Hexokinase II in Human Fibroblast-Like Synoviocyte

The story

Proliferative cells depend on altered metabolic pathways to support their active proliferation. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes are the key cells involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Those cells show reprogramming of different metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes isolated from rheumatoid arthritis patients have an elevated level of hexokinase II, the key enzyme regulating glycolysis. When healthy fibroblast-like synoviocytes are activated to a proinflammatory state, the expression of hexokinase II is increased.

Research area

Metabolic alterations in rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis.

Impact

Understanding metabolic alterations in fibroblast-like synoviocytes in the early phases of rheumatoid arthritis development. This knowledge will help identify targets for compounds whose purpose is to block the energy supply to proliferating fibroblastlike synoviocytes, thus contrasting their activation and preventing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Image description

Fluorescent staining of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes isolated from joint of rheumatoid arthritis patient. Blue: DAPI, green: phalloidin, red: hexokinase II.

Credits

Yuan Zhang, Cristina Maglio Group at the Dept. of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg