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Zheng H, Kim M, Kim C, Kim Y, Cho PS, Lim JY, Lee H, Yun HI, Choi J, Hwang SW. GnRH peripherally modulates nociceptor functions, exacerbating mechanical pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1160435. [PMID: 38783903 PMCID: PMC11111891 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1160435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The function of peripheral nociceptors, the neurons that relay pain signals to the brain, are frequently tuned by local and systemic modulator substances. In this context, neurohormonal effects are emerging as an important modulatory mechanism, but many aspects remain to be elucidated. Here we report that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a brain-specific neurohormone, can aggravate pain by acting on nociceptors in mice. GnRH and GnRHR, the receptor for GnRH, are expressed in a nociceptor subpopulation. Administration of GnRH and its analogue, localized for selectively affecting the peripheral neurons, deteriorated mechanical pain, which was reproducible in neuropathic conditions. Nociceptor function was promoted by GnRH treatment in vitro, which appears to involve specific sensory transient receptor potential ion channels. These data suggest that peripheral GnRH can positively modulate nociceptor activities in its receptor-specific manner, contributing to pain exacerbation. Our study indicates that GnRH plays an important role in neurohormonal pain modulation via a peripheral mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sun Wook Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Kim C, Kim Y, Lim JY, Kim M, Zheng H, Kim M, Hwang SW. Pamoic acid-induced peripheral GPR35 activation improves pruritus and dermatitis. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:3059-3070. [PMID: 37501600 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pruritic dermatitis is a disease with a considerable unmet need for treatment and appears to present with not only epidermal but also peripheral neuronal complications. Here, we propose a novel pharmacological modulation targeting both peripheral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons and skin keratinocytes. GPR35 is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in DRG neurons and has been predicted to downregulate neuronal excitability when activated. Modulator information is currently increasing for GPR35, and pamoic acid (PA), a salt-forming agent for drugs, has been shown to be an activator solely specific for GPR35. Here, we investigated its effects on dermatitic pathology. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We confirmed GPR35 expression in peripheral neurons and tissues. The effect of PA treatment was pharmacologically evaluated in cultured cells in vitro and in in vivo animal models for acute and chronic pruritus. KEY RESULTS Local PA application mitigated acute non-histaminergic itch and, consistently, obstructed DRG neuronal responses. Keratinocyte fragmentation under dermatitic simulation was also dampened following PA incubation. Chronic pruritus in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and psoriasis models were also moderately but significantly reversed by the repeated applications of PA. Dermatitic scores in the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and psoriatic models were also improved by its application, indicating that it is beneficial for mitigating disease pathology. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that pamoic acid activation of peripheral GPR35 can contribute to the improvement of pruritus and its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaeeun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yerin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minseok Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Miri Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Wook Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
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Qin Z, Xiang L, Zheng S, Zhao Y, Qin Y, Zhang L, Zhou L. Vitexin inhibits pain and itch behavior via modulating TRPV4 activity in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115101. [PMID: 37406508 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Itching and pain are distinct unpleasant sensations. The transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) pathway is regarded as a shared pathway that mediates pain and itching. Vitexin (Mujingsu, MJS), a C-glycosylflavonoid, is an effective analgesic. This study aimed to explore the antinociceptive and anti-pruritic effects of MJS and whether its effects are mediated via the TRPV4 pathway. Mice were treated with MJS (7.5 mg/kg) 0.5 h prior to the initiation of the pain or itch modeling process. The results showed that MJS suppressed pain-like behavior in hot plate, thermal infiltration, glacial acetic acid twisting, and formalin tests. Administration of MJS decreased the pruritus response induced by histamine, C48/80, chloroquine and BAM8-22 within 30 min. MJS reduced scratching bouts and lessened the wiping reaction of mice under TRPV4 activation by GSK101 (10 µg/5 μl). MJS inhibited scratching behavior in acetone-ether-water (AEW)-treated mice within 60 min. An H1 receptor antagonist-chlorpheniramine (CLP, 400 mg/kg)-and a TRPV4 antagonist-HC067047 (250 ng/kg), exhibited similar effects to those of MJS. Moreover, MJS ameliorated dry skin itch-associated cutaneous barrier disruption in mice. MJS did not inhibit the expression of TRPV4 in the dorsal root ganglion neurons at L2-L3 in AEW mice. These results indicate that the analgesic and anti-pruritic effects of MJS in acute and chronic pain and itching, as well as itching caused by TRPV4 activation, could be attributed to the TRPV4 pathway modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Qin
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lan Xiang
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Siyu Zheng
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yuchen Zhao
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yanyan Qin
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lanlan Zhou
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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Kim Y, Kim C, Lee H, Kim M, Zheng H, Lim JY, Yun HI, Jeon M, Choi J, Hwang SW. Gpr83 Tunes Nociceptor Function, Controlling Pain. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:325-337. [PMID: 36352334 PMCID: PMC10119354 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01327-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of peripheral nociceptors is frequently tuned by the action of G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) that are expressed in them, which contribute to pain alteration. Expanding new information on such GPRs and predicting their potential outcomes can help to construct new analgesic strategies based on their modulations. In this context, we attempted to present a new GPR not yet acknowledged for its pain association. Gpr83 exhibits relatively high expressions in the peripheral nervous system compared to other tissues when we mined and reconstructed Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) metadata, which we confirmed using immunohistochemistry on murine dorsal root ganglia (DRG). When Gpr83 expression was silenced in DRG, neuronal and behavioral nociception were all downregulated. Pathologic pain in hind paw inflammation and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy were also alleviated by this Gpr83 knockdown. Dependent on exposure time, the application of a known endogenous Gpr83 ligand PEN showed differential effects on nociceptor responses in vitro. Localized PEN administration mitigated pain in vivo, probably following Gq/11-involved GPR downregulation caused by the relatively constant exposure. Collectively, this study suggests that Gpr83 action contributes to the tuning of peripheral pain sensitivity and thus indicates that Gpr83 can be among the potential GPR targets for pain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yerin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Chaeeun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hojin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Minseok Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hye-In Yun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Minji Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Sun Wook Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
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Tang PCT, Chung JYF, Liao J, Chan MKK, Chan ASW, Cheng G, Li C, Huang XR, Ng CSH, Lam EWF, Zhang D, Ho YP, To KF, Leung KT, Jiang X, Ko H, Lee TL, Lan HY, Tang PMK. Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers a neuron-like macrophage subset associated with cancer pain. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn5535. [PMID: 36206343 PMCID: PMC9544324 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn5535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Tumor innervation is a common phenomenon with unknown mechanism. Here, we discovered a direct mechanism of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) for promoting de novo neurogenesis via a subset showing neuronal phenotypes and pain receptor expression associated with cancer-driven nocifensive behaviors. This subset is rich in lung adenocarcinoma associated with poorer prognosis. By elucidating the transcriptome dynamics of TAM with single-cell resolution, we discovered a phenomenon "macrophage to neuron-like cell transition" (MNT) for directly promoting tumoral neurogenesis, evidenced by macrophage depletion and fate-mapping study in lung carcinoma models. Encouragingly, we detected neuronal phenotypes and activities of the bone marrow-derived MNT cells (MNTs) in vitro. Adoptive transfer of MNTs into NOD/SCID mice markedly enhanced their cancer-associated nocifensive behaviors. We identified macrophage-specific Smad3 as a pivotal regulator for promoting MNT at the genomic level; its disruption effectively blocked the tumor innervation and cancer-dependent nocifensive behaviors in vivo. Thus, MNT may represent a precision therapeutic target for cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jeff Yat-Fai Chung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jinyue Liao
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Max Kam-Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Alex Siu-Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Guangyao Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Chunjie Li
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Calvin Sze-Hang Ng
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510060, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ping Ho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ho Ko
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Tin-Lap Lee
- Reproduction, Development and Endocrinology Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077 Hong Kong SAR
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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The Emerging Pro-Algesic Profile of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 4. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 186:57-93. [PMID: 36378366 DOI: 10.1007/112_2022_75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) channels are Ca2+-permeable non-selective cation channels which mediate a wide range of physiological functions and are activated and modulated by a diverse array of stimuli. One of this ion channel's least discussed functions is in relation to the generation and maintenance of certain pain sensations. However, in the two decades which have elapsed since the identification of this ion channel, considerable data has emerged concerning its function in mediating pain sensations. TRPV4 is a mediator of mechanical hyperalgesia in the various contexts in which a mechanical stimulus, comprising trauma (at the macro-level) or discrete extracellular pressure or stress (at the micro-level), results in pain. TRPV4 is also recognised as constituting an essential component in mediating inflammatory pain. It also plays a role in relation to many forms of neuropathic-type pain, where it functions in mediating mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia.Here, we review the role of TRPV4 in mediating pain sensations.
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Cho PS, Lee HK, Choi YI, Choi SI, Lim JY, Kim M, Kim H, Jung SJ, Hwang SW. GPR171 Activation Modulates Nociceptor Functions, Alleviating Pathologic Pain. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030256. [PMID: 33807709 PMCID: PMC8001436 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of the function of somatosensory neurons is an important analgesic strategy, requiring the proposal of novel molecular targets. Many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) have been deorphanized, but the receptor locations, outcomes due to their activations, and their signal transductions remain to be elucidated, regarding the somatosensory nociceptor function. Here we report that GPR171, expressed in a nociceptor subpopulation, attenuated pain signals via Gi/o-coupled modulation of the activities of nociceptive ion channels when activated by its newly found ligands. Administration of its natural peptide ligand and a synthetic chemical ligand alleviated nociceptor-mediated acute pain aggravations and also relieved pathologic pain at nanomolar and micromolar ranges. This study suggests that functional alteration of the nociceptor neurons by GPR171 signaling results in pain alleviation and indicates that GPR171 is a promising molecular target for peripheral pain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pyung Sun Cho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (P.S.C.); (S.I.C.); (J.Y.L.); (M.K.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Han Kyu Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (H.K.L.); (Y.I.C.)
| | - Young In Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (H.K.L.); (Y.I.C.)
| | - Seung In Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (P.S.C.); (S.I.C.); (J.Y.L.); (M.K.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (P.S.C.); (S.I.C.); (J.Y.L.); (M.K.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Minseok Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (P.S.C.); (S.I.C.); (J.Y.L.); (M.K.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Sung Jun Jung
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; (H.K.L.); (Y.I.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.J.J.); (S.W.H.)
| | - Sun Wook Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (P.S.C.); (S.I.C.); (J.Y.L.); (M.K.)
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.J.J.); (S.W.H.)
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