Deubiquitinase USP16 induces gouty arthritis via Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

BACKGROUND: Gouty arthritis is the most frequently diagnosed inflammatory arthritis worldwide. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), a regulator of mitochondrial fission, contributes to various inflammatory disorders via activating NLRP3 inflammasome. However, the biological role of Drp1 in gouty arthritis remains undefined. METHODS: A mouse model of monosodium urate (MSU)-induced gouty arthritis and MSU-stimulated macrophages were established as in vivo and in vitro models, respectively. Histological changes were assessed by H&E and IHC analysis. RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of Drp1 and the key molecules in joint tissues and macrophages. Cytokine secretion was measured by ELISA assay, and antioxidant enzymes activities and LDH release were monitored using commercial kits. Mitochondrial structure and functions were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and MitoSOX staining. Co-IP and GST pull-down assay were used to detect the direct interaction between USP16 and Drp1, as well as the ubiquitination of Drp1. RESULTS: Drp1 was elevated in MSU-induced gouty arthritis model, and it induced gouty arthritis via NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In addition, Drp1 activated NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling via modulating mitochondrial fission. Mechanistically, USP16 mediated deubiquitination and stabilization of Drp1 through its direct interaction with Drp1. Functional studies further showed that USP16 was highly expressed in MSU-stimulated macrophages and induced gouty arthritis via Drp1-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation. CONCLUSION: Deubiquitinase USP16 induced gouty arthritis via Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission and NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-023-03095-7.