This research investigates the STAT3-NAV2 axis as a potential therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It reveals heightened super-enhancer (SE)-associated genes and signaling pathways of Navigator 2 (NAV2) in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). The increase of the SE signal of NAV2 highlights the potential role of NAV2 as a key driver in promoting RA progression.
Experiments also demonstrate that the elevating NAV2 in RA influences the SSH1L/Cofilin-1 signaling pathway. Hence, researchers hypothesize NAV2’s involvement in RA progression. Additionally, NAV2 silencing mitigated inflammatory responses in RA, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target.
Meanwhile, the study uncovered that TNF-α stimulation in FLS activates the STAT3-NAV2 axis, with STAT3 regulating NAV2 expression. The research proves that inhibiting NAV2 expression in RA FLS can reverse inflammation-related phenotypes and hinder RA progression through the SSH1L/Cofilin-1 signaling pathway.
Wang et al., “STAT3-NAV2 axis as a new therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis via activating SSH1L/Cofilin-1 signaling pathway,” Sig Transduct Target Ther, vol. 7, no. 1, p. 209, Jul. 2022, doi: 10.1038/s41392-022-01050-7.
