this pathological cascade remains a challenge for the management of RA. Here, initially, we identify that Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) is a pivotal target in inducing osteoclastogenesis of macrophages. Subsequently, we develop a strategy termed specific macrophages RhoA targeting (SMART), in which phosphatidylserine (PS)-enriched macrophage membranes are engineered to deliver macrophage-specific promoter-containing CRISPR-Cas9 plasmids (SMART-Cas9), enabling targeted editing of RhoA in RA joint macrophages. Multiscale imaging techniques confirm the highly specific targeted effect of SMART-Cas9 on the macrophages of inflamed joints. SMART-Cas9 successfully reduces osteoclastogenesis by macrophages, thus mitigating bone erosion by modulating cytoskeletal dynamics and immune balance in inflammatory arthritis, representing a therapeutic avenue for RA and other inflammatory bone diseases.

Keywords: CRISPR-Cas9; inflammatory arthritis; macrophages; osteoclastogenesis; rheumatoid arthritis; two-photon imaging.