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Allison RL, Welby E, Ehlers V, Burand A, Isaeva O, Nieves Torres D, Highland J, Brandow AM, Stucky CL, Ebert AD. Sickle cell disease iPSC-derived sensory neurons exhibit increased excitability and sensitization to patient plasma. Blood 2024; 143:2037-2052. [PMID: 38427938 PMCID: PMC11143522 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience severe recurrent acute and chronic pain. Challenges to gaining mechanistic insight into pathogenic SCD pain processes include differential gene expression and function of sensory neurons between humans and mice with SCD, and extremely limited availability of neuronal tissues from patients with SCD. Here, we used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), derived from patients with SCD, differentiated into sensory neurons (SCD iSNs) to begin to overcome these challenges. We characterize key gene expression and function of SCD iSNs to establish a model to investigate intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may contribute to SCD pain. Despite similarities in receptor gene expression, SCD iSNs show pronounced excitability using patch clamp electrophysiology. Furthermore, we find that plasma taken from patients with SCD during acute pain associated with a vaso-occlusive event increases the calcium responses to the nociceptive stimulus capsaicin in SCD iSNs compared with those treated with paired plasma from patients with SCD at steady state baseline or healthy control plasma samples. We identified high levels of the polyamine spermine in baseline and acute pain states of plasma from patients with SCD, which sensitizes SCD iSNs to subthreshold concentrations of capsaicin. Together, these data identify potential intrinsic mechanisms within SCD iSNs that may extend beyond a blood-based pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reilly L. Allison
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Emily Welby
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Vanessa Ehlers
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Anthony Burand
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Olena Isaeva
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Damaris Nieves Torres
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Janelle Highland
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Amanda M. Brandow
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Cheryl L. Stucky
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Allison D. Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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Bencze N, Scheich B, Szőke É, Wilhelm I, Körmöndi S, Botz B, Helyes Z. Osteosarcoma-Induced Pain Is Mediated by Glial Cell Activation in the Spinal Dorsal Horn, but Not Capsaicin-Sensitive Nociceptive Neurons: A Complex Functional and Morphological Characterization in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1788. [PMID: 38791867 PMCID: PMC11120600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone cancer and its related chronic pain are huge clinical problems since the available drugs are often ineffective or cannot be used long term due to a broad range of side effects. The mechanisms, mediators and targets need to be identified to determine potential novel therapies. Here, we characterize a mouse bone cancer model induced by intratibial injection of K7M2 osteosarcoma cells using an integrative approach and investigate the role of capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic sensory nerves. The mechanical pain threshold was assessed by dynamic plantar aesthesiometry, limb loading by dynamic weight bearing, spontaneous pain-related behaviors via observation, knee diameter with a digital caliper, and structural changes by micro-CT and glia cell activation by immunohistochemistry in BALB/c mice of both sexes. Capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic sensory neurons were defunctionalized by systemic pretreatment with a high dose of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonist resiniferatoxin (RTX). During the 14- and 28-day experiments, weight bearing on the affected limb and the paw mechanonociceptive thresholds significantly decreased, demonstrating secondary mechanical hyperalgesia. Signs of spontaneous pain and osteoplastic bone remodeling were detected both in male and female mice without any sex differences. Microglia activation was shown by the increased ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) immunopositivity on day 14 and astrocyte activation by the enhanced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cell density on day 28 in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. Interestingly, defunctionalization of the capsaicin-sensitive afferents representing approximately 2/3 of the nociceptive fibers did not alter any functional parameters. Here, we provide the first complex functional and morphological characterization of the K7M2 mouse osteosarcoma model. Bone-cancer-related chronic pain and hyperalgesia are likely to be mediated by central sensitization involving neuroinflammation via glial cell activation in the spinal dorsal horn, but not the capsaicin-sensitive sensory neuronal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Bencze
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Scheich
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Éva Szőke
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Chronic Pain Research Group (HUN-REN-PTE), 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Sándor Körmöndi
- Department of Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Bálint Botz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- Department of Medical Imaging, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Chronic Pain Research Group (HUN-REN-PTE), 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- PharmInVivo Ltd., Szondy György Str. 10, 7629 Pécs, Hungary
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3
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Hanani M. Satellite Glial Cells in Human Disease. Cells 2024; 13:566. [PMID: 38607005 PMCID: PMC11011452 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070566] [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] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Satellite glial cells (SGCs) are the main type of glial cells in sensory ganglia. Animal studies have shown that these cells play essential roles in both normal and disease states. In a large number of pain models, SGCs were activated and contributed to the pain behavior. Much less is known about SGCs in humans, but there is emerging recognition that SGCs in humans are altered in a variety of clinical states. The available data show that human SGCs share some essential features with SGCs in rodents, but many differences do exist. SGCs in DRG from patients suffering from common painful diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, may contribute to the pain phenotype. It was found that immunoglobulins G (IgG) from fibromyalgia patients can induce pain-like behavior in mice. Moreover, these IgGs bind preferentially to SGCs and activate them, which can sensitize the sensory neurons, causing nociception. In other human diseases, the evidence is not as direct as in fibromyalgia, but it has been found that an antibody from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis binds to mouse SGCs, which leads to the release of pronociceptive factors from them. Herpes zoster is another painful disease, and it appears that the zoster virus resides in SGCs, which acquire an abnormal morphology and may participate in the infection and pain generation. More work needs to be undertaken on SGCs in humans, and this review points to several promising avenues for better understanding disease mechanisms and developing effective pain therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menachem Hanani
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91240, Israel; ; Tel.: +972-2-5844721
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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4
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Rees TA, Tasma Z, Garelja ML, O'Carroll SJ, Walker CS, Hay DL. Calcitonin receptor, calcitonin gene-related peptide and amylin distribution in C1/2 dorsal root ganglia. J Headache Pain 2024; 25:36. [PMID: 38481170 PMCID: PMC10938748 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-024-01744-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The upper cervical dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are important for the transmission of sensory information associated with the back of the head and neck, contributing to head pain. Calcitonin receptor (CTR)-based receptors, such as the amylin 1 (AMY1) receptor, and ligands, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and amylin, have been linked to migraine and pain. However, the contribution of this system to nociception involving the cervical DRG is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relative distribution of the CTR, CGRP, and amylin in upper cervical DRG. METHODS CTR, CGRP, and amylin immunofluorescence was examined relative to neural markers in C1/2 DRG from male and female mice, rats, and human cases. Immunofluorescence was supported by RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization examining amylin mRNA distribution in rat DRG. RESULTS Amylin immunofluorescence was observed in neuronal soma and fibres. Amylin mRNA (Iapp) was also detected. Amylin and CGRP co-expression was observed in 19% (mouse), 17% (rat), and 36% (human) of DRG neurons in distinct vesicle-like neuronal puncta from one another. CTR immunoreactivity was present in DRG neurons, and both peptides produced receptor signalling in primary DRG cell cultures. CTR-positive neurons frequently co-expressed amylin and/or CGRP (66% rat; 84% human), with some sex differences. CONCLUSIONS Amylin and CGRP could both be local peptide agonists for CTR-based receptors in upper cervical DRG, potentially acting through autocrine and/or paracrine signalling mechanisms to modulate neuron function. Amylin and its receptors could represent novel pain targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayla A Rees
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Zoe Tasma
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Michael L Garelja
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Simon J O'Carroll
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Christopher S Walker
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Debbie L Hay
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand.
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Ma J, Eglauf J, Grad S, Alini M, Serra T. Engineering Sensory Ganglion Multicellular System to Model Tissue Nerve Ingrowth. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308478. [PMID: 38113315 PMCID: PMC10953573 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Discogenic pain is associated with deep nerve ingrowth in annulus fibrosus tissue (AF) of intervertebral disc (IVD). To model AF nerve ingrowth, primary bovine dorsal root ganglion (DRG) micro-scale tissue units are spatially organised around an AF explant by mild hydrodynamic forces within a collagen matrix. This results in a densely packed multicellular system mimicking the native DRG tissue morphology and a controlled AF-neuron distance. Such a multicellular organisation is essential to evolve populational-level cellular functions and in vivo-like morphologies. Pro-inflammatory cytokine-primed AF demonstrates its neurotrophic and neurotropic effects on nociceptor axons. Both effects are dependent on the AF-neuron distance underpinning the role of recapitulating inter-tissue/organ anatomical proximity when investigating their crosstalk. This is the first in vitro model studying AF nerve ingrowth by engineering mature and large animal tissues in a morphologically and physiologically relevant environment. The new approach can be used to biofabricate multi-tissue/organ models for untangling pathophysiological conditions and develop novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxuan Ma
- AO Research InstituteClavadelerstrasse 8Davos7270Switzerland
| | - Janick Eglauf
- AO Research InstituteClavadelerstrasse 8Davos7270Switzerland
- ETH ZürichRämistrasse 101Zürich8092Switzerland
| | - Sibylle Grad
- AO Research InstituteClavadelerstrasse 8Davos7270Switzerland
| | - Mauro Alini
- AO Research InstituteClavadelerstrasse 8Davos7270Switzerland
| | - Tiziano Serra
- AO Research InstituteClavadelerstrasse 8Davos7270Switzerland
- Complex Tissue Regeneration DepartmentMERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineMaastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229ETNetherlands
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Black BJ, Ghazal RE, Lojek N, Williams V, Rajput JS, Lawson JM. Phenotypic Screening of Prospective Analgesics Among FDA-Approved Compounds using an iPSC-Based Model of Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Nociception. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2303724. [PMID: 38189546 PMCID: PMC10953557 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Classical target-based drug screening is low-throughput, largely subjective, and costly. Phenotypic screening based on in vitro models is increasingly being used to identify candidate compounds that modulate complex cell/tissue functions. Chronic inflammatory nociception, and subsequent chronic pain conditions, affect peripheral sensory neuron activity (e.g., firing of action potentials) through myriad pathways, and remain unaddressed in regard to effective, non-addictive management/treatment options. Here, a chronic inflammatory nociception model is demonstrated based on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) sensory neurons and glia, co-cultured on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). iPSC sensory co-cultures exhibit coordinated spontaneous extracellular action potential (EAP) firing, reaching a stable baseline after ≈27 days in vitro (DIV). Spontaneous and evoked EAP metrics are significantly modulated by 24-h incubation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), representing an inflammatory phenotype. Compared with positive controls (lidocaine), this model is identified as an "excellent" stand-alone assay based on a modified Z' assay quality metric. This model is then used to screen 15 cherry-picked, off-label, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds; 10 of 15 are identified as "hits". Both hits and "misses" are discussed in turn. In total, this data suggests that iPSC sensory co-cultures on MEAs may represent a moderate-to-high-throughput assay for drug discovery targeting inflammatory nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan James Black
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Rasha El Ghazal
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Neal Lojek
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Victoria Williams
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Jai Singh Rajput
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Jennifer M. Lawson
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
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Smulders PSH, Heikamp K, Hermanides J, Hollmann MW, Ten Hoope W, Weber NC. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy models constructed from human induced pluripotent stem cells and directly converted cells: a systematic review. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00530. [PMID: 38381959 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Developments in human cellular reprogramming now allow for the generation of human neurons for in vitro disease modelling. This technique has since been used for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) research, resulting in the description of numerous CIPN models constructed from human neurons. This systematic review provides a critical analysis of available models and their methodological considerations (ie, used cell type and source, CIPN induction strategy, and validation method) for prospective researchers aiming to incorporate human in vitro models of CIPN in their research. The search strategy was developed with assistance from a clinical librarian and conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase (Ovid) on September 26, 2023. Twenty-six peer-reviewed experimental studies presenting original data about human reprogrammed nonmotor neuron cell culture systems and relevant market available chemotherapeutics drugs were included. Virtually, all recent reports modeled CIPN using nociceptive dorsal root ganglion neurons. Drugs known to cause the highest incidence of CIPN were most used. Furthermore, treatment effects were almost exclusively validated by the acute effects of chemotherapeutics on neurite dynamics and cytotoxicity parameters, enabling the extrapolation of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration for the 4 most used chemotherapeutics. Overall, substantial heterogeneity was observed in the way studies applied chemotherapy and reported their findings. We therefore propose 6 suggestions to improve the clinical relevance and appropriateness of human cellular reprogramming-derived CIPN models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal S H Smulders
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory for Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kim Heikamp
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory for Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hermanides
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory for Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Markus W Hollmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory for Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Werner Ten Hoope
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory for Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, the Netherlands
| | - Nina C Weber
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory for Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Jang K, Garraway SM. A review of dorsal root ganglia and primary sensory neuron plasticity mediating inflammatory and chronic neuropathic pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2024; 15:100151. [PMID: 38314104 PMCID: PMC10837099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2024.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Pain is a sensory state resulting from complex integration of peripheral nociceptive inputs and central processing. Pain consists of adaptive pain that is acute and beneficial for healing and maladaptive pain that is often persistent and pathological. Pain is indeed heterogeneous, and can be expressed as nociceptive, inflammatory, or neuropathic in nature. Neuropathic pain is an example of maladaptive pain that occurs after spinal cord injury (SCI), which triggers a wide range of neural plasticity. The nociceptive processing that underlies pain hypersensitivity is well-studied in the spinal cord. However, recent investigations show maladaptive plasticity that leads to pain, including neuropathic pain after SCI, also exists at peripheral sites, such as the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons. This review discusses the important role DRGs play in nociceptive processing that underlies inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Specifically, it highlights nociceptor hyperexcitability as critical to increased pain states. Furthermore, it reviews prior literature on glutamate and glutamate receptors, voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in the DRG as important contributors to inflammatory and neuropathic pain. We previously reviewed BDNF's role as a bidirectional neuromodulator of spinal plasticity. Here, we shift focus to the periphery and discuss BDNF-TrkB expression on nociceptors, non-nociceptor sensory neurons, and non-neuronal cells in the periphery as a potential contributor to induction and persistence of pain after SCI. Overall, this review presents a comprehensive evaluation of large bodies of work that individually focus on pain, DRG, BDNF, and SCI, to understand their interaction in nociceptive processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeongran Jang
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Sandra M. Garraway
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Yi J, Bertels Z, Del Rosario JS, Widman AJ, Slivicki RA, Payne M, Susser HM, Copits BA, Gereau RW. Bradykinin receptor expression and bradykinin-mediated sensitization of human sensory neurons. Pain 2024; 165:202-215. [PMID: 37703419 PMCID: PMC10723647 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003013] [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] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Bradykinin is a peptide implicated in inflammatory pain in both humans and rodents. In rodent sensory neurons, activation of B1 and B2 bradykinin receptors induces neuronal hyperexcitability. Recent evidence suggests that human and rodent dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which contain the cell bodies of sensory neurons, differ in the expression and function of key GPCRs and ion channels; whether bradykinin receptor expression and function are conserved across species has not been studied in depth. In this study, we used human DRG tissue from organ donors to provide a detailed characterization of bradykinin receptor expression and bradykinin-induced changes in the excitability of human sensory neurons. We found that B2 and, to a lesser extent, B1 receptors are expressed by human DRG neurons and satellite glial cells. B2 receptors were enriched in the nociceptor subpopulation. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we found that acute bradykinin increases the excitability of human sensory neurons, whereas prolonged exposure to bradykinin decreases neuronal excitability in a subpopulation of human DRG neurons. Finally, our analyses suggest that donor's history of chronic pain and age may be predictors of higher B1 receptor expression in human DRG neurons. Together, these results indicate that acute bradykinin-induced hyperexcitability, first identified in rodents, is conserved in humans and provide further evidence supporting bradykinin signaling as a potential therapeutic target for treating pain in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Yi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Zachariah Bertels
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - John Smith Del Rosario
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Allie J. Widman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Richard A. Slivicki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Maria Payne
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Henry M. Susser
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Bryan A. Copits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Robert W. Gereau
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
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10
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Smith PA. Neuropathic pain; what we know and what we should do about it. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1220034. [PMID: 37810432 PMCID: PMC10559888 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1220034] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain can result from injury to, or disease of the nervous system. It is notoriously difficult to treat. Peripheral nerve injury promotes Schwann cell activation and invasion of immunocompetent cells into the site of injury, spinal cord and higher sensory structures such as thalamus and cingulate and sensory cortices. Various cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, monoamines and neuropeptides effect two-way signalling between neurons, glia and immune cells. This promotes sustained hyperexcitability and spontaneous activity in primary afferents that is crucial for onset and persistence of pain as well as misprocessing of sensory information in the spinal cord and supraspinal structures. Much of the current understanding of pain aetiology and identification of drug targets derives from studies of the consequences of peripheral nerve injury in rodent models. Although a vast amount of information has been forthcoming, the translation of this information into the clinical arena has been minimal. Few, if any, major therapeutic approaches have appeared since the mid 1990's. This may reflect failure to recognise differences in pain processing in males vs. females, differences in cellular responses to different types of injury and differences in pain processing in humans vs. animals. Basic science and clinical approaches which seek to bridge this knowledge gap include better assessment of pain in animal models, use of pain models which better emulate human disease, and stratification of human pain phenotypes according to quantitative assessment of signs and symptoms of disease. This can lead to more personalized and effective treatments for individual patients. Significance statement: There is an urgent need to find new treatments for neuropathic pain. Although classical animal models have revealed essential features of pain aetiology such as peripheral and central sensitization and some of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved, they do not adequately model the multiplicity of disease states or injuries that may bring forth neuropathic pain in the clinic. This review seeks to integrate information from the multiplicity of disciplines that seek to understand neuropathic pain; including immunology, cell biology, electrophysiology and biophysics, anatomy, cell biology, neurology, molecular biology, pharmacology and behavioral science. Beyond this, it underlines ongoing refinements in basic science and clinical practice that will engender improved approaches to pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Smith
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute and Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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11
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Pacifico P, Coy-Dibley JS, Miller RJ, Menichella DM. Peripheral mechanisms of peripheral neuropathic pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1252442. [PMID: 37781093 PMCID: PMC10537945 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1252442] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), neuropathic pain that arises from a damage or disease affecting the peripheral nervous system, is associated with an extremely large disease burden, and there is an increasing and urgent need for new therapies for treating this disorder. In this review we have highlighted therapeutic targets that may be translated into disease modifying therapies for PNP associated with peripheral neuropathy. We have also discussed how genetic studies and novel technologies, such as optogenetics, chemogenetics and single-cell RNA-sequencing, have been increasingly successful in revealing novel mechanisms underlying PNP. Additionally, consideration of the role of non-neuronal cells and communication between the skin and sensory afferents is presented to highlight the potential use of drug treatment that could be applied topically, bypassing drug side effects. We conclude by discussing the current difficulties to the development of effective new therapies and, most importantly, how we might improve the translation of targets for peripheral neuropathic pain identified from studies in animal models to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pacifico
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - James S. Coy-Dibley
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Richard J. Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniela M. Menichella
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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12
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Kumar V, Kingsley D, Perikamana SM, Mogha P, Goodwin CR, Varghese S. Self-assembled innervated vasculature-on-a-chip to study nociception. Biofabrication 2023; 15:10.1088/1758-5090/acc904. [PMID: 36996841 PMCID: PMC10152403 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acc904] [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] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptor sensory neurons play a key role in eliciting pain. An active crosstalk between nociceptor neurons and the vascular system at the molecular and cellular level is required to sense and respond to noxious stimuli. Besides nociception, interaction between nociceptor neurons and vasculature also contributes to neurogenesis and angiogenesis.In vitromodels of innervated vasculature can greatly help delineate these roles while facilitating disease modeling and drug screening. Herein, we report the development of a microfluidic-assisted tissue model of nociception in the presence of microvasculature. The self-assembled innervated microvasculature was engineered using endothelial cells and primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The sensory neurons and the endothelial cells displayed distinct morphologies in presence of each other. The neurons exhibited an elevated response to capsaicin in the presence of vasculature. Concomitantly, increased transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) receptor expression was observed in the DRG neurons in presence of vascularization. Finally, we demonstrated the applicability of this platform for modeling nociception associated with tissue acidosis. While not demonstrated here, this platform could also serve as a tool to study pain resulting from vascular disorders while also paving the way towards the development of innervated microphysiological models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vardhman Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC
| | - David Kingsley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
| | | | - Pankaj Mogha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
| | - C Rory Goodwin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Division, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Shyni Varghese
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, Duke University, Durham NC
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13
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Chen L, Lu X, Jin Q, Gao Z, Wang Y. Sensory innervation of the lumbar 5/6 intervertebral disk in mice. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1084209. [PMID: 37077575 PMCID: PMC10106599 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1084209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionOver the years, most back pain-related biological studies focused on the pathogenesis of disk degeneration. It is known that nerve distributions at the outer layer of the annulus fibrosus (AF) may be an important contributor to back pain symptoms. However, the types and origins of sensory nerve terminals in the mouse lumbar disks have not been widely studied. Using disk microinjection and nerve retrograde tracing methods, the current study aimed to characterize the nerve types and neuropathway of the lumbar 5/6 (L5/6) disk in mice.MethodsUsing an anterior peritoneal approach, the L5/6 disk of adult C57BL/6 mice (males, 8–12 weeks) disk microinjection was performed. Fluorogold (FG) was injected into the L5/6 disk using the Hamilton syringe with a homemade glass needle driven by a pressure microinjector. The lumbar spine and bilateral thoracic 13 (Th13) to L6 DRGs were harvested at 10 days after injection. The number of FG+ neurons among different levels was counted and analyzed. Different nerve markers, including anti-neurofilament 160/200 (NF160/200), anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), anti-parvalbumin (PV), and anti-tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), were used to identify different types of nerve terminals in AF and their origins in DRG neurons.ResultsThere were at least three types of nerve terminals at the outer layer of L5/6 AF in mice, including NF160/200+ (indicating Aβ fibers), CGRP+ (Aδ and C fibers), and PV+ (proprioceptive fibers). No TH+ fibers (sympathetic nerve fibers and some C-low threshold mechanoreceptors) were noticed in either. Using retrograde tracing methods, we found that nerve terminals in the L5/6 disk were multi-segmentally from Th13-L6 DRGs, with L1 and L5 predominately. An immunofluorescence analysis revealed that FG+ neurons in DRGs were co-localized with NF160/200, CGRP, and PV, but not TH.ConclusionIntervertebral disks were innervated by multiple types of nerve fibers in mice, including Aβ, Aδ, C, and proprioceptive fibers. No sympathetic nerve fibers were found in AF. The nerve network of the L5/6 disk in mice was multi-segmentally innervated by the Th13-L6 DRGs (mainly L1 and L5 DRGs). Our results may serve as a reference for preclinical studies of discogenic pain in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunhao Chen
- Spine Lab, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Lu
- Spine Lab, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianjun Jin
- Spine Lab, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The MOE Frontier Research Center of Brain and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Spine Lab, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yue Wang
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14
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Yi J, Bertels Z, Del Rosario JS, Widman AJ, Slivicki RA, Payne M, Susser HM, Copits BA, Gereau RW. Bradykinin receptor expression and bradykinin-mediated sensitization of human sensory neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.31.534820. [PMID: 37034782 PMCID: PMC10081334 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.31.534820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Bradykinin is a peptide implicated in inflammatory pain in both humans and rodents. In rodent sensory neurons, activation of B1 and B2 bradykinin receptors induces neuronal hyperexcitability. Recent evidence suggests that human and rodent dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which contain the cell bodies of sensory neurons, differ in the expression and function of key GPCRs and ion channels; whether BK receptor expression and function are conserved across species has not been studied in depth. In this study, we used human DRG tissue from organ donors to provide a detailed characterization of bradykinin receptor expression and bradykinin-induced changes in the excitability of human sensory neurons. We found that B2 and, to a lesser extent, B1 receptors are expressed by human DRG neurons and satellite glial cells. B2 receptors were enriched in the nociceptor subpopulation. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we found that acute bradykinin increases the excitability of human sensory neurons, while prolonged exposure to bradykinin decreases neuronal excitability in a subpopulation of human DRG neurons. Finally, our analyses suggest that donor’s history of chronic pain and age may be predictors of higher B1 receptor expression in human DRG neurons. Together, these results indicate that acute BK-induced hyperexcitability, first identified in rodents, is conserved in humans and provide further evidence supporting BK signaling as a potential therapeutic target for treating pain in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Yi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Zachariah Bertels
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - John Smith Del Rosario
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Allie J. Widman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Richard A. Slivicki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Maria Payne
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Henry M. Susser
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Bryan A. Copits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Robert W. Gereau
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
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15
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Krock E, Morado-Urbina CE, Menezes J, Hunt MA, Sandström A, Kadetoff D, Tour J, Verma V, Kultima K, Haglund L, Meloto CB, Diatchenko L, Kosek E, Svensson CI. Fibromyalgia patients with elevated levels of anti-satellite glia cell immunoglobulin G antibodies present with more severe symptoms. Pain 2023:00006396-990000000-00274. [PMID: 36943275 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Transferring fibromyalgia patient immunoglobulin G (IgG) to mice induces pain-like behaviour, and fibromyalgia IgG binds mouse and human satellite glia cells (SGCs). These findings suggest that autoantibodies could be part of fibromyalgia pathology. However, it is unknown how frequently fibromyalgia patients have anti-SGC antibodies and how anti-SGC antibodies associate with disease severity. Here, we quantified serum or plasma anti-SGC IgG levels in 2 fibromyalgia cohorts from Sweden and Canada using an indirect immunofluorescence murine cell culture assay. Fibromyalgia serum IgG binding to human SGCs in human dorsal root ganglia tissue sections was also assessed by immunofluorescence. In the cell culture assay, anti-SGC IgG levels were increased in both fibromyalgia cohorts compared with control group. Elevated anti-SGC IgG was associated with higher levels of self-reported pain in both cohorts, and higher fibromyalgia impact questionnaire scores and increased pressure sensitivity in the Swedish cohort. Anti-SGC IgG levels were not associated with fibromyalgia duration. Swedish fibromyalgia (FM) patients were clustered into FM-severe and FM-mild groups, and the FM-severe group had elevated anti-SGC IgG compared with the FM-mild group and control group. Anti-SGC IgG levels detected in culture positively correlated with increased binding to human SGCs. Moreover, the FM-severe group had elevated IgG binding to human SGCs compared with the FM-mild and control groups. These results demonstrate that a subset of fibromyalgia patients have elevated levels of anti-SGC antibodies, and the antibodies are associated with more severe fibromyalgia symptoms. Screening fibromyalgia patients for anti-SGC antibodies could provide a path to personalized treatment options that target autoantibodies and autoantibody production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson Krock
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos E Morado-Urbina
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joana Menezes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew A Hunt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Sandström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Sandström is now with the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States. Tour is now with the Oncology Surgery Department, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Diana Kadetoff
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Sandström is now with the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States. Tour is now with the Oncology Surgery Department, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Tour
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Sandström is now with the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States. Tour is now with the Oncology Surgery Department, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Vivek Verma
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kim Kultima
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lisbet Haglund
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carolina B Meloto
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luda Diatchenko
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Sandström is now with the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States. Tour is now with the Oncology Surgery Department, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Camilla I Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Lawson J, LaVancher E, DeAlmeida M, Black BJ. Electrically-evoked oscillating calcium transients in mono- and co-cultures of iPSC glia and sensory neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1094070. [PMID: 37006467 PMCID: PMC10060658 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1094070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated glia are known to exhibit either neuroprotective or neurodegenerative effects, depending on their phenotype, while participating in chronic pain regulation. Until recently, it has been believed that satellite glial cells and astrocytes are electrically slight and process stimuli only through intracellular calcium flux that triggers downstream signaling mechanisms. Though glia do not exhibit action potentials, they do express both voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels that facilitate measurable calcium transients, a measure of their own phenotypic excitability, and support and modulate sensory neuron excitability through ion buffering and secretion of excitatory or inhibitory neuropeptides (i.e., paracrine signaling). We recently developed a model of acute and chronic nociception using co-cultures of iPSC sensory neurons (SN) and spinal astrocytes on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Until recently, only neuronal extracellular activity has been recorded using MEAs with a high signal-to-noise ratio and in a non-invasive manner. Unfortunately, this method has limited compatibility with simultaneous calcium transient imaging techniques, which is the most common method for monitoring the phenotypic activity of astrocytes. Moreover, both dye-based and genetically encoded calcium indicator imaging rely on calcium chelation, affecting the culture’s long-term physiology. Therefore, it would be ideal to allow continuous and simultaneous direct phenotypic monitoring of both SNs and astrocytes in a high-to-moderate throughput non-invasive manner and would significantly advance the field of electrophysiology. Here, we characterize astrocytic oscillating calcium transients (OCa2+Ts) in mono- and co-cultures of iPSC astrocytes as well as iPSC SN-astrocyte co-cultures on 48 well plate MEAs. We demonstrate that astrocytes exhibit OCa2+Ts in an electrical stimulus amplitude- and duration-dependent manner. We show that OCa2+Ts can be pharmacologically inhibited with the gap junction antagonist, carbenoxolone (100 μM). Most importantly, we demonstrate that both neurons and glia can be phenotypically characterized in real time, repeatedly, over the duration of the culture. In total, our findings suggest that calcium transients in glial populations may serve as a stand-alone or supplemental screening technique for identifying potential analgesics or compounds targeting other glia-mediated pathologies.
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17
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Ray PR, Shiers S, Caruso JP, Tavares-Ferreira D, Sankaranarayanan I, Uhelski ML, Li Y, North RY, Tatsui C, Dussor G, Burton MD, Dougherty PM, Price TJ. RNA profiling of human dorsal root ganglia reveals sex differences in mechanisms promoting neuropathic pain. Brain 2023; 146:749-766. [PMID: 35867896 PMCID: PMC10169414 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a leading cause of high-impact pain, is often disabling and is poorly managed by current therapeutics. Here we focused on a unique group of neuropathic pain patients undergoing thoracic vertebrectomy where the dorsal root ganglia is removed as part of the surgery allowing for molecular characterization and identification of mechanistic drivers of neuropathic pain independently of preclinical models. Our goal was to quantify whole transcriptome RNA abundances using RNA-seq in pain-associated human dorsal root ganglia from these patients, allowing comprehensive identification of molecular changes in these samples by contrasting them with non-pain-associated dorsal root ganglia. We sequenced 70 human dorsal root ganglia, and among these 50 met inclusion criteria for sufficient neuronal mRNA signal for downstream analysis. Our expression analysis revealed profound sex differences in differentially expressed genes including increase of IL1B, TNF, CXCL14 and OSM in male and CCL1, CCL21, PENK and TLR3 in female dorsal root ganglia associated with neuropathic pain. Coexpression modules revealed enrichment in members of JUN-FOS signalling in males and centromere protein coding genes in females. Neuro-immune signalling pathways revealed distinct cytokine signalling pathways associated with neuropathic pain in males (OSM, LIF, SOCS1) and females (CCL1, CCL19, CCL21). We validated cellular expression profiles of a subset of these findings using RNAscope in situ hybridization. Our findings give direct support for sex differences in underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain in patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradipta R Ray
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Shiers
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - James P Caruso
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Diana Tavares-Ferreira
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Ishwarya Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Megan L Uhelski
- Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert Y North
- Department of Neurosurgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Claudio Tatsui
- Department of Neurosurgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gregory Dussor
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Michael D Burton
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Patrick M Dougherty
- Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Theodore J Price
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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18
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Talagas M. Anatomical contacts between sensory neurons and epidermal cells: an unrecognized anatomical network for neuro-immuno-cutaneous crosstalk. Br J Dermatol 2023; 188:176-185. [PMID: 36763869 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljac066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sensory neurons innervating the skin are conventionally thought to be the sole transducers of touch, temperature, pain and itch. However, recent studies have shown that keratinocytes - like Merkel cells - act as sensory transducers, whether for innocuous or noxious mechanical, thermal or chemical stimuli, and communicate with intraepidermal free nerve endings via chemical synaptic contacts. This paradigm shift leads to consideration of the whole epidermis as a sensory epithelium. Sensory neurons additionally function as an efferent system. Through the release of neuropeptides in intimate neuroepidermal contact areas, they contribute to epidermal homeostasis and to the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases. To counteract the dogma regarding neurocutaneous interactions, seen exclusively from the perspective of soluble and spreading mediators, this review highlights the essential contribution of the unrecognized anatomical contacts between sensory neurons and epidermal cells (keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells and Merkel cells), which take part in the reciprocal dialogue between the skin, nervous system and immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Talagas
- University of Brest, LIEN, F-29200 Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
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19
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Ferraguti G, Terracina S, Micangeli G, Lucarelli M, Tarani L, Ceccanti M, Spaziani M, D'Orazi V, Petrella C, Fiore M. NGF and BDNF in pediatrics syndromes. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 145:105015. [PMID: 36563920 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.105015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play multiple roles in different settings including neuronal development, function and survival in both the peripheral and the central nervous systems from early stages. This report aims to provide a summary and subsequent review of evidences on the role of NTs in rare and non-common pediatric human diseases associated with changes in neurodevelopment. A variety of diseases has been analyzed and many have been linked to NTs neurobiological effects, including chronic granulomatous disease, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Angelman syndrome, fragile X syndrome, trisomy 16, Williams-Beuren syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, WAGR syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, Down syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome. NTs alterations have been associated with numerous pathologic manifestations including cognitive defects, behavioral abnormalities, epilepsy, obesity, tumorigenesis as well as muscle-skeletal, immunity, bowel, pain sensibility and cilia diseases. In this report, we discuss that further studies are needed to clear a possible therapeutic role of NTs in these still often uncurable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Terracina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Micangeli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Spaziani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio D'Orazi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy.
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20
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Katz B, Zaguri R, Edvardson S, Maayan C, Elpeleg O, Lev S, Davidson E, Peters M, Kfir-Erenfeld S, Berger E, Ghazalin S, Binshtok AM, Minke B. Nociception and pain in humans lacking a functional TRPV1 channel. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:153558. [PMID: 36454632 PMCID: PMC9888381 DOI: 10.1172/jci153558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDChronic pain is a debilitating illness with currently limited therapy, in part due to difficulties in translating treatments derived from animal models to patients. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel is associated with noxious heat detection and inflammatory pain, and reports of adverse effects in human trials have hindered extensive efforts in the clinical development of TRPV1 antagonists as novel pain relievers.METHODSWe examined 2 affected individuals (A1 and A2) carrying a homozygous missense mutation in TRPV1, rendering the channel nonfunctional. Biochemical and functional assays were used to analyze the mutant channel. To identify possible phenotypes of the affected individuals, we performed psychophysical and medical examinations.RESULTSWe demonstrated that diverse TRPV1 activators, acting at different sites of the channel protein, were unable to open the cloned mutant channel. This finding was not a consequence of impairment in the expression, cellular trafficking, or assembly of protein subunits. The affected individuals were insensitive to application of capsaicin to the mouth and skin and did not demonstrate aversive behavior toward capsaicin. Furthermore, quantitative sensory testing of A1 revealed an elevated heat-pain threshold but also, surprisingly, an elevated cold-pain threshold and extensive neurogenic inflammatory, flare, and pain responses following application of the TRPA1 channel activator mustard oil.CONCLUSIONOur study provides direct evidence in humans for pain-related functional changes linked to TRPV1, which is a prime target in the development of pain relievers.FUNDINGSupported by the Israel Science Foundation (368/19); Teva's National Network of Excellence in Neuroscience grant (no. 0394886) and Teva's National Network of Excellence in Neuroscience postdoctoral fellowship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Katz
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rachel Zaguri
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Simon Edvardson
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Pediatric Department, Hadassah University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Channa Maayan
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Pediatric Department, Hadassah University Hospital, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Shaya Lev
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elyad Davidson
- Pain Relief Unit, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, and
| | - Maximilian Peters
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shlomit Kfir-Erenfeld
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cancer Immunology, Hadassah University Hospital, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Esther Berger
- Department of Pathology, E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Shifa Ghazalin
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexander M. Binshtok
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Baruch Minke
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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21
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Jung M, Dourado M, Maksymetz J, Jacobson A, Laufer BI, Baca M, Foreman O, Hackos DH, Riol-Blanco L, Kaminker JS. Cross-species transcriptomic atlas of dorsal root ganglia reveals species-specific programs for sensory function. Nat Commun 2023; 14:366. [PMID: 36690629 PMCID: PMC9870891 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) are critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis by sensing and initiating responses to stimuli. While most preclinical studies of DRGs are conducted in rodents, much less is known about the mechanisms of sensory perception in primates. We generated a transcriptome atlas of mouse, guinea pig, cynomolgus monkey, and human DRGs by implementing a common laboratory workflow and multiple data-integration approaches to generate high-resolution cross-species mappings of sensory neuron subtypes. Using our atlas, we identified conserved core modules highlighting subtype-specific biological processes related to inflammatory response. We also identified divergent expression of key genes involved in DRG function, suggesting species-specific adaptations specifically in nociceptors that likely point to divergent function of nociceptors. Among these, we validated that TAFA4, a member of the druggable genome, was expressed in distinct populations of DRG neurons across species, highlighting species-specific programs that are critical for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jung
- Department of OMNI Bioinformatics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Dourado
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - James Maksymetz
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Jacobson
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin I Laufer
- Department of OMNI Bioinformatics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Miriam Baca
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Oded Foreman
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David H Hackos
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Lorena Riol-Blanco
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Joshua S Kaminker
- Department of OMNI Bioinformatics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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22
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Röderer P, Belu A, Heidrich L, Siobal M, Isensee J, Prolingheuer J, Janocha E, Valdor M, Hagendorf S, Bahrenberg G, Opitz T, Segschneider M, Haupt S, Nitzsche A, Brüstle O, Hucho T. Emergence of nociceptive functionality and opioid signaling in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neurons. Pain 2023:00006396-990000000-00249. [PMID: 36727909 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have enabled the generation of various difficult-to-access cell types such as human nociceptors. A key challenge associated with human iPSC-derived nociceptors (hiPSCdNs) is their prolonged functional maturation. While numerous studies have addressed the expression of classic neuronal markers and ion channels in hiPSCdNs, the temporal development of key signaling cascades regulating nociceptor activity has remained largely unexplored. In this study, we used an immunocytochemical high-content imaging approach alongside electrophysiological staging to assess metabotropic and ionotropic signaling of large scale-generated hiPSCdNs across 70 days of in vitro differentiation. During this period, the resting membrane potential became more hyperpolarized, while rheobase, action potential peak amplitude, and membrane capacitance increased. After 70 days, hiPSCdNs exhibited robust physiological responses induced by GABA, pH shift, ATP, and capsaicin. Direct activation of protein kinase A type II (PKA-II) through adenylyl cyclase stimulation with forskolin resulted in PKA-II activation at all time points. Depolarization-induced activation of PKA-II emerged after 35 days of differentiation. However, effective inhibition of forskolin-induced PKA-II activation by opioid receptor agonists required 70 days of in vitro differentiation. Our results identify a pronounced time difference between early expression of functionally important ion channels and emergence of regulatory metabotropic sensitizing and desensitizing signaling only at advanced stages of in vitro cultivation, suggesting an independent regulation of ionotropic and metabotropic signaling. These data are relevant for devising future studies into the development and regulation of human nociceptor function and for defining time windows suitable for hiPSCdN-based drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Röderer
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Cellomics Unit, Bonn, Germany, Germany
| | - Andreea Belu
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Luzia Heidrich
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Cellomics Unit, Bonn, Germany, Germany
| | - Maike Siobal
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Isensee
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jonathan Prolingheuer
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Thoralf Opitz
- Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michaela Segschneider
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
| | - Simone Haupt
- LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Cellomics Unit, Bonn, Germany, Germany
| | - Anja Nitzsche
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Cellomics Unit, Bonn, Germany, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Cellomics Unit, Bonn, Germany, Germany
| | - Tim Hucho
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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23
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Allison RL, Burand A, Torres DN, Brandow AM, Stucky CL, Ebert AD. Sickle cell disease patient plasma sensitizes iPSC-derived sensory neurons from sickle cell disease patients. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.10.523446. [PMID: 36711992 PMCID: PMC9882050 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.10.523446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience severe recurrent acute and chronic pain. In order to develop novel therapies, it is necessary to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying SCD pain. There are many barriers to gaining mechanistic insight into pathogenic SCD pain processes, such as differential gene expression and function of sensory neurons between humans and mice with SCD, as well as the limited availability of patient samples. These can be overcome by utilizing SCD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiated into sensory neurons (SCD iSNs). Here, we characterize the key gene expression and function of SCD iSNs to establish a model for higher-throughput investigation of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may contribute to increased SCD patient pain. Importantly, identified roles for C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) and endothelin 1 (ET1) in SCD pain can be recapitulated in SCD iSNs. Further, we find that plasma taken from SCD patients during acute pain increases SCD iSN calcium response to the nociceptive stimulus capsaicin compared to those treated with paired SCD patient plasma at baseline or healthy control plasma samples. Together, these data provide the framework necessary to utilize iSNs as a powerful tool to investigate the neurobiology of SCD and identify potential intrinsic mechanisms of SCD pain which may extend beyond a blood-based pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reilly L. Allison
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Anthony Burand
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Damaris Nieves Torres
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Amanda M. Brandow
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Cheryl L. Stucky
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Allison D. Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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24
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Alsaloum M, Labau JIR, Liu S, Effraim PR, Waxman SG. Stem cell-derived sensory neurons modelling inherited erythromelalgia: normalization of excitability. Brain 2023; 146:359-371. [PMID: 35088838 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective treatment of pain remains an unmet healthcare need that requires new and effective therapeutic approaches. NaV1.7 has been genetically and functionally validated as a mediator of pain. Preclinical studies of NaV1.7-selective blockers have shown limited success and translation to clinical studies has been limited. The degree of NaV1.7 channel blockade necessary to attenuate neuronal excitability and ameliorate pain is an unanswered question important for drug discovery. Here, we utilize dynamic clamp electrophysiology and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neurons (iPSC-SNs) to answer this question for inherited erythromelalgia, a pain disorder caused by gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.7. We show that dynamic clamp can produce hyperexcitability in iPSC-SNs associated with two different inherited erythromelalgia mutations, NaV1.7-S241T and NaV1.7-I848T. We further show that blockade of approximately 50% of NaV1.7 currents can reverse neuronal hyperexcitability to baseline levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Alsaloum
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.,Center for Rehabilitation Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.,Yale Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Julie I R Labau
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.,Center for Rehabilitation Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment (KEMTA), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Shujun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.,Center for Rehabilitation Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Philip R Effraim
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.,Center for Rehabilitation Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.,Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.,Center for Rehabilitation Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
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25
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Avraham O, Chamessian A, Feng R, Yang L, Halevi AE, Moore AM, Gereau RW, Cavalli V. Profiling the molecular signature of satellite glial cells at the single cell level reveals high similarities between rodents and humans. Pain 2022; 163:2348-2364. [PMID: 35503034 PMCID: PMC9522926 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Peripheral sensory neurons located in dorsal root ganglia relay sensory information from the peripheral tissue to the brain. Satellite glial cells (SGCs) are unique glial cells that form an envelope completely surrounding each sensory neuron soma. This organization allows for close bidirectional communication between the neuron and its surrounding glial coat. Morphological and molecular changes in SGC have been observed in multiple pathological conditions such as inflammation, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, viral infection, and nerve injuries. There is evidence that changes in SGC contribute to chronic pain by augmenting the neuronal activity in various rodent pain models. Satellite glial cells also play a critical role in axon regeneration. Whether findings made in rodent model systems are relevant to human physiology have not been investigated. Here, we present a detailed characterization of the transcriptional profile of SGC in mice, rats, and humans at the single cell level. Our findings suggest that key features of SGC in rodent models are conserved in humans. Our study provides the potential to leverage rodent SGC properties and identify potential targets in humans for the treatment of nerve injuries and alleviation of painful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshri Avraham
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis 63110, Missouri, USA
| | - Alexander Chamessian
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis 63110, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis 63110, Missouri, USA
| | - Rui Feng
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis 63110, Missouri, USA
| | - Lite Yang
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis 63110, Missouri, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis 63110, Missouri, USA
| | - Alexandra E. Halevi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis 63110, Missouri, USA
| | - Amy M. Moore
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus Ohio, USA
| | - Robert W. Gereau
- Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis 63110, Missouri, USA
| | - Valeria Cavalli
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis 63110, Missouri, USA
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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26
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Davies DM, van den Handel K, Bharadwaj S, Lengefeld J. Cellular enlargement - A new hallmark of aging? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1036602. [PMID: 36438561 PMCID: PMC9688412 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1036602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Years of important research has revealed that cells heavily invest in regulating their size. Nevertheless, it has remained unclear why accurate size control is so important. Our recent study using hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vivo indicates that cellular enlargement is causally associated with aging. Here, we present an overview of these findings and their implications. Furthermore, we performed a broad literature analysis to evaluate the potential of cellular enlargement as a new aging hallmark and to examine its connection to previously described aging hallmarks. Finally, we highlight interesting work presenting a correlation between cell size and age-related diseases. Taken together, we found mounting evidence linking cellular enlargement to aging and age-related diseases. Therefore, we encourage researchers from seemingly unrelated areas to take a fresh look at their data from the perspective of cell size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Davies
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kim van den Handel
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Soham Bharadwaj
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jette Lengefeld
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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27
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Papalampropoulou-Tsiridou M, Shiers S, Wang F, Godin AG, Price TJ, De Koninck Y. Distribution of acid-sensing ion channel subunits in human sensory neurons contrasts with that in rodents. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac256. [PMID: 36337346 PMCID: PMC9629378 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) play a critical role in nociception in human sensory neurons. Four genes (ASIC1, ASIC2, ASIC3, and ASIC4) encoding multiple subunits through alternative splicing have been identified in humans. Real time-PCR experiments showed strong expression of three subunits ASIC1, ASIC2, and ASIC3 in human dorsal root ganglia; however, their detailed expression pattern in different neuronal populations has not been investigated yet. In the current study, using an in situ hybridization approach (RNAscope), we examined the presence of ASIC1, ASIC2, and ASIC3 mRNA in three subpopulations of human dorsal root ganglia neurons. Our results revealed that ASIC1 and ASIC3 were present in the vast majority of dorsal root ganglia neurons, while ASIC2 was only expressed in less than half of dorsal root ganglia neurons. The distribution pattern of the three ASIC subunits was the same across the three populations of dorsal root ganglia neurons examined, including neurons expressing the REarranged during Transfection (RET) receptor tyrosine kinase, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and a subpopulation of nociceptors expressing Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 1. These results strongly contrast the expression pattern of Asics in mice since our previous study demonstrated differential distribution of Asics among the various subpopulation of dorsal root ganglia neurons. Given the distinct acid-sensitivity and activity dynamics among different ASIC channels, the expression differences between human and rodents should be taken under consideration when evaluating the translational potential and efficiency of drugs targeting ASICs in rodent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Papalampropoulou-Tsiridou
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Stephanie Shiers
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Feng Wang
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada
| | - Antoine G Godin
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec, QC G1J 2G3, Canada,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Theodore J Price
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Yves De Koninck
- Correspondence to: Yves De Koninck 2601 Chemin de la Canardière Québec G1J 2G3 Canada. E-mail:
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28
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Mießner H, Seidel J, Smith ESJ. In vitro models for investigating itch. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:984126. [PMID: 36385768 PMCID: PMC9644192 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.984126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Itch (pruritus) is a sensation that drives a desire to scratch, a behavior observed in many animals. Although generally short-lasting and not causing harm, there are several pathological conditions where chronic itch is a hallmark symptom and in which prolonged scratching can induce damage. Finding medications to counteract the sensation of chronic itch has proven difficult due to the molecular complexity that involves a multitude of triggers, receptors and signaling pathways between skin, immune and nerve cells. While much has been learned about pruritus from in vivo animal models, they have limitations that corroborate the necessity for a transition to more human disease-like models. Also, reducing animal use should be encouraged in research. However, conducting human in vivo experiments can also be ethically challenging. Thus, there is a clear need for surrogate models to be used in pre-clinical investigation of the mechanisms of itch. Most in vitro models used for itch research focus on the use of known pruritogens. For this, sensory neurons and different types of skin and/or immune cells are stimulated in 2D or 3D co-culture, and factors such as neurotransmitter or cytokine release can be measured. There are however limitations of such simplistic in vitro models. For example, not all naturally occurring cell types are present and there is also no connection to the itch-sensing organ, the central nervous system (CNS). Nevertheless, in vitro models offer a chance to investigate otherwise inaccessible specific cell–cell interactions and molecular pathways. In recent years, stem cell-based approaches and human primary cells have emerged as viable alternatives to standard cell lines or animal tissue. As in vitro models have increased in their complexity, further opportunities for more elaborated means of investigating itch have been developed. In this review, we introduce the latest concepts of itch and discuss the advantages and limitations of current in vitro models, which provide valuable contributions to pruritus research and might help to meet the unmet clinical need for more refined anti-pruritic substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Mießner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Dermatological Skin Care, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Judith Seidel
- Dermatological Skin Care, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ewan St. John Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Ewan St. John Smith,
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29
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Middleton SJ, Perini I, Themistocleous AC, Weir GA, McCann K, Barry AM, Marshall A, Lee M, Mayo LM, Bohic M, Baskozos G, Morrison I, Löken LS, McIntyre S, Nagi SS, Staud R, Sehlstedt I, Johnson RD, Wessberg J, Wood JN, Woods CG, Moqrich A, Olausson H, Bennett DL. Nav1.7 is required for normal C-low threshold mechanoreceptor function in humans and mice. Brain 2022; 145:3637-3653. [PMID: 34957475 PMCID: PMC9586547 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with bi-allelic loss of function mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 present with congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP), whilst low threshold mechanosensation is reportedly normal. Using psychophysics (n = 6 CIP participants and n = 86 healthy controls) and facial electromyography (n = 3 CIP participants and n = 8 healthy controls), we found that these patients also have abnormalities in the encoding of affective touch, which is mediated by the specialized afferents C-low threshold mechanoreceptors (C-LTMRs). In the mouse, we found that C-LTMRs express high levels of Nav1.7. Genetic loss or selective pharmacological inhibition of Nav1.7 in C-LTMRs resulted in a significant reduction in the total sodium current density, an increased mechanical threshold and reduced sensitivity to non-noxious cooling. The behavioural consequence of loss of Nav1.7 in C-LTMRs in mice was an elevation in the von Frey mechanical threshold and less sensitivity to cooling on a thermal gradient. Nav1.7 is therefore not only essential for normal pain perception but also for normal C-LTMR function, cool sensitivity and affective touch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Middleton
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Irene Perini
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Andreas C Themistocleous
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Greg A Weir
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Kirsty McCann
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Allison M Barry
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, L3 5DA Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael Lee
- University Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Cambridge NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Leah M Mayo
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Manon Bohic
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institute de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR 7288, case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Georgios Baskozos
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - India Morrison
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Line S Löken
- Department of Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sarah McIntyre
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Saad S Nagi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Roland Staud
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Isac Sehlstedt
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Richard D Johnson
- Department of Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Johan Wessberg
- Department of Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - John N Wood
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Christopher G Woods
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aziz Moqrich
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institute de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR 7288, case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Håkan Olausson
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - David L Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Use of a human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dorsal root ganglion neurone model to study analgesics in vitro: proof of principle using lidocaine. Br J Anaesth 2022; 129:e172-e175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Schrenk-Siemens K, Pohle J, Rostock C, Abd El Hay M, Lam RM, Szczot M, Lu S, Chesler AT, Siemens J. Human Stem Cell-Derived TRPV1-Positive Sensory Neurons: A New Tool to Study Mechanisms of Sensitization. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182905. [PMID: 36139481 PMCID: PMC9497105 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensation, the detection and transduction of external and internal stimuli such as temperature or mechanical force, is vital to sustaining our bodily integrity. But still, some of the mechanisms of distinct stimuli detection and transduction are not entirely understood, especially when noxious perception turns into chronic pain. Over the past decade major progress has increased our understanding in areas such as mechanotransduction or sensory neuron classification. However, it is in particular the access to human pluripotent stem cells and the possibility of generating and studying human sensory neurons that has enriched the somatosensory research field. Based on our previous work, we describe here the generation of human stem cell-derived nociceptor-like cells. We show that by varying the differentiation strategy, we can produce different nociceptive subpopulations with different responsiveness to nociceptive stimuli such as capsaicin. Functional as well as deep sequencing analysis demonstrated that one protocol in particular allowed the generation of a mechano-nociceptive sensory neuron population, homogeneously expressing TRPV1. Accordingly, we find the cells to homogenously respond to capsaicin, to become sensitized upon inflammatory stimuli, and to respond to temperature stimulation. The efficient and homogenous generation of these neurons make them an ideal translational tool to study mechanisms of sensitization, also in the context of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Schrenk-Siemens
- Department of Pharmacology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.S.-S.); (J.S.)
| | - Jörg Pohle
- Department of Pharmacology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Translational Disease Understanding, Grünenthal GmbH, Zieglerstr. 6, 52078 Aachen, Germany
| | - Charlotte Rostock
- Department of Pharmacology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Muad Abd El Hay
- Department of Pharmacology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Ernst Strüngmann Institute, Deutschordenstr. 46, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ruby M. Lam
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH, 35A Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marcin Szczot
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH, 35A Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, 58330 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Shiying Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Oliver Wyman GmbH, Muellerstr. 3, 80469 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander T. Chesler
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH, 35A Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jan Siemens
- Department of Pharmacology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.S.-S.); (J.S.)
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Labau JIR, Andelic M, Faber CG, Waxman SG, Lauria G, Dib-Hajj SD. Recent advances for using human induced-pluripotent stem cells as pain-in-a-dish models of neuropathic pain. Exp Neurol 2022; 358:114223. [PMID: 36100046 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is amongst the most common non-communicable disorders and the poor effectiveness of current treatment is an unmet need. Although pain is a universal experience, there are significant inter-individual phenotypic differences. Developing models that can accurately recapitulate the clinical pain features is crucial to better understand underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and find innovative treatments. Current data from heterologous expression systems that investigate properties of specific molecules involved in pain signaling, and from animal models, show limited success with their translation into the development of novel treatments for pain. This is in part because they do not recapitulate the native environment in which a particular molecule functions, and due to species-specific differences in the properties of several key molecules that are involved in pain signaling. The limited availability of post-mortem tissue, in particular dorsal root ganglia (DRG), has hampered research using human cells in pre-clinical studies. Human induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as an exciting alternative platform to study patient-specific diseases. Sensory neurons that are derived from iPSCs (iPSC-SNs) have provided new avenues towards elucidating peripheral pathophysiological mechanisms, the potential for development of personalized treatments, and as a cell-based system for high-throughput screening for discovering novel analgesics. Nevertheless, reprogramming and differentiation protocols to obtain nociceptors have mostly yielded immature homogenous cell populations that do not recapitulate the heterogeneity of native sensory neurons. To close the gap between native human tissue and iPSCs, alternative strategies have been developed. We will review here recent developments in differentiating iPSC-SNs and their use in pre-clinical translational studies. Direct conversion of stem cells into the cells of interest has provided a more cost- and time-saving method to improve reproducibility and diversity of sensory cell types. Furthermore, multi-cellular strategies that mimic in vivo microenvironments for cell maturation, by improving cell contact and communication (co-cultures), reproducing the organ complexity and architecture (three-dimensional organoid), and providing iPSCs with the full spatiotemporal context and nutrients needed for acquiring a mature phenotype (xenotransplantation), have led to functional sensory neuron-like systems. Finally, this review touches on novel prospective strategies, including fluorescent-tracking to select the differentiated neurons of relevance, and dynamic clamp, an electrophysiological method that allows direct manipulation of ionic conductances that are missing in iPSC-SNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie I R Labau
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Toxicogenomics, Clinical Genomics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands; School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mirna Andelic
- School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Catharina G Faber
- School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Sulayman D Dib-Hajj
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
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Smulders PSH, van Zuylen ML, Hermanides J, Hollmann MW, Ten Hoope W, Weber NC. Investigating Peripheral Regional Anesthesia Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Technology: Exploring Novel Terrain. Anesth Analg 2022; 135:659-662. [PMID: 35977370 PMCID: PMC9359775 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal S H Smulders
- From the Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands and
| | - Mark L van Zuylen
- From the Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands and
| | - Jeroen Hermanides
- From the Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands and
| | - Markus W Hollmann
- From the Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands and
| | - Werner Ten Hoope
- From the Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands and.,Department of Anesthesiology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, the Netherlands
| | - Nina C Weber
- From the Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands and
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Pathophysiology of Nociception and Rare Genetic Disorders with Increased Pain Threshold or Pain Insensitivity. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2022; 29:435-452. [PMID: 35997391 PMCID: PMC9397076 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology29030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain and nociception are different phenomena. Nociception is the result of complex activity in sensory pathways. On the other hand, pain is the effect of interactions between nociceptive processes, and cognition, emotions, as well as the social context of the individual. Alterations in the nociceptive route can have different genesis and affect the entire sensorial process. Genetic problems in nociception, clinically characterized by reduced or absent pain sensitivity, compose an important chapter within pain medicine. This chapter encompasses a wide range of very rare diseases. Several genes have been identified. These genes encode the Nav channels 1.7 and 1.9 (SCN9A, and SCN11A genes, respectively), NGFβ and its receptor tyrosine receptor kinase A, as well as the transcription factor PRDM12, and autophagy controllers (TECPR2). Monogenic disorders provoke hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies. Their clinical pictures are extremely variable, and a precise classification has yet to be established. Additionally, pain insensitivity is described in diverse numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities, such as Angelman syndrome, Prader Willy syndrome, Chromosome 15q duplication syndrome, and Chromosome 4 interstitial deletion. Studying these conditions could be a practical strategy to better understand the mechanisms of nociception and investigate potential therapeutic targets against pain.
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North RY, Odem MA, Li Y, Tatsui CE, Cassidy RM, Dougherty PM, Walters ET. Electrophysiological Alterations Driving Pain-Associated Spontaneous Activity in Human Sensory Neuron Somata Parallel Alterations Described in Spontaneously Active Rodent Nociceptors. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1343-1357. [PMID: 35292377 PMCID: PMC9357108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain in rodents can be driven by ectopic spontaneous activity (SA) generated by sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The recent demonstration that SA in dissociated human DRG neurons is associated with reported neuropathic pain in patients enables a detailed comparison of pain-linked electrophysiological alterations driving SA in human DRG neurons to alterations that distinguish SA in nociceptors from SA in low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) in rodent neuropathy models. Analysis of recordings from dissociated somata of patient-derived DRG neurons showed that SA and corresponding pain in both sexes were significantly associated with the three functional electrophysiological alterations sufficient to generate SA in the absence of extrinsic depolarizing inputs. These include enhancement of depolarizing spontaneous fluctuations of membrane potential (DSFs), which were analyzed quantitatively for the first time in human DRG neurons. The functional alterations were indistinguishable from SA-driving alterations reported for nociceptors in rodent chronic pain models. Irregular, low-frequency DSFs in human DRG neurons closely resemble DSFs described in rodent nociceptors while differing substantially from the high-frequency sinusoidal oscillations described in rodent LTMRs. These findings suggest that conserved physiological mechanisms of SA in human nociceptor somata can drive neuropathic pain despite documented cellular differences between human and rodent DRG neurons. PERSPECTIVE: Electrophysiological alterations in human sensory neurons associated with patient-reported neuropathic pain include all three of the functional alterations that logically can promote spontaneous activity. The similarity of distinctively altered spontaneous depolarizations in human DRG neurons and rodent nociceptors suggests that spontaneously active human nociceptors can persistently promote neuropathic pain in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Y North
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Max A Odem
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Claudio Esteves Tatsui
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ryan M Cassidy
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Patrick M Dougherty
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Edgar T Walters
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas..
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Vats K, Kruglov O, Sahoo B, Soman V, Zhang J, Shurin GV, Chandran UR, Skums P, Shurin MR, Zelikovsky A, Storkus WJ, Bunimovich YL. Sensory nerves impede the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures and development of protective anti-melanoma immune responses. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:1141-1154. [PMID: 35834791 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral neurons comprise a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The role of the autonomic innervation in cancer has been firmly established. However, the effect of the afferent (sensory) neurons on tumor progression remains unclear. Utilizing surgical and chemical skin sensory denervation methods, we showed that afferent neurons supported the growth of melanoma tumors in vivo and demonstrated that sensory innervation limited the activation of effective anti-tumor immune responses. Specifically, sensory ablation led to improved leukocyte recruitment into tumors, with decreased presence of lymphoid and myeloid immunosuppressive cells and increased activation of T-effector cells within the TME. Cutaneous sensory nerves hindered maturation of intratumoral high endothelial venules (HEVs) and limited formation of mature tertiary lymphoid-like structures containing organized clusters of CD4+ T cells and B cells. Denervation further increased T-cell clonality and expanded the B-cell repertoire in the TME. Importantly, CD8a depletion prevented denervation-dependent anti-tumor effects. Finally, we observed that gene signatures of inflammation and the content of neuron-associated transcripts inversely correlated in human primary cutaneous melanomas, with the latter representing a negative prognostic marker of patient overall survival. Our results suggest that tumor-associated sensory neurons negatively regulate the development of protective anti-tumor immune responses within the TME, thereby defining a novel target for therapeutic intervention in the melanoma setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oleg Kruglov
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Bikram Sahoo
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | | | - Jiying Zhang
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Galina V Shurin
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Pavel Skums
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael R Shurin
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Shin GJE, Abaci HE, Smith MC. Cellular Pathogenesis of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Insights From Drosophila and Human-Engineered Skin Models. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:912977. [PMID: 35875478 PMCID: PMC9304629 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.912977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a highly prevalent and complex condition arising from chemotherapy cancer treatments. Currently, there are no treatment or prevention options in the clinic. CIPN accompanies pain-related sensory functions starting from the hands and feet. Studies focusing on neurons in vitro and in vivo models significantly advanced our understanding of CIPN pathological mechanisms. However, given the direct toxicity shown in both neurons and non-neuronal cells, effective in vivo or in vitro models that allow the investigation of neurons in their local environment are required. No single model can provide a complete solution for the required investigation, therefore, utilizing a multi-model approach would allow complementary advantages of different models and robustly validate findings before further translation. This review aims first to summarize approaches and insights from CIPN in vivo models utilizing small model organisms. We will focus on Drosophila melanogaster CIPN models that are genetically amenable and accessible to study neuronal interactions with the local environment in vivo. Second, we will discuss how these findings could be tested in physiologically relevant vertebrate models. We will focus on in vitro approaches using human cells and summarize the current understanding of engineering approaches that may allow the investigation of pathological changes in neurons and the skin environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Ji-eun Shin
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Jerome L. Greene Science Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Grace Ji-eun Shin
| | - Hasan Erbil Abaci
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Medical Center, Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY, United States
| | - Madison Christine Smith
- Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, Jerome L. Greene Science Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Tang SN, Walter BA, Heimann MK, Gantt CC, Khan SN, Kokiko-Cochran ON, Askwith CC, Purmessur D. In vivo Mouse Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Models and Their Utility as Translational Models of Clinical Discogenic Back Pain: A Comparative Review. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:894651. [PMID: 35812017 PMCID: PMC9261914 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.894651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and studies have demonstrated intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration as a major risk factor. While many in vitro models have been developed and used to study IVD pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies, the etiology of IVD degeneration is a complex multifactorial process involving crosstalk of nearby tissues and systemic effects. Thus, the use of appropriate in vivo models is necessary to fully understand the associated molecular, structural, and functional changes and how they relate to pain. Mouse models have been widely adopted due to accessibility and ease of genetic manipulation compared to other animal models. Despite their small size, mice lumbar discs demonstrate significant similarities to the human IVD in terms of geometry, structure, and mechanical properties. While several different mouse models of IVD degeneration exist, greater standardization of the methods for inducing degeneration and the development of a consistent set of output measurements could allow mouse models to become a stronger tool for clinical translation. This article reviews current mouse models of IVD degeneration in the context of clinical translation and highlights a critical set of output measurements for studying disease pathology or screening regenerative therapies with an emphasis on pain phenotyping. First, we summarized and categorized these models into genetic, age-related, and mechanically induced. Then, the outcome parameters assessed in these models are compared including, molecular, cellular, functional/structural, and pain assessments for both evoked and spontaneous pain. These comparisons highlight a set of potential key parameters that can be used to validate the model and inform its utility to screen potential therapies for IVD degeneration and their translation to the human condition. As treatment of symptomatic pain is important, this review provides an emphasis on critical pain-like behavior assessments in mice and explores current behavioral assessments relevant to discogenic back pain. Overall, the specific research question was determined to be essential to identify the relevant model with histological staining, imaging, extracellular matrix composition, mechanics, and pain as critical parameters for assessing degeneration and regenerative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley N. Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Benjamin A. Walter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mary K. Heimann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Connor C. Gantt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Safdar N. Khan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Olga N. Kokiko-Cochran
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Candice C. Askwith
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Devina Purmessur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Devina Purmessur ;
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Alles SRA, Smith PA. Peripheral Voltage-Gated Cation Channels in Neuropathic Pain and Their Potential as Therapeutic Targets. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 2:750583. [PMID: 35295464 PMCID: PMC8915663 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.750583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The persistence of increased excitability and spontaneous activity in injured peripheral neurons is imperative for the development and persistence of many forms of neuropathic pain. This aberrant activity involves increased activity and/or expression of voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels and hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channels as well as decreased function of K+ channels. Because they display limited central side effects, peripherally restricted Na+ and Ca2+ channel blockers and K+ channel activators offer potential therapeutic approaches to pain management. This review outlines the current status and future therapeutic promise of peripherally acting channel modulators. Selective blockers of Nav1.3, Nav1.7, Nav1.8, Cav3.2, and HCN2 and activators of Kv7.2 abrogate signs of neuropathic pain in animal models. Unfortunately, their performance in the clinic has been disappointing; some substances fail to meet therapeutic end points whereas others produce dose-limiting side effects. Despite this, peripheral voltage-gated cation channels retain their promise as therapeutic targets. The way forward may include (i) further structural refinement of K+ channel activators such as retigabine and ASP0819 to improve selectivity and limit toxicity; use or modification of Na+ channel blockers such as vixotrigine, PF-05089771, A803467, PF-01247324, VX-150 or arachnid toxins such as Tap1a; the use of Ca2+ channel blockers such as TTA-P2, TTA-A2, Z 944, ACT709478, and CNCB-2; (ii) improving methods for assessing “pain” as opposed to nociception in rodent models; (iii) recognizing sex differences in pain etiology; (iv) tailoring of therapeutic approaches to meet the symptoms and etiology of pain in individual patients via quantitative sensory testing and other personalized medicine approaches; (v) targeting genetic and biochemical mechanisms controlling channel expression using anti-NGF antibodies such as tanezumab or re-purposed drugs such as vorinostat, a histone methyltransferase inhibitor used in the management of T-cell lymphoma, or cercosporamide a MNK 1/2 inhibitor used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; (vi) combination therapy using drugs that are selective for different channel types or regulatory processes; (vii) directing preclinical validation work toward the use of human or human-derived tissue samples; and (viii) application of molecular biological approaches such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha R A Alles
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Peter A Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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The Isolated Mouse Jejunal Afferent Nerve Assay as a Tool to Assess the Effect of Botulinum Neurotoxins in Visceral Nociception. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030205. [PMID: 35324702 PMCID: PMC8953691 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
For the past two decades, botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) has been described as a strong candidate in the treatment of pain. With the production of modified toxins and the potential new applications at the visceral level, there is a real need for tools allowing the assessment of these compounds. In this study, we evaluated the jejunal mesenteric afferent nerve assay to investigate BoNT/A effects on visceral nociception. This ex vivo model allowed the continuous recording of neuronal activity in response to various stimuli. BoNT/A was applied intraluminally during three successive distensions, and the jejunum was distended every 15 min for 3 h. Finally, samples were exposed to external capsaicin. BoNT/A intoxication was validated at the molecular level with the presence of cleaved synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 (SNAP25) in nerve terminals in the mucosa and musculosa layers 3 h after treatment. BoNT/A had a progressive inhibitory effect on multiunit discharge frequency induced by jejunal distension, with a significant decrease from 1 h after application without change in jejunal compliance. The capsaicin-induced discharge was also affected by the toxin. This assay allowed the description of an inhibitory effect of BoNT/A on afferent nerve activity in response to distension and capsaicin, suggesting BoNT/A could alleviate visceral nociception.
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41
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Tavares-Ferreira D, Shiers S, Ray PR, Wangzhou A, Jeevakumar V, Sankaranarayanan I, Cervantes AM, Reese JC, Chamessian A, Copits BA, Dougherty PM, Gereau RW, Burton MD, Dussor G, Price TJ. Spatial transcriptomics of dorsal root ganglia identifies molecular signatures of human nociceptors. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabj8186. [PMID: 35171654 PMCID: PMC9272153 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abj8186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptors are specialized sensory neurons that detect damaging or potentially damaging stimuli and are found in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and trigeminal ganglia. These neurons are critical for the generation of neuronal signals that ultimately create the perception of pain. Nociceptors are also primary targets for treating acute and chronic pain. Single-cell transcriptomics on mouse nociceptors has transformed our understanding of pain mechanisms. We sought to generate equivalent information for human nociceptors with the goal of identifying transcriptomic signatures of nociceptors, identifying species differences and potential drug targets. We used spatial transcriptomics to molecularly characterize transcriptomes of single DRG neurons from eight organ donors. We identified 12 clusters of human sensory neurons, 5 of which are C nociceptors, as well as 1 C low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs), 1 Aβ nociceptor, 2 Aδ, 2 Aβ, and 1 proprioceptor subtypes. By focusing on expression profiles for ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and other pharmacological targets, we provided a rich map of potential drug targets in the human DRG with direct comparison to mouse sensory neuron transcriptomes. We also compared human DRG neuronal subtypes to nonhuman primates showing conserved patterns of gene expression among many cell types but divergence among specific nociceptor subsets. Last, we identified sex differences in human DRG subpopulation transcriptomes, including a marked increase in calcitonin-related polypeptide alpha (CALCA) expression in female pruritogen receptor-enriched nociceptors. This comprehensive spatial characterization of human nociceptors might open the door to development of better treatments for acute and chronic pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tavares-Ferreira
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA.,Corresponding author: (T.J.P.); (D.T.-F.)
| | - Stephanie Shiers
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Pradipta R. Ray
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Andi Wangzhou
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Vivekanand Jeevakumar
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Ishwarya Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | | | | | - Alexander Chamessian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Bryan A. Copits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Patrick M. Dougherty
- Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Robert W. Gereau
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University Pain Center, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael D. Burton
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Gregory Dussor
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Theodore J. Price
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA.,Corresponding author: (T.J.P.); (D.T.-F.)
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Tavares-Ferreira D, Shiers S, Ray PR, Wangzhou A, Jeevakumar V, Sankaranarayanan I, Cervantes AM, Reese JC, Chamessian A, Copits BA, Dougherty PM, Gereau RW, Burton MD, Dussor G, Price TJ. Spatial transcriptomics of dorsal root ganglia identifies molecular signatures of human nociceptors. Sci Transl Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abj8186\] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptors are specialized sensory neurons that detect damaging or potentially damaging stimuli and are found in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and trigeminal ganglia. These neurons are critical for the generation of neuronal signals that ultimately create the perception of pain. Nociceptors are also primary targets for treating acute and chronic pain. Single-cell transcriptomics on mouse nociceptors has transformed our understanding of pain mechanisms. We sought to generate equivalent information for human nociceptors with the goal of identifying transcriptomic signatures of nociceptors, identifying species differences and potential drug targets. We used spatial transcriptomics to molecularly characterize transcriptomes of single DRG neurons from eight organ donors. We identified 12 clusters of human sensory neurons, 5 of which are C nociceptors, as well as 1 C low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs), 1 Aβ nociceptor, 2 Aδ, 2 Aβ, and 1 proprioceptor subtypes. By focusing on expression profiles for ion channels, G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), and other pharmacological targets, we provided a rich map of potential drug targets in the human DRG with direct comparison to mouse sensory neuron transcriptomes. We also compared human DRG neuronal subtypes to nonhuman primates showing conserved patterns of gene expression among many cell types but divergence among specific nociceptor subsets. Last, we identified sex differences in human DRG subpopulation transcriptomes, including a marked increase in calcitonin-related polypeptide alpha (
CALCA
) expression in female pruritogen receptor–enriched nociceptors. This comprehensive spatial characterization of human nociceptors might open the door to development of better treatments for acute and chronic pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tavares-Ferreira
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Stephanie Shiers
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Pradipta R. Ray
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Andi Wangzhou
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Vivekanand Jeevakumar
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Ishwarya Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | | | | | - Alexander Chamessian
- Department of Anesthesiology , Washington University Pain Center, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Bryan A. Copits
- Department of Anesthesiology , Washington University Pain Center, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Patrick M. Dougherty
- Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Robert W. Gereau
- Department of Anesthesiology , Washington University Pain Center, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael D. Burton
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Gregory Dussor
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
| | - Theodore J. Price
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX 75080, USA
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Innovations and advances in modelling and measuring pain in animals. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:70-85. [PMID: 34837072 PMCID: PMC9098196 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Best practices in preclinical algesiometry (pain behaviour testing) have shifted over the past decade as a result of technological advancements, the continued dearth of translational progress and the emphasis that funding institutions and journals have placed on rigour and reproducibility. Here we describe the changing trends in research methods by analysing the methods reported in preclinical pain publications from the past 40 years, with a focus on the last 5 years. We also discuss how the status quo may be hampering translational success. This discussion is centred on four fundamental decisions that apply to every pain behaviour experiment: choice of subject (model organism), choice of assay (pain-inducing injury), laboratory environment and choice of outcome measures. Finally, we discuss how human tissues, which are increasingly accessible, can be used to validate the translatability of targets and mechanisms identified in animal pain models.
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44
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Alsaloum M, Waxman SG. iPSCs and DRGs: stepping stones to new pain therapies. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:110-122. [PMID: 34933815 PMCID: PMC8810720 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
There is a pressing need for more effective nonaddictive treatment options for pain. Pain signals are transmitted from the periphery into the spinal cord via dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, whose excitability is driven by voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels. Three NaV channels (NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9), preferentially expressed in DRG neurons, play important roles in pain signaling in humans. Blockade of these channels may provide a novel approach to the treatment of pain, but clinical translation of preclinical results has been challenging, in part due to differences between rodent and human DRG neurons. Human DRG neurons and iPSC-derived sensory neurons (iPSC-SNs) provide new preclinical platforms that may facilitate the development of novel pain therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Alsaloum
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA; Center for Rehabilitation Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Yale Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA; Center for Rehabilitation Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
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45
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Körner J, Lampert A. Functional subgroups of rat and human sensory neurons: a systematic review of electrophysiological properties. Pflugers Arch 2022; 474:367-385. [PMID: 35031856 PMCID: PMC8924089 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02656-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Sensory neurons are responsible for the generation and transmission of nociceptive signals from the periphery to the central nervous system. They encompass a broadly heterogeneous population of highly specialized neurons. The understanding of the molecular choreography of individual subpopulations is essential to understand physiological and pathological pain states. Recently, it became evident that species differences limit transferability of research findings between human and rodents in pain research. Thus, it is necessary to systematically compare and categorize the electrophysiological data gained from human and rodent dorsal root ganglia neurons (DRGs). In this systematic review, we condense the available electrophysiological data defining subidentities in human and rat DRGs. A systematic search on PUBMED yielded 30 studies on rat and 3 studies on human sensory neurons. Defined outcome parameters included current clamp, voltage clamp, cell morphology, pharmacological readouts, and immune reactivity parameters. We compare evidence gathered for outcome markers to define subgroups, offer electrophysiological parameters for the definition of neuronal subtypes, and give a framework for the transferability of electrophysiological findings between species. A semiquantitative analysis revealed that for rat DRGs, there is an overarching consensus between studies that C-fiber linked sensory neurons display a lower action potential threshold, higher input resistance, a larger action potential overshoot, and a longer afterhyperpolarization duration compared to other sensory neurons. They are also more likely to display an infliction point in the falling phase of the action potential. This systematic review points out the need of more electrophysiological studies on human sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Körner
- Institute of Physiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Clinic of Anesthesiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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46
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Holzer AK, Karreman C, Suciu I, Furmanowsky LS, Wohlfarth H, Loser D, Dirks WG, Pardo González E, Leist M. OUP accepted manuscript. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:727-741. [PMID: 35689659 PMCID: PMC9299516 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro models of the peripheral nervous system would benefit from further refinements to better support studies on neuropathies. In particular, the assessment of pain-related signals is still difficult in human cell cultures. Here, we harnessed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate peripheral sensory neurons enriched in nociceptors. The objective was to generate a culture system with signaling endpoints suitable for pharmacological and toxicological studies. Neurons generated by conventional differentiation protocols expressed moderate levels of P2X3 purinergic receptors and only low levels of TRPV1 capsaicin receptors, when maturation time was kept to the upper practically useful limit of 6 weeks. As alternative approach, we generated cells with an inducible NGN1 transgene. Ectopic expression of this transcription factor during a defined time window of differentiation resulted in highly enriched nociceptor cultures, as determined by functional (P2X3 and TRPV1 receptors) and immunocytochemical phenotyping, complemented by extensive transcriptome profiling. Single cell recordings of Ca2+-indicator fluorescence from >9000 cells were used to establish the “fraction of reactive cells” in a stimulated population as experimental endpoint, that appeared robust, transparent and quantifiable. To provide an example of application to biomedical studies, functional consequences of prolonged exposure to the chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin were examined at non-cytotoxic concentrations. We found (i) neuronal (allodynia-like) hypersensitivity to otherwise non-activating mechanical stimulation that could be blocked by modulators of voltage-gated sodium channels; (ii) hyper-responsiveness to TRPV1 receptor stimulation. These findings and several other measured functional alterations indicate that the model is suitable for pharmacological and toxicological studies related to peripheral neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Katharina Holzer
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Graduate School Biological Sciences (GBS), University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Christiaan Karreman
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ilinca Suciu
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Lara-Seline Furmanowsky
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Harald Wohlfarth
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Dominik Loser
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Wilhelm G Dirks
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, DSMZ, German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures and German Biological Resource Center, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Emilio Pardo González
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Corresponding author: Marcel Leist, PhD, In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation at the University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, Konstanz 78457, Germany.
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Radulescu A, White FA, Chenu C. What Did We Learn About Fracture Pain from Animal Models? J Pain Res 2022; 15:2845-2856. [PMID: 36124034 PMCID: PMC9482434 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s361826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in bone fracture repair research has been made possible due to the development of reproducible models of fracture in rodents with more clinically relevant fracture fixation, where there is considerably better assessment of the factors that affect fracture healing and/or novel therapeutics. However, chronic or persistent pain is one of the worst, longest-lasting and most difficult symptoms to manage after fracture repair, and an ongoing challenge remains for animal welfare as limited information exists regarding pain scoring and management in these rodent fracture models. This failure of adequate pre-clinical pain assessment following osteotomy in the rodent population may not only subject the animal to severe pain states but may also affect the outcome of the bone healing study. Animal models to study pain were also mainly developed in rodents, and there is increasing validation of fracture and pain models to quantitatively evaluate fracture pain and to study the factors that generate and maintain fracture pain and develop new therapies for treating fracture pain. This review aims to discuss the different animal models for fracture pain research and characterize what can be learned from using animal models of fracture regarding behavioral pain states and new molecular targets for future management of these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Radulescu
- Royal Veterinary College, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, London, NW1 OTU, UK
| | - Fletcher A White
- Department of Anesthesia, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Chantal Chenu
- Royal Veterinary College, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, London, NW1 OTU, UK
- Correspondence: Chantal Chenu, Royal Veterinary College, Department of Comparative Biological Sciences, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK, Tel +44 207 468 5045, Email
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48
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Contributions of Na V1.8 and Na V1.9 to excitability in human induced pluripotent stem-cell derived somatosensory neurons. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24283. [PMID: 34930944 PMCID: PMC8688473 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03608-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels in somatosensory neurons presents a promising novel modality for the treatment of pain. However, the precise contribution of these channels to neuronal excitability, the cellular correlate of pain, is unknown; previous studies using genetic knockout models or pharmacologic block of NaV channels have identified general roles for distinct sodium channel isoforms, but have never quantified their exact contributions to these processes. To address this deficit, we have utilized dynamic clamp electrophysiology to precisely tune in varying levels of NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 currents into induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neurons (iPSC-SNs), allowing us to quantify how graded changes in these currents affect different parameters of neuronal excitability and electrogenesis. We quantify and report direct relationships between NaV1.8 current density and action potential half-width, overshoot, and repetitive firing. We additionally quantify the effect varying NaV1.9 current densities have on neuronal membrane potential and rheobase. Furthermore, we examined the simultaneous interplay between NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 on neuronal excitability. Finally, we show that minor biophysical changes in the gating of NaV1.8 can render human iPSC-SNs hyperexcitable, in a first-of-its-kind investigation of a gain-of-function NaV1.8 mutation in a human neuronal background.
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49
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Nguyen MQ, von Buchholtz LJ, Reker AN, Ryba NJ, Davidson S. Single-nucleus transcriptomic analysis of human dorsal root ganglion neurons. eLife 2021; 10:71752. [PMID: 34825887 PMCID: PMC8626086 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory neurons with cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) project to the skin, muscles, bones, and viscera to detect touch and temperature as well as to mediate proprioception and many types of interoception. In addition, the somatosensory system conveys the clinically relevant noxious sensations of pain and itch. Here, we used single nuclear transcriptomics to characterize transcriptomic classes of human DRG neurons that detect these diverse types of stimuli. Notably, multiple types of human DRG neurons have transcriptomic features that resemble their mouse counterparts although expression of genes considered important for sensory function often differed between species. More unexpectedly, we identified several transcriptomic classes with no clear equivalent in the other species. This dataset should serve as a valuable resource for the community, for example as means of focusing translational efforts on molecules with conserved expression across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Q Nguyen
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Lars J von Buchholtz
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Ashlie N Reker
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
| | - Nicholas Jp Ryba
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Steve Davidson
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, United States
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50
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Stucky CL, Mikesell AR. Cutaneous pain in disorders affecting peripheral nerves. Neurosci Lett 2021; 765:136233. [PMID: 34506882 PMCID: PMC8579816 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Our ability to quickly detect and respond to harmful environmental stimuli is vital for our safety and survival. This inherent acute pain detection is a "gift" because it both protects our body from harm and allows healing of damaged tissues [1]. Damage to tissues from trauma or disease can result in distorted or amplified nociceptor signaling and sensitization of the spinal cord and brain (Central Nervous System; CNS) pathways to normal input from light touch mechanoreceptors. Together, these processes can result in nagging to unbearable chronic pain and extreme sensitivity to light skin touch (allodynia). Unlike acute protective pain, chronic pain and allodynia serve no useful purpose and can severely reduce the quality of life of an affected person. Chronic pain can arise from impairment to peripheral neurons, a phenomenon called "peripheral neuropathic pain." Peripheral neuropathic pain can be caused by many insults that directly affect peripheral sensory neurons, including mechanical trauma, metabolic imbalance (e.g., diabetes), autoimmune diseases, chemotherapeutic agents, viral infections (e.g., shingles). These insults cause "acquired" neuropathies such as small-fiber neuropathies, diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and post herpetic neuralgia. Peripheral neuropathic pain can also be caused by genetic factors and result in hereditary neuropathies that include Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, rare channelopathies and Fabry disease. Many acquired and hereditary neuropathies affect the skin, our largest organ and protector of nearly our entire body. Here we review how cutaneous nociception (pain perceived from the skin) is altered following diseases that affect peripheral nerves that innervate the skin. We provide an overview of how noxious stimuli are detected and encoded by molecular transducers on subtypes of cutaneous afferent endings and conveyed to the CNS. Next, we discuss several acquired and hereditary diseases and disorders that cause painful or insensate (lack of sensation) cutaneous peripheral neuropathies, the symptoms and percepts patients experience, and how cutaneous afferents and other peripheral cell types are altered in function in these disorders. We highlight exciting new research areas that implicate non-neuronal skin cells, particularly keratinocytes, in cutaneous nociception and peripheral neuropathies. Finally, we conclude with ideas for innovative new directions, areas of unmet need, and potential opportunities for novel cutaneous therapeutics that may avoid CNS side effects, as well as ideas for improved translation of mechanisms identified in preclinical models to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L Stucky
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States.
| | - Alexander R Mikesell
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
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