Background/Purpose
Transforming growth factor β activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a key MAPKKK family protein in interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), or toll-like receptor signaling. We examined the posttranslational modification of TAK1 and its therapeutic regulation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods
The effect of TAK1, IRAK-1, or TRAF6 inhibition was evaluated in IL-1β-induced human RA synovial fibroblasts (RA-FLS). Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and 20S proteasome assay were used to study the ubiquitination process in RA-FLS. The efficacy of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a potent anti-inflammatory molecule, in regulating these processes in RA-FLS was evaluated. Molecular docking was performed to examine the interaction of EGCG with human TAK1, IRAK-1, and TRAF6. These findings were validated using a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model.
Results
Inhibition of TAK1, not IRAK-1 or TRAF6, completely abrogates IL-1β-induced IL-6 and IL-8 synthesis in RA-FLS. EGCG inhibits TAK1 phosphorylation at Thr184/187 and occupies the C174 position, an ATP-binding site, to inhibit its kinase activity. EGCG pretreatment also inhibits K63-autoubiquitination of TRAF6, a post-translational modification essential for TAK1 autophosphorylation, by forming stable hydrogen-bond at the K124 position on TRAF6. Furthermore, EGCG enhances associated deubiquitinase expression to rescue proteins from proteasomal degradation. Western blot analyses on the joint homogenates from rat AIA show a significant increase in K48-linked polyubiquitination, TAK1 phosphorylation, and TRAF6 expression when compared to the naïve group. Administration of EGCG (50 mg/kg/day) for 10 days ameliorates AIA by reducing TAK1 phosphorylation and K48 polyubiquitination.
Conclusions
This study provides rationale for targeting TAK1 for RA treatment by EGCG.