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Fang H, Li M, Yang J, Ma S, Zhang L, Yang H, Tang Q, Cao J, Yang W. Repressing iron overload ameliorates central post-stroke pain via the Hdac2-Kv1.2 axis in a rat model of hemorrhagic stroke. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2708-2722. [PMID: 38595289 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202412000-00027/figure1/v/2024-04-08T165401Z/r/image-tiff Thalamic hemorrhage can lead to the development of central post-stroke pain. Changes in histone acetylation levels, which are regulated by histone deacetylases, affect the excitability of neurons surrounding the hemorrhagic area. However, the regulatory mechanism of histone deacetylases in central post-stroke pain remains unclear. Here, we show that iron overload leads to an increase in histone deacetylase 2 expression in damaged ventral posterolateral nucleus neurons. Inhibiting this increase restored histone H3 acetylation in the Kcna2 promoter region of the voltage-dependent potassium (Kv) channel subunit gene in a rat model of central post-stroke pain, thereby increasing Kcna2 expression and relieving central pain. However, in the absence of nerve injury, increasing histone deacetylase 2 expression decreased Kcna2 expression, decreased Kv current, increased the excitability of neurons in the ventral posterolateral nucleus area, and led to neuropathic pain symptoms. Moreover, treatment with the iron chelator deferiprone effectively reduced iron overload in the ventral posterolateral nucleus after intracerebral hemorrhage, reversed histone deacetylase 2 upregulation and Kv1.2 downregulation, and alleviated mechanical hypersensitivity in central post-stroke pain rats. These results suggest that histone deacetylase 2 upregulation and Kv1.2 downregulation, mediated by iron overload, are important factors in central post-stroke pain pathogenesis and could serve as new targets for central post-stroke pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Mengjie Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jingchen Yang
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shunping Ma
- Department of Nutrition, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hongqi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Qiongyan Tang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Weimin Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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2
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Zhang Q, Ding R, Li Y, Qiao D, Kang J, Zong L, Li Y, Yuan Y, Jiao Y, Wang C, Yu Y, Zhang L, Li Y. Euchromatin histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 regulates the expression of potassium-sodium-activated channel subfamily T member 1 in primary sensory neurons and contributes to remifentanil-induced pain sensitivity. Brain Res Bull 2024; 212:110966. [PMID: 38670469 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Intraoperative remifentanil administration has been linked to increased postoperative pain sensitivity. Recent studies have identified the involvement of euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (Ehmt2/G9a) in neuropathic pain associated with the transcriptional silencing of many potassium ion channel genes. This study investigates whether G9a regulates the potassium sodium-activated channel subfamily T member 1 (Slo2.2) in remifentanil-induced post-incisional hyperalgesia (RIH) in rodents. We performed remifentanil infusion (1 μg·kg-1·min-1 for 60 min) followed by plantar incision to induce RIH in rodents. Our results showed that RIH was accompanied by increased G9a and H3K9me2 production and decreased Slo2.2 expression 48 h postoperatively. Deletion of G9a rescued Slo2.2 expression in DRG and reduced RIH intensity. Slo2.2 overexpression also reversed this hyperalgesia phenotype. G9a overexpression decreased Slo2.2-mediated leak current and increased excitability in the small-diameter DRG neurons and laminal II small-diameter neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, which was implicated in peripheral and central sensitization. These results suggest that G9a contributes to the development of RIH by epigenetically silencing Slo2.2 in DRG neurons, leading to decreased central sensitization in the spinal cord. The findings may have implications for the development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of postoperative pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ran Ding
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research and Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanjie Li
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiamin Kang
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Linyue Zong
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun Li
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yize Li
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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3
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Xie C, Kessi M, Yin F, Peng J. Roles of KCNA2 in Neurological Diseases: from Physiology to Pathology. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04120-9. [PMID: 38517617 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04120-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily a member 2 (Kv1.2, encoded by KCNA2) is highly expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Based on the patch clamp studies, gain-of function (GOF), loss-of-function (LOF), and a mixed type (GOF/LOF) variants can cause different conditions/disorders. KCNA2-related neurological diseases include epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID), attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), pain as well as autoimmune and movement disorders. Currently, the molecular mechanisms for the reported variants in causing diverse disorders are unknown. Consequently, this review brings up to date the related information regarding the structure and function of Kv1.2 channel, expression patterns, neuronal localizations, and tetramerization as well as important cell and animal models. In addition, it provides updates on human genetic variants, genotype-phenotype correlations especially highlighting the deep insight into clinical prognosis of KCNA2-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, mechanisms, and the potential treatment targets for all KCNA2-related neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changning Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Hunan, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Hunan, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Hunan, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road 87, Hunan, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Hunan Intellectual and Development Disabilities Research Center, Hunan, Changsha, 410008, China.
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4
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Liang Y, Sharma D, Wang B, Wang H, Feng X, Ma R, Berkman T, Char S, Bekker A, Tao YX. Transcription factor EBF1 mitigates neuropathic pain by rescuing Kv1.2 expression in primary sensory neurons. Transl Res 2024; 263:15-27. [PMID: 37607607 PMCID: PMC10840933 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Nerve injury-induced alternations of gene expression in primary sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) are molecular basis of neuropathic pain genesis. Transcription factors regulate gene expression. In this study, we examined whether early B cell factor 1 (EBF1), a transcription factor, in the DRG, participated in neuropathic pain caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. EBF1 was distributed exclusively in the neuronal nucleus and coexpressed with cytoplasmic/membrane Kv1.2 in individual DRG neurons. The expression of Ebf1 mRNA and protein was time-dependently downregulated in the ipsilateral lumbar (L) 3/4 DRGs after unilateral CCI. Rescuing this downregulation through microinjection of the adeno-associated virus 5 expressing full-length Ebf1 mRNA into the ipsilateral L3/4 DRGs reversed the CCI-induced decrease of DRG Kv1.2 expression and alleviated the development and maintenance of mechanical, heat and cold hypersensitivities. Conversely, mimicking the downregulation of DRG EBF1 through microinjection of AAV5-expressing Ebf1 shRNA into unilateral L3/4 DRGs produced a reduction of Kv1.2 expression in the ipsilateral L3/4 DRGs, spontaneous pain, and the enhanced responses to mechanical, heat and cold stimuli in naive mice. Mechanistically, EBF1 not only bound to the Kcna2 gene (encoding Kv1.2) promoter but also directly activated its activity. CCI decreased the EBF1 binding to the Kcna2 promoter in the ipsilateral L3/4 DRGs. Our findings suggest that DRG EBF1 downregulation contributes to neuropathic pain likely by losing its binding to Kcna2 promoter and subsequently silencing Kv1.2 expression in primary sensory neurons. Exogenous EBF1 administration may mitigate neuropathic pain by rescuing DRG Kv1.2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingping Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Dilip Sharma
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Huixing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Xiaozhou Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Ruining Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Tolga Berkman
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Steven Char
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; Departments of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey.
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5
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Pethő G, Kántás B, Horváth Á, Pintér E. The Epigenetics of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Update. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17143. [PMID: 38138971 PMCID: PMC10743356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics deals with alterations to the gene expression that occur without change in the nucleotide sequence in the DNA. Various covalent modifications of the DNA and/or the surrounding histone proteins have been revealed, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and methylation, which can either stimulate or inhibit protein expression at the transcriptional level. In the past decade, an exponentially increasing amount of data has been published on the association between epigenetic changes and the pathomechanism of pain, including its most challenging form, neuropathic pain. Epigenetic regulation of the chromatin by writer, reader, and eraser proteins has been revealed for diverse protein targets involved in the pathomechanism of neuropathic pain. They include receptors, ion channels, transporters, enzymes, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, inflammasome proteins, etc. Most work has been invested in clarifying the epigenetic downregulation of mu opioid receptors and various K+ channels, two types of structures mediating neuronal inhibition. Conversely, epigenetic upregulation has been revealed for glutamate receptors, growth factors, and lymphokines involved in neuronal excitation. All these data cannot only help better understand the development of neuropathic pain but outline epigenetic writers, readers, and erasers whose pharmacological inhibition may represent a novel option in the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Pethő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Boglárka Kántás
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Édesanyák Str. 17., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Horváth
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
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6
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Zhou X, Wei J, Cheng H, Tian L, Zhu X, Zhang Y, Xu L, Wei G, Huo FQ, Liang L. CoREST1 in primary sensory neurons regulates neuropathic pain in male mice. Life Sci 2023; 332:122088. [PMID: 37730112 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122088] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Epigenetic regulation is implicated in the neurogenesis of neuropathic pain. The repressor element 1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor (REST) corepressor (CoREST) proteins function as corepressors in the REST complex and/or LSD1 epigenetic complex. In the current study, we aimed to find the expression profile of CoREST1 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and investigate whether it plays a role in neuropathic pain. MAIN METHODS The evoked pain behaviors in mice were examined by the von Frey test and thermal test in a spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain mice model. CoREST1 siRNA or virus was administered by DRG microinjection or intrathecal injection. The CoREST1 expression in DRGs was examined by immunofluorescence, quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and co-immunoprecipitation. KEY FINDINGS CoREST1 was non-selectively expressed in large, medium, and small DRG neurons, and it exclusively colocalized with LSD1. In neuropathic pain models, peripheral nerve injury induced the upregulation of CoREST1 and increased binding of CoREST1 with LSD1 in injured DRGs in male mice. Furthermore, CoREST1 siRNA prevented the development of SNL-induced pain hypersensitivity as well as led to the reduction of established pain hypersensitivity during the maintenance period in SNL mice. Conversely, the overexpression of CoREST1 in DRGs by in vivo transfection of virus-induced pain hypersensitivity in naive mice. SIGNIFICANCE Our study demonstrated that CoREST1, along with LSD1, was expressed in primary sensory neurons specifically in response to nerve injury, and promoted nociceptive pain hypersensitivity in mice. Thus, CoREST1 might serve as a potential target for treating neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Jianxiong Wei
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Lixia Tian
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Linping Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China
| | - Guihua Wei
- Institute of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, PR China
| | - Fu-Quan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lingli Liang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China.
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7
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Ślęczkowska M, Misra K, Santoro S, Gerrits MM, Hoeijmakers JGJ. Ion Channel Genes in Painful Neuropathies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2680. [PMID: 37893054 PMCID: PMC10604193 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a typical symptom of peripheral nerve disorders, including painful neuropathy. The biological mechanisms that control ion channels are important for many cell activities and are also therapeutic targets. Disruption of the cellular mechanisms that govern ion channel activity can contribute to pain pathophysiology. The voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) is the most researched ion channel in terms of NP; however, VGSC impairment is detected in only <20% of painful neuropathy patients. Here, we discuss the potential role of the other peripheral ion channels involved in sensory signaling (transient receptor potential cation channels), neuronal excitation regulation (potassium channels), involuntary action potential generation (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels), thermal pain (anoctamins), pH modulation (acid sensing ion channels), and neurotransmitter release (calcium channels) related to pain and their prospective role as therapeutic targets for painful neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Ślęczkowska
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kaalindi Misra
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, 20132 Milan, Italy; (K.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Santoro
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, 20132 Milan, Italy; (K.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Monique M. Gerrits
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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8
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Wang B, Ma L, Guo X, Du S, Feng X, Liang Y, Govindarajalu G, Wu S, Liu T, Li H, Patel S, Bekker A, Hu H, Tao YX. A sensory neuron-specific long non-coding RNA reduces neuropathic pain by rescuing KCNN1 expression. Brain 2023; 146:3866-3884. [PMID: 37012681 PMCID: PMC10473565 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad110] [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: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve injury to peripheral somatosensory system causes refractory neuropathic pain. Maladaptive changes of gene expression in primary sensory neurons are considered molecular basis of this disorder. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of gene transcription; however, their significance in neuropathic pain remains largely elusive.Here, we reported a novel lncRNA, named sensory neuron-specific lncRNA (SS-lncRNA), for its expression exclusively in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and trigeminal ganglion. SS-lncRNA was predominantly expressed in small DRG neurons and significantly downregulated due to a reduction of early B cell transcription factor 1 in injured DRG after nerve injury. Rescuing this downregulation reversed a decrease of the calcium-activated potassium channel subfamily N member 1 (KCNN1) in injured DRG and alleviated nerve injury-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity. Conversely, DRG downregulation of SS-lncRNA reduced the expression of KCNN1, decreased total potassium currents and afterhyperpolarization currents and increased excitability in DRG neurons and produced neuropathic pain symptoms.Mechanistically, downregulated SS-lncRNA resulted in the reductions of its binding to Kcnn1 promoter and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (hnRNPM), consequent recruitment of less hnRNPM to the Kcnn1 promoter and silence of Kcnn1 gene transcription in injured DRG.These findings indicate that SS-lncRNA may relieve neuropathic pain through hnRNPM-mediated KCNN1 rescue in injured DRG and offer a novel therapeutic strategy specific for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Longfei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Xiaozhou Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yingping Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Gokulapriya Govindarajalu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Tong Liu
- Center for Advanced Proteomics Research, Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Advanced Proteomics Research, Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shivam Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Huijuan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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9
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Rivi V, Rigillo G, Toscano Y, Benatti C, Blom JMC. Narrative Review of the Complex Interaction between Pain and Trauma in Children: A Focus on Biological Memory, Preclinical Data, and Epigenetic Processes. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1217. [PMID: 37508714 PMCID: PMC10378710 DOI: 10.3390/children10071217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and collective impact of early adverse experiences, trauma, and pain continue to increase. This underscores the urgent need for translational efforts between clinical and preclinical research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective therapeutic approaches. As our understanding of these issues improves from studies in children and adolescents, we can create more precise preclinical models and ultimately translate our findings back to clinical practice. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the complex and wide-ranging effects of these experiences on individuals and society. This narrative review aims to (1) define pain and trauma experiences in childhood and adolescents, (2) discuss the relationship between pain and trauma, (3) consider the role of biological memory, (4) decipher the relationship between pain and trauma using preclinical data, and (5) examine the role of the environment by introducing the importance of epigenetic processes. The ultimate scope is to better understand the wide-ranging effects of trauma, abuse, and chronic pain on children and adolescents, how they occur, and how to prevent or mitigate their effects and develop effective treatment strategies that address both the underlying causes and the associated physiological and psychological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Rivi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Rigillo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ylenia Toscano
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Benatti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Johanna Maria Catharina Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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10
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Ovsepian SV, Waxman SG. Gene therapy for chronic pain: emerging opportunities in target-rich peripheral nociceptors. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:252-265. [PMID: 36658346 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00673-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
With sweeping advances in precision delivery systems and manipulation of the genomes and transcriptomes of various cell types, medical biotechnology offers unprecedented selectivity for and control of a wide variety of biological processes, forging new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. This perspective summarizes state-of-the-art gene therapies enabled by recent innovations, with an emphasis on the expanding universe of molecular targets that govern the activity and function of primary sensory neurons and which might be exploited to effectively treat chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- School of Science, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, UK.
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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11
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Li L, Chen J, Li YQ. The Downregulation of Opioid Receptors and Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065981. [PMID: 36983055 PMCID: PMC10053236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) refers to pain caused by primary or secondary damage or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of 7-10% of the general population. The etiology and pathogenesis of NP are complex; as such, NP has been a hot topic in clinical medicine and basic research for a long time, with researchers aiming to find a cure by studying it. Opioids are the most commonly used painkillers in clinical practice but are regarded as third-line drugs for NP in various guidelines due to the low efficacy caused by the imbalance of opioid receptor internalization and their possible side effects. Therefore, this literature review aims to evaluate the role of the downregulation of opioid receptors in the development of NP from the perspective of dorsal root ganglion, spinal cord, and supraspinal regions. We also discuss the reasons for the poor efficacy of opioids, given the commonness of opioid tolerance caused by NP and/or repeated opioid treatments, an angle that has received little attention to date; in-depth understanding might provide a new method for the treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
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12
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Liu S, Yang S, Zhou X, Zhu X, Xu L, Li X, Gao Z, Sun T, Wei J, Tian L, Cheng H, Wei G, Huo FQ, Liang L. Nerve injury-induced upregulation of apolipoprotein E in dorsal root ganglion participates in neuropathic pain in male mice. Neuropharmacology 2023; 224:109372. [PMID: 36502869 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is an apolipoprotein involved in lipid metabolism and is primarily responsible for lipid transport and cholesterol homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study is to explore the role of ApoE in the pathological development of neuropathic pain. First, we examined the location of ApoE in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord in male mice using immunohistochemistry, and found that ApoE was predominantly expressed in DRG satellite glial cells (SGCs) and macrophages and spinal cord astrocytes. Using a spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain mouse model, we found that nerve injury caused an increase in ApoE expression in the injured DRGs, but not in the spinal cord after SNL surgery. Furthermore, we observed reduced SNL-induced pain hypersensitivity in ApoE knockout mice compared to wild-type mice. Moreover, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting the Apoe gene sequence, which was microinjected into the DRG or administered intrathecally, not only reduced ApoE expression in DRG but also attenuated SNL-induced pain hypersensitivity. Finally, we found that a tyrosine kinase receptor AXL, which was previously demonstrated to contribute to neuropathic pain, may mediate ApoE function under neuropathic pain condition. In conclusion, our data suggest that ApoE in DRG promote pain hypersensitivity via the DRG membrane receptor AXL in neurons under neuropathic pain conditions. This study revealed a novel mechanism between lipid homeostasis and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Shuting Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, China
| | - Linping Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Zihao Gao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Tingkai Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Jianxiong Wei
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Lixia Tian
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Guihua Wei
- Institute of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Fu-Quan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Lingli Liang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
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13
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Zhang L, Li X, Feng X, Berkman T, Ma R, Du S, Wu S, Huang C, Amponsah A, Bekker A, Tao YX. E74-like factor 1 contributes to nerve trauma-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity through transcriptionally activating matrix metalloprotein-9 in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Pain 2023; 164:119-131. [PMID: 35507368 PMCID: PMC9633582 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nerve trauma-induced alternations of gene expression in the neurons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) participate in nerve trauma-caused nociceptive hypersensitivity. Transcription factors regulate gene expression. Whether the transcription factor E74-like factor 1 (ELF1) in the DRG contributes to neuropathic pain is unknown. We report here that peripheral nerve trauma caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of unilateral sciatic nerve or unilateral fourth lumbar spinal nerve ligation led to the time-dependent increases in the levels of Elf1 mRNA and ELF1 protein in injured DRG, but not in the spinal cord. Preventing this increase through DRG microinjection of adeno-associated virus 5 expressing Elf1 shRNA attenuated the CCI-induced upregulation of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) in injured DRG and induction and maintenance of nociceptive hypersensitivities, without changing locomotor functions and basal responses to acute mechanical, heat, and cold stimuli. Mimicking this increase through DRG microinjection of AAV5 expressing full-length Elf1 upregulated DRG MMP9 and produced enhanced responses to mechanical, heat, and cold stimuli in naive mice. Mechanistically, more ELF1 directly bond to and activated Mmp9 promoter in injured DRG neurons after CCI. Our data indicate that ELF1 participates in nerve trauma-caused nociceptive hypersensitivity likely through upregulating MMP9 in injured DRG. E74-like factor 1 may be a new target for management of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Xiaozhou Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Tolga Berkman
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Ruining Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Akwasi Amponsah
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Departments of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine and Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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14
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Lysine-specific demethylase 1 in primary sensory neurons participates in chronic compression of dorsal root ganglion–induced neuropathic pain. Brain Res Bull 2022; 191:30-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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15
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Huang J, Lin F, Hu Y, Bloe CB, Wang D, Zhang W. From Initiation to Maintenance: HIV-1 Gp120-induced Neuropathic Pain Exhibits Different Molecular Mechanisms in the Mouse Spinal Cord Via Bioinformatics Analysis Based on RNA Sequencing. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2022; 17:553-575. [PMID: 35059976 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-10044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), remains one of the most diverse crucial health and development challenges around the world. People infected with HIV constitute a large patient population, and a significant number of them experience neuropathic pain. To study the key mechanisms that mediate HIV-induced neuropathic pain (HNP), we established an HNP mouse model via intrathecal injection of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120. The L3~L5 spinal cord was isolated on postoperative days 1/12 (POD1/12), 1 (POD1), and 14 (POD14) for RNA sequencing to investigate the gene expression profiles of the initiation, transition, and maintenance stages of HNP. A total of 1682, 430, and 413 differentially expressed genes were obtained in POD1/12, POD1, and POD14, respectively, and their similarity was low. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed that POD1/12, POD1, and POD14 exhibited different biological processes and signaling pathways. Inflammation, oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation-related signaling pathways were enriched on POD1/12. Inflammation, chemokine activity, and downstream signaling regulated by proinflammatory cytokines, such as the MTOR signaling pathway, were enriched on POD1, while downregulation of ion channel activity, mitochondrial damage, endocytosis, MAPK and neurotrophic signaling pathways developed on POD14. Additionally, we screened key genes and candidate genes, which were verified at the transcriptional and translational levels. Our results suggest that the initiation and maintenance of HNP are regulated by different molecular mechanisms. Therefore, our research may yield a fresh and deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying HNP, providing accurate molecular targets for HNP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanling Hu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chris Bloe Bloe
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenping Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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16
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Mauceri D. Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Chronic Pain. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162613. [PMID: 36010687 PMCID: PMC9406853 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is an unpleasant but essential-to-life sensation, usually resulting from tissue damage. When pain persists long after the injury has resolved, it becomes pathological. The precise molecular and cellular mechanisms causing the transition from acute to chronic pain are not fully understood. A key aspect of pain chronicity is that several plasticity events happen along the neural pathways involved in pain. These long-lasting adaptive changes are enabled by alteration in the expression of relevant genes. Among the different modulators of gene transcription in adaptive processes in the nervous system, epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role. In this review, I will first outline the main classes of epigenetic mediators and then discuss their implications in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mauceri
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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17
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Li Y, Kang J, Xu Y, Li N, Jiao Y, Wang C, Wang C, Wang G, Yu Y, Yuan J, Zhang L. Artesunate Alleviates Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice by Decreasing Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Activity and Neuroinflammation in Primary Sensory Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:902572. [PMID: 35694442 PMCID: PMC9184756 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.902572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies on the pathogenetic process of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain (PINP) have been initially carried out, but PINP still has no effective therapy. Recently reported studies have highlighted the involvement of glutamate receptors and neuroinflammation in peripheral and central nociceptive transmission in PINP. Artesunate is a first-line antimalarial drug with established efficacy in alleviating pain in a variety of pathologies. The current work assessed whether artesunate inhibits PINP by modulating metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) and neuroinflammation in mice. The anti-hyperalgesic effect of artesunate was verified by assessing mechanical frequency and thermal latency in the paw withdrawal test as well as spontaneous pain. The expression levels of mGluR5, pain-related receptors and neuroinflammatory markers in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were examined. In addition, treatment with CHPG and 2-methyl-6-(phenyl ethynyl) pyridine (MPEP) (mGluR5 agonist and antagonist, respectively) was performed to determine mGluR5’s role in the anti-hyperalgesic properties of artesunate. We demonstrated artesunate prevented PINP in a dose-dependent manner, while exerting a clear anti-hyperalgesic effect on already existing PINP. Artesunate normalized paclitaxel-related expression changes in DRG mGluR5, NR1, and GluA2, as well as six paclitaxel related neuroinflammation markers. Intrathecal application of MPEP treated PINP by reversing NR1 and GluA2 expression changes but had no effects on chemokines and inflammatory factors. Furthermore, artesunate treatment reversed acute pain following CHPG application. In conclusion, this study revealed that artesunate alleviates paclitaxel-induced hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain by decreasing DRG mGluR5 expression and neuroinflammation in the mouse model of PINP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yize Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiamin Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenxu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guolin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingjing Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jingjing Yuan,
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Linlin Zhang,
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18
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Establishment of H3K9-methylated heterochromatin and its functions in tissue differentiation and maintenance. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:623-640. [PMID: 35562425 PMCID: PMC9099300 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00483-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Heterochromatin is characterized by dimethylated or trimethylated histone H3 Lys9 (H3K9me2 or H3K9me3, respectively) and is found at transposable elements, satellite repeats and genes, where it ensures their transcriptional silencing. The histone methyltransferases (HMTs) that methylate H3K9 — in mammals Suppressor of variegation 3–9 homologue 1 (SUV39H1), SUV39H2, SET domain bifurcated 1 (SETDB1), SETDB2, G9A and G9A-like protein (GLP) — and the ‘readers’ of H3K9me2 or H3K9me3 are highly conserved and show considerable redundancy. Despite their redundancy, genetic ablation or mistargeting of an individual H3K9 methyltransferase can correlate with impaired cell differentiation, loss of tissue identity, premature aging and/or cancer. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the roles of the known H3K9-specific HMTs in ensuring transcriptional homeostasis during tissue differentiation in mammals. We examine the effects of H3K9-methylation-dependent gene repression in haematopoiesis, muscle differentiation and neurogenesis in mammals, and compare them with mechanistic insights obtained from the study of model organisms, notably Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. In all these organisms, H3K9-specific HMTs have both unique and redundant roles that ensure the maintenance of tissue integrity by restricting the binding of transcription factors to lineage-specific promoters and enhancer elements. Histone H3 Lys9 (H3K9)-methylated heterochromatin ensures transcriptional silencing of repetitive elements and genes, and its deregulation leads to impaired cell and tissue identity, premature aging and cancer. Recent studies in mammals clarified the roles H3K9-specific histone methyltransferases in ensuring transcriptional homeostasis during tissue differentiation.
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19
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Felix R, Muñoz-Herrera D, Corzo-López A, Fernández-Gallardo M, Leyva-Leyva M, González-Ramírez R, Sandoval A. Ion channel long non-coding RNAs in neuropathic pain. Pflugers Arch 2022; 474:457-468. [PMID: 35235008 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is one of the primary forms of chronic pain and is the consequence of the somatosensory system's direct injury or disease. It is a relevant public health problem that affects about 10% of the world's general population. In neuropathic pain, alteration in neurotransmission occurs at various levels, including the dorsal root ganglia, the spinal cord, and the brain, resulting from the malfunction of diverse molecules such as receptors, ion channels, and elements of specific intracellular signaling pathways. In this context, there have been exciting advances in elucidating neuropathic pain's cellular and molecular mechanisms in the last decade, including the possible role that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play, which open up new alternatives for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this condition. This review focuses on recent studies associated with the possible relevance of lncRNAs in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain through their actions on the functional expression of ion channels. Recognizing the changes in the function and spatio-temporal patterns of expression of these membrane proteins is crucial to understanding the control of neuronal excitability in chronic pain syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Felix
- Department of Cell Biology, Centre for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav), 07360, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - David Muñoz-Herrera
- Department of Cell Biology, Centre for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav), 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Corzo-López
- Department of Cell Biology, Centre for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav), 07360, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Margarita Leyva-Leyva
- Department of Molecular Biology and Histocompatibility, "Dr. Manuel Gea González" General Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ricardo González-Ramírez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Histocompatibility, "Dr. Manuel Gea González" General Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Sandoval
- School of Medicine FES Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Tlalnepantla, Mexico
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20
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a challenging clinical problem and remains difficult to treat. Altered gene expression in peripheral sensory nerves and neurons due to nerve injury is well documented and contributes critically to the synaptic plasticity in the spinal cord and the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain. However, our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms regulating the transcription of pro-nociceptive (e.g., NMDA receptors and α2δ-1) and antinociceptive (e.g., potassium channels and opioid and cannabinoid receptors) genes are still limited. In this review, we summarize recent studies determining the roles of histone modifications (including methylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination), DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs in neuropathic pain development. We review the epigenetic writer, reader, and eraser proteins that participate in the transcriptional control of the expression of key ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors in the dorsal root ganglion after traumatic nerve injury, which is commonly used as a preclinical model of neuropathic pain. A better understanding of epigenetic reprogramming involved in the transition from acute to chronic pain could lead to the development of new treatments for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Ghosh
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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21
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He L, Cao J, Jiang BC, Yang JJ, Tao YX, Ai Y. C/EBPβ Participates in Nerve Trauma-Induced TLR7 Upregulation in Primary Sensory Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2629-2641. [PMID: 35141864 PMCID: PMC9016012 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02763-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Nerve trauma-induced toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) expression level increases in primary sensory neurons in injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) avails to neuropathic pain, but the reason is still unknown. In the current study, we showed that unilateral lumbar 4 (L4) spinal nerve ligation (SNL) upregulated CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBPβ) expression in ipsilateral L4 DRG. Preventing this elevation attenuated the SNL-induced upregulation of TLR7 in the ipsilateral L4 DRG and inhibited cold/thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. In injected DRG, mimicking nerve trauma-induced C/EBPβ upregulation increased TLR7 levels, augmented responses to cold/thermal/mechanical stimuli, and caused ipsilateral spontaneous pain with no SNL. Mechanistically, SNL upregulated binding of increased C/EBPβ to Tlr7 promoter in ipsilateral L4 DRG. Accorded that C/EBPβ could trigger the activation of Tlr7 promoter and co-expressed with Tlr7 mRNA in individual DRG neurons, our findings strongly suggest the role of C/EBPβ in nerve trauma-mediated TLR7 upregulation in injured primary sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Bao-Chun Jiang
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Jun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yanqiu Ai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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22
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Li X, Tao YX. Intrathecal administration of the fat-mass and obesity-associated protein inhibitor mitigates neuropathic pain in female rats. TRANSLATIONAL PERIOPERATIVE AND PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 9:478-487. [PMID: 36545239 PMCID: PMC9764434 DOI: 10.31480/2330-4871/163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Several intracellular signals are involved in the sexual dimorphism of chronic pain. Our previous studies demonstrated that the fat-mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), a demethylase of RNA N6-methyladenosine, in the injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributed to the development and maintenance of nerve injury-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity in male rats and male mice. However, whether these effects of DRG FTO are in a sex-dependent manner is still unknown. The present study sought to investigate the effect of intrathecal administration of a specific FTO inhibitor, meclofenamic acid (MA), on chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity in female rats. Intrathecal injection of MA attenuated the CCI-induced mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, and cold hyperalgesia in both the induction and maintenance periods, without changing acute/basal pain and locomotor function, in female rats. Intrathecal MA also blocked the CCI-induced hyperactivations of neurons and astrocytes in the ipsilateral L4 and L5 dorsal horns of female rats. Mechanistically, intrathecal MA prevented the CCI-induced increase in the histone methyltransferase G9a expression and reversed the G9a-controlled downregulation of mu-opioid receptor and Kv1.2 proteins in the ipsilateral L4 and L5 DRGs of female rats. These findings indicate that the effects of the FTO inhibitor on nerve injury-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity in female rats are similar to those in male rats reported previously. Our data also further confirm the role of DRG FTO in neuropathic pain and suggest potential clinical application of the FTO inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of this disorder in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ07103, USA,Departments of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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23
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common symptom in many diseases of the somatosensory
nervous system, which severely affects the patient’s quality of life.
Epigenetics are heritable alterations in gene expression that do not cause
permanent changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications can affect gene
expression and function and can also mediate crosstalk between genes and the
environment. Increasing evidence shows that epigenetic modifications, including
DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, and RNA modification, are
involved in the development and maintenance of NP. In this review, we focus on
the current knowledge of epigenetic modifications in the development and
maintenance of NP. Then, we illustrate different facets of epigenetic
modifications that regulate gene expression and their crosstalk. Finally, we
discuss the burgeoning evidence supporting the potential of emerging epigenetic
therapies, which has been valuable in understanding mechanisms and offers novel
and potent targets for NP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danzhi Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of
Foshan, Foshan, China
- Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun
Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of
Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Simin Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuhu Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guiling Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinshu Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Jun Zhou, Department of Anesthesiology, The
Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630,
China.
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24
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Shan W, Wu Y, Han X, Chen Q, Wu J. The mechanism of sevoflurane post-treatment alleviating hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy by affecting histone methyltransferase G9a in rats. Bioengineered 2021; 12:9790-9805. [PMID: 34672892 PMCID: PMC8810117 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1995105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is recognized as the main cause of neonatal death, and efficient treatment strategies remain limited. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of sevoflurane (SF) post-treatment in alleviating HIE in rats. The HIE rat model and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model were established, and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EHMT2 (G9a) was transfected after SF treatment. The learning and memory ability and the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were evaluated and determined. The levels of G9a/histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) and the enrichment level of H3K9me2 in the promoter region of BDNF gene were analyzed. After SF post-treatment, the neurons in cerebral cortex, the learning and memory skills and the contents of NGF/BDNF were increased, while the apoptosis and G9a/H3K9me2 levels were reduced. After overexpression of G9a in vitro/vivo, the enrichment levels of H3K9me2 in the promoter region of BDNF were increased, the levels of BDNF were decreased, the neurons were damaged and the learning and memory abilities of HIE rats were impaired. The conclusion is that SF post-treatment can promote the expression of BDNF by inhibiting H3K9me2 on the BDNF gene promoter and inhibiting G9a, thus alleviating HIE in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Shan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Lishui City People's Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Yini Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Lishui City People's Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Xin Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Lishui City People's Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Lishui City People's Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Jimin Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Lishui City People's Hospital, Lishui, China
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25
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Torres-Perez JV, Irfan J, Febrianto MR, Di Giovanni S, Nagy I. Histone post-translational modifications as potential therapeutic targets for pain management. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:897-911. [PMID: 34565578 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Effective pharmacological management of pain associated with tissue pathology is an unmet medical need. Transcriptional modifications in nociceptive pathways are pivotal for the development and the maintenance of pain associated with tissue damage. Accumulating evidence has shown the importance of the epigenetic control of transcription in nociceptive pathways via histone post-translational modifications (PTMs). Hence, histone PTMs could be targets for novel effective analgesics. Here, we discuss the current understanding of histone PTMs in the modulation of gene expression affecting nociception and pain phenotypes following tissue injury. We also provide a critical view of the translational implications of preclinical models and discuss opportunities and challenges of targeting histone PTMs to relieve pain in clinically relevant tissue injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose V Torres-Perez
- UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London and Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK.
| | - Jahanzaib Irfan
- Nociception Group, Division of Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9FJ, UK
| | - Muhammad Rizki Febrianto
- Nociception Group, Division of Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9FJ, UK
| | - Simone Di Giovanni
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, E505, Burlington Danes, Du Cane Road, London W12 ONN, UK.
| | - Istvan Nagy
- Nociception Group, Division of Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9FJ, UK.
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26
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Xiao Y, Zhou H, Jiang L, Liu R, Chen Q. Epigenetic regulation of ion channels in the sense of taste. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105760. [PMID: 34450315 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
There are five fundamental tastes discovered so far: sweet, bitter, umami, sour and salty. Taste is mediated by the specialized neuroepithelial cells mainly located at the tongue papillae, namely taste receptor cells, which can be classified into type I, type II, type III and type IV. Ion channels are necessary for diverse cell physiological activities including taste sensing, smell experience and temperature perception. Existing evidences have demonstrated distinct structures and working models of ion channels. Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression mainly through histone modifications, DNA methylation and non-coding RNA-mediated regulation, without altering DNA sequence. This review summarizes how ion channels work during the transduction of multiple tastes, as well as the recent progressions in the epigenetic regulation of ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hangfan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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27
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Pan Z, Du S, Wang K, Guo X, Mao Q, Feng X, Huang L, Wu S, Hou B, Chang Y, Liu T, Chen T, Li H, Bachmann T, Bekker A, Hu H, Tao Y. Downregulation of a Dorsal Root Ganglion-Specifically Enriched Long Noncoding RNA is Required for Neuropathic Pain by Negatively Regulating RALY-Triggered Ehmt2 Expression. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2004515. [PMID: 34383386 PMCID: PMC8356248 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Nerve injury-induced maladaptive changes of gene expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons contribute to neuropathic pain. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators of gene expression. Here, a conserved lncRNA is reported, named DRG-specifically enriched lncRNA (DS-lncRNA) for its high expression in DRG neurons. Peripheral nerve injury downregulates DS-lncRNA in injured DRG due, in part, to silencing of POU domain, class 4, transcription factor 3, a transcription factor that interacts with the DS-lncRNA gene promoter. Rescuing DS-lncRNA downregulation blocks nerve injury-induced increases in the transcriptional cofactor RALY-triggered DRG Ehmt2 mRNA and its encoding G9a protein, reverses the G9a-controlled downregulation of opioid receptors and Kcna2 in injured DRG, and attenuates nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities in male mice. Conversely, DS-lncRNA downregulation increases RALY-triggered Ehmt2/G9a expression and correspondingly decreases opioid receptor and Kcna2 expression in DRG, leading to neuropathic pain symptoms in male mice in the absence of nerve injury. Mechanistically, downregulated DS-lncRNA promotes more binding of increased RALY to RNA polymerase II and the Ehmt2 gene promoter and enhances Ehmt2 transcription in injured DRG. Thus, downregulation of DS-lncRNA likely contributes to neuropathic pain by negatively regulating the expression of RALY-triggered Ehmt2/G9a, a key neuropathic pain player, in DRG neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Pan
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Qingxiang Mao
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Xiaozhou Feng
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Lina Huang
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Bailing Hou
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Yun‐Juan Chang
- The Office of Advanced Research ComputingRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Tong Liu
- Center for Advanced Proteomics ResearchDepartments of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Tong Chen
- Center for Advanced Proteomics ResearchDepartments of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Advanced Proteomics ResearchDepartments of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Thomas Bachmann
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Huijuan Hu
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Yuan‐Xiang Tao
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular MedicineNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
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28
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Zheng BX, Guo X, Albik S, Eloy J, Tao YX. Effect of Pharmacological Inhibition of Fat-Mass and Obesity-Associated Protein on Nerve Trauma-Induced Pain Hypersensitivities. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1995-2007. [PMID: 33829413 PMCID: PMC8608999 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01053-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic knockout or knockdown of fat-mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), a demethylase that participates in RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG), has been demonstrated to alleviate nerve trauma-induced nociceptive hypersensitivities. However, these genetic strategies are still impractical in clinical neuropathic pain management. The present study sought to examine the effect of intrathecal administration of two specific FTO inhibitors, meclofenamic acid (MA) and N-CDPCB, on the development and maintenance of nociceptive hypersensitivities caused by unilateral L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats. Intrathecal injection of either MA or N-CDPCB diminished dose-dependently the SNL-induced mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, cold hyperalgesia, and spontaneous ongoing nociceptive responses in both development and maintenance periods, without altering acute/basal pain and locomotor function. Intrathecal MA also reduced the SNL-induced neuronal and astrocyte hyperactivities in the ipsilateral L5 dorsal horn. Mechanistically, intrathecal injection of these two inhibitors blocked the SNL-induced increase in the histone methyltransferase G9a expression and rescued the G9a-controlled downregulation of mu opioid receptor and Kv1.2 proteins in the ipsilateral L5 DRG. These findings further indicate the role of DRG FTO in neuropathic pain and suggest potential clinical application of the FTO inhibitors for management of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Xin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Sfian Albik
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jean Eloy
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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29
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Albik S, Tao YX. Emerging role of RNA m6A modification in chronic pain. Pain 2021; 162:1897-1898. [PMID: 33675633 PMCID: PMC8205953 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sfian Albik
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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30
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Wilson C, Giono LE, Rozés-Salvador V, Fiszbein A, Kornblihtt AR, Cáceres A. The Histone Methyltransferase G9a Controls Axon Growth by Targeting the RhoA Signaling Pathway. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107639. [PMID: 32402271 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of axonal and dendritic domains is critical for brain circuitry assembly and physiology. Negative players, such as the RhoA-Rho coiled-coil-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway, restrain axon development and polarization. Surprisingly, the genetic control of neuronal polarity has remained largely unexplored. Here, we report that, in primary cultured neurons, expression of the histone methyltransferase G9a and nuclear translocation of its major splicing isoform (G9a/E10+) peak at the time of axon formation. RNAi suppression of G9a/E10+ or pharmacological blockade of G9a constrains neuronal migration, axon initiation, and the establishment of neuronal polarity in situ and in vitro. Inhibition of G9a function upregulates RhoA-ROCK activity by increasing the expression of Lfc, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RhoA. Together, these results identify G9a as a player in neuronal polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Wilson
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-UNC) Friuli 2434, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Av. Haya de la Torre s/n, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Investigación en Medicina Traslacional "Severo R Amuchástegui" (CIMETSA), Instituto Universitario Ciencias Biomédicas Córdoba (IUCBC), Av. Friuli 2786, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Luciana E Giono
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-UBA-CONICET) and Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Victoria Rozés-Salvador
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-UNC) Friuli 2434, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Av. Haya de la Torre s/n, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Fiszbein
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-UBA-CONICET) and Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto R Kornblihtt
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-UBA-CONICET) and Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, C1428EHA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Cáceres
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-UNC) Friuli 2434, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Av. Haya de la Torre s/n, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Investigación en Medicina Traslacional "Severo R Amuchástegui" (CIMETSA), Instituto Universitario Ciencias Biomédicas Córdoba (IUCBC), Av. Friuli 2786, 5016 Córdoba, Argentina.
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31
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Tian L, Chen Y, Chang S, Xu L, Zhou X, Mao Q, Liang L. Antisense oligonucleotides targeting alternative splicing of Nrcam exon 10 suppress neurite outgrowth of ganglion sensory neurons in vitro. Neuroreport 2021; 32:548-554. [PMID: 33850082 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuron-glial-related cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM) is a neuronal cell adhesion molecule that has been shown to be involved in several cellular processes in the peripheral nervous system, including neurite outgrowth. We recently reported that alternative splicing of Nrcam mRNA at exon 10 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to the peripheral mechanism of neuropathic pain. Specially, Nrcam antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) targeting Nrcam exon 10, attenuated neuropathic pain hypersensitivities in mice. Here, we investigated the effect of Nrcam ASO on neurite outgrowth of DRG neurons in vitro. By immunostaining DRG neurons with different DRG markers, Nrcam ASO significantly reduced neurite lengths in neurofilament 200-, calcitonin gene-related peptide and isolectin B4-positive neurons in primary DRG neuronal culture. Moreover, Nrcam ASO activates epidermal growth factor receptor, which may mediate the effect of Nrcam ASO on neurite outgrowth of cultured DRG neurons. These results provide evidence that Nrcam ASO suppresses neurite outgrowth in DRG neurons by regulating alternative splicing of Nrcam gene at exon 10 and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, indicating the differential roles of NrCAM variants/isoforms in neurite outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Tian
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences
| | - Shuyang Chang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi
| | - Linping Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi
| | - Xiaoqiong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi
| | - Qingxiang Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing
| | - Lingli Liang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China
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32
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Landy MA, Goyal M, Casey KM, Liu C, Lai HC. Loss of Prdm12 during development, but not in mature nociceptors, causes defects in pain sensation. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108913. [PMID: 33789102 PMCID: PMC8048104 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Prdm12 is a key transcription factor in nociceptor neurogenesis. Mutations of Prdm12 cause congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP) from failure of nociceptor development. However, precisely how deletion of Prdm12 during development or adulthood affects nociception is unknown. Here, we employ tissue- and temporal-specific knockout mouse models to test the function of Prdm12 during development and in adulthood. We find that constitutive loss of Prdm12 causes deficiencies in proliferation during sensory neurogenesis. We also demonstrate that conditional knockout from dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) during embryogenesis causes defects in nociception. In contrast, we find that, in adult DRGs, Prdm12 is dispensable for most pain-sensation and injury-induced hypersensitivity. Using transcriptomic analysis, we find mostly unique changes in adult Prdm12 knockout DRGs compared with embryonic knockout and that PRDM12 is likely a transcriptional activator in the adult. Overall, we find that the function of PRDM12 changes over developmental time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Landy
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Megan Goyal
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Katherine M Casey
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Hypothalamic Research Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Helen C Lai
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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A Role for Transmembrane Protein 16C/Slack Impairment in Excitatory Nociceptive Synaptic Plasticity in the Pathogenesis of Remifentanil-induced Hyperalgesia in Rats. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:669-683. [PMID: 33779892 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00652-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Remifentanil is widely used to control intraoperative pain. However, its analgesic effect is limited by the generation of postoperative hyperalgesia. In this study, we investigated whether the impairment of transmembrane protein 16C (TMEM16C)/Slack is required for α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic receptor (AMPAR) activation in remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia. Remifentanil anesthesia reduced the paw withdrawal threshold from 2 h to 48 h postoperatively, with a decrease in the expression of TMEM16C and Slack in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord. Knockdown of TMEM16C in the DRG reduced the expression of Slack and elevated the basal peripheral sensitivity and AMPAR expression and function. Overexpression of TMEM16C in the DRG impaired remifentanil-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and behavioral hyperalgesia. AMPAR-mediated current and neuronal excitability were downregulated by TMEM16C overexpression in the spinal cord. Taken together, these findings suggest that TMEM16C/Slack regulation of excitatory synaptic plasticity via GluA1-containing AMPARs is critical in the pathogenesis of remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia in rats.
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Lipscombe D, Lopez-Soto EJ. Epigenetic control of ion channel expression and cell-specific splicing in nociceptors: Chronic pain mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Channels (Austin) 2021; 15:156-164. [PMID: 33323031 PMCID: PMC7808434 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2020.1860383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels underlie all forms for electrical signaling including the transmission of information about harmful events. Voltage-gated calcium ion channels have dual function, they support electrical signaling as well as intracellular calcium signaling through excitation-dependent calcium entry across the plasma membrane. Mechanisms that regulate ion channel forms and actions are essential for myriad cell functions and these are targeted by drugs and therapeutics. When disrupted, the cellular mechanisms that control ion channel activity can contribute to disease pathophysiology. For example, alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a major step in defining the precise composition of the transcriptome across different cell types from early cellular differentiation to programmed apoptosis. An estimated 30% of disease-causing mutations are associated with altered alternative splicing, and mis-splicing is a feature of numerous highly prevalent diseases including neurodegenerative, cancer, and chronic pain. Here we discuss the important role of epigenetic regulation of gene expression and cell-specific alternative splicing of calcium ion channels in nociceptors, with emphasis on how these processes are disrupted in chronic pain, the potential therapeutic benefit of correcting or compensating for aberrant ion channel splicing in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Lipscombe
- The Robert J and Nancy D Carney Institute for Brain Science & Department of Neuroscience, Brown University , Providence, RI, USA
| | - E Javier Lopez-Soto
- The Robert J and Nancy D Carney Institute for Brain Science & Department of Neuroscience, Brown University , Providence, RI, USA
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35
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Functional Coupling of Slack Channels and P2X3 Receptors Contributes to Neuropathic Pain Processing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010405. [PMID: 33401689 PMCID: PMC7795269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sodium-activated potassium channel Slack (KNa1.1, Slo2.2, or Kcnt1) is highly expressed in populations of sensory neurons, where it mediates the sodium-activated potassium current (IKNa) and modulates neuronal activity. Previous studies suggest that Slack is involved in the processing of neuropathic pain. However, mechanisms underlying the regulation of Slack activity in this context are poorly understood. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings we found that Slack-mediated IKNa in sensory neurons of mice is reduced after peripheral nerve injury, thereby contributing to neuropathic pain hypersensitivity. Interestingly, Slack is closely associated with ATP-sensitive P2X3 receptors in a population of sensory neurons. In vitro experiments revealed that Slack-mediated IKNa may be bidirectionally modulated in response to P2X3 activation. Moreover, mice lacking Slack show altered nocifensive responses to P2X3 stimulation. Our study identifies P2X3/Slack signaling as a mechanism contributing to hypersensitivity after peripheral nerve injury and proposes a potential novel strategy for treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Zheng BX, Malik A, Xiong M, Bekker A, Tao YX. Nerve trauma-caused downregulation of opioid receptors in primary afferent neurons: Molecular mechanisms and potential managements. Exp Neurol 2020; 337:113572. [PMID: 33340498 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is the most common clinical disorder destroying the quality of patient life and leading to a marked economic and social burden. Opioids are still last option for pharmacological treatment of this disorder, but their antinociceptive effects are limited in part due to the downregulation of opioid receptors in the primary afferent neurons after peripheral nerve trauma. How this downregulation occurs is not completely understood, but recent studies have demonstrated that peripheral nerve trauma drives the alterations in epigenetic modifications (including DNA methylation, histone methylation and mciroRNAs), expression of transcription factors, post-transcriptional modifications (e.g., RNA methylation) and protein translation initiation in the neurons of nerve trauma-related dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and that these alternations may be associated with nerve trauma-caused downregulation of DRG opioid receptors. This review presents how opioid receptors are downregulated in the DRG after peripheral nerve trauma, specifically focusing on distinct molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional and translational processes. This review also discusses how this downregulation contributes to the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain. A deeper understanding of these molecular mechanisms likely provides a novel avenue for prevention and/or treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Xin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Ayma Malik
- Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Ming Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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37
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Zhang Z, Zheng B, Du S, Han G, Zhao H, Wu S, Jia S, Bachmann T, Bekker A, Tao YX. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4 gamma 2 contributes to neuropathic pain through down-regulation of Kv1.2 and the mu opioid receptor in mouse primary sensory neurones. Br J Anaesth 2020; 126:706-719. [PMID: 33303185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nerve injury-induced changes in gene expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contribute to neuropathic pain genesis. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (eIF4G2) is a general repressor of cap-dependent mRNA translation. Whether DRG eIF4G2 participates in nerve injury-induced alternations in gene expression and nociceptive hypersensitivity is unknown. METHODS The expression and distribution of eIF4G2 mRNA and protein in mouse DRG after spinal nerve ligation (SNL) were assessed. Effects of eIF4G2 siRNA microinjected through a glass micropipette into the injured DRG on the SNL-induced DRG mu opioid receptor (MOR) and Kv1.2 downregulation and nociceptive hypersensitivity were examined. In addition, effects of DRG microinjection of adeno-associated virus 5-expressing eIF4G2 (AAV5-eIF4G2) on basal DRG MOR and Kv1.2 expression and nociceptive thresholds were analysed. RESULTS eIF4G2 protein co-expressed with Kv1.2 and MOR in DRG neurones. Levels of eIF4G2 mRNA (1.7 [0.24] to 2.3 [0.14]-fold of sham, P<0.01) and protein (1.6 [0.14] to 2.5 [0.22]-fold of sham, P<0.01) in injured DRG were time-dependently increased on days 3-14 after SNL. Blocking increased eIF4G2 through microinjection of eIF4G2 siRNA into the injured DRG attenuated SNL-induced downregulation of DRG MOR and Kv1.2 and development and maintenance of nociceptive hypersensitivities. DRG microinjection of AAV5-eIF4G2 reduced DRG MOR and Kv1.2 expression and elicited hypersensitivities to mechanical, heat and cold stimuli in naïve mice. CONCLUSIONS eIF4G2 contributes to neuropathic pain through participation in downregulation of Kv1.2 and MOR in injured DRG and is a potential target for treatment of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Bixin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Guang Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Shushan Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Thomas Bachmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA; Departments of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine and Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.
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38
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Zhang J, Rong L, Shao J, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zhao S, Li L, Yu W, Zhang M, Ren X, Zhao Q, Zhu C, Luo H, Zang W, Cao J. Epigenetic restoration of voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.2 alleviates nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. J Neurochem 2020; 156:367-378. [PMID: 32621322 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) are important regulators of neuronal excitability for its role of regulating resting membrane potential and repolarization. Recent studies show that Kv channels participate in neuropathic pain, but the detailed underlying mechanisms are far from being clear. In this study, we used siRNA, miR-137 agomir, and antagomir to regulate the expression of Kv1.2 in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of naïve and chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats. Kv currents and neuron excitability in DRG neurons were examined by patch-clamp whole-cell recording to verify the change in Kv1.2 function. The results showed that Kv1.2 was down-regulated in DRG and spinal dorsal horn (SDH) by CCI. Knockdown of Kv1.2 by intrathecally injecting Kcna2 siRNA induced significant mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in naïve rats. Concomitant with the down-regulation of Kv1.2 was an increase in the expression of the miR-137. The targeting and regulating of miR-137 on Kcna2 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter system and intrathecal injecting miR-137 agomir. Furthermore, rescuing the expression of Kv1.2 in CCI rats, achieved through inhibiting miR-137, restored the abnormal Kv currents and excitability in DRG neurons, and alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. These results indicate that the miR-137-mediated Kv1.2 impairment is a crucial etiopathogenesis for the nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain and can be a novel potential therapeutic target for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lina Rong
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinping Shao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaping Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sen Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenli Yu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengya Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiuhua Ren
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingzan Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Huan Luo
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Relationship between Pain Behavior and Changes in KCNA2 Expression in the Dorsal Root Ganglia of Rats with Osteoarthritis. Pain Res Manag 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/4636838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To investigate the relationship between pain behavior and potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 2 (KCNA2) expression in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of rats with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: blank control group (group C), normal saline group (group S), and group OA. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) were measured one day before injection and one, two, four, and six weeks after injection. At one, two, four, and six weeks after injection, pathological knee joint changes and activated transcription factor-3 (ATF-3) and KCNA2 expressions in DRGs were analyzed. Results. Compared with preinjection, PWMT and PWTL at two, four, and six weeks after injection were significantly decreased in the group OA (P<0.05 or 0.01). Compared with group C, PWMT and PWTL at two, four, and six weeks after injection were significantly decreased in the group OA (P<0.05 or 0.01). In the group OA, slight local articular cartilage surface destruction was found at week one. The cartilage surface destruction gradually developed, and the exacerbation of cartilage matrix reduction and bone hyperplasia were increasingly aggravated and eventually evolved into advanced OA in the second to sixth weeks. Compared with group C, ATF-3 expression was significantly increased, and KCNA2 expression was significantly decreased in the group OA at two, four, and six weeks after injection (P<0.05 or 0.01). Compared to baseline, ATF-3 expression was significantly increased, and KCNA2 expression was significantly decreased in the group OA (P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusion. Pain behavior in OA rats was associated with decreased KCNA2 expression in DRGs.
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40
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Song G, Yang Z, Guo J, Zheng Y, Su X, Wang X. Interactions Among lncRNAs/circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in Neuropathic Pain. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:917-931. [PMID: 32632773 PMCID: PMC7609633 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00881-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is directly caused by an injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. It is a serious type of chronic pain that is a burden to the economy and public health. Although recent studies have improved our understanding of NP, its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Noncoding RNAs, including lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs, are involved in the pathological development of NP through many mechanisms. In addition, extensive evidence suggests that novel regulatory mechanisms among lncRNAs/circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs play a crucial role in the pathophysiological process of NP. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the regulatory relationship among lncRNAs/circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs and emphasize the important role of the lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Song
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, 188 Hengren Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zheng Yang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, 188 Hengren Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jiabao Guo
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, 188 Hengren Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yili Zheng
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, 188 Hengren Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xuan Su
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, 188 Hengren Road, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xueqiang Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, 188 Hengren Road, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Li Y, Guo X, Sun L, Xiao J, Su S, Du S, Li Z, Wu S, Liu W, Mo K, Xia S, Chang Y, Denis D, Tao Y. N 6-Methyladenosine Demethylase FTO Contributes to Neuropathic Pain by Stabilizing G9a Expression in Primary Sensory Neurons. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1902402. [PMID: 32670741 PMCID: PMC7341103 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201902402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Nerve injury-induced change in gene expression in primary sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is critical for neuropathic pain genesis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA represents an additional layer of gene regulation. Here, it is reported that peripheral nerve injury increases the expression of the m6A demethylase fat-mass and obesity-associated proteins (FTO) in the injured DRG via the activation of Runx1, a transcription factor that binds to the Fto gene promoter. Mimicking this increase erases m6A in euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (Ehmt2) mRNA (encoding the histone methyltransferase G9a) and elevates the level of G9a in DRG and leads to neuropathic pain symptoms. Conversely, blocking this increase reverses a loss of m6A sites in Ehmt2 mRNA and destabilizes the nerve injury-induced G9a upregulation in the injured DRG and alleviates nerve injury-associated pain hypersensitivities. FTO contributes to neuropathic pain likely through stabilizing nerve injury-induced upregulation of G9a, a neuropathic pain initiator, in primary sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yize Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Linlin Sun
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Jifang Xiao
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Songxue Su
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E661NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Weili Liu
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Kai Mo
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shangzhou Xia
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Yun‐Juan Chang
- The Office of Advanced Research ComputingRutgers, The State University of New Jersey 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB C‐630NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Daniel Denis
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Yuan‐Xiang Tao
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E661NewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular MedicineNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E661NewarkNJ07103USA
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Toll-like receptor 7 contributes to neuropathic pain by activating NF-κB in primary sensory neurons. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 87:840-851. [PMID: 32205121 PMCID: PMC7316623 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll like receptor 7 (TLR7) is expressed in neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), but whether it contributes to neuropathic pain is elusive. We found that peripheral nerve injury caused by ligation of the fourth lumbar (L4) spinal nerve (SNL) or chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve led to a significant increase in the expression of TLR7 at mRNA and protein levels in mouse injured DRG. Blocking this increase through microinjection of the adeno-associated virus (AAV) 5 expressing TLR7 shRNA into the ipsilateral L4 DRG alleviated the SNL-induced mechanical, thermal and cold pain hypersensitivities in both male and female mice. This microinjection also attenuated the SNL-induced increases in the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½ (p-ERK1/2) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in L4 dorsal horn on the ipsilateral side during both development and maintenance periods. Conversely, mimicking this increase through microinjection of AAV5 expressing full-length TLR7 into unilateral L3/4 DRGs led to elevations in the amounts of p-ERK1/2 and GFAP in the dorsal horn, augmented responses to mechanical, thermal and cold stimuli, and induced the spontaneous pain on the ipsilateral side in the absence of SNL. Mechanistically, the increased TLR7 activated the NF-κB signaling pathway through promoting the translocation of p65 into the nucleus and phosphorylation of p65 in the nucleus from the injured DRG neurons. Our findings suggest that DRG TLR7 contributes to neuropathic pain by activating NF-κB in primary sensory neurons. TLR7 may be a potential target for therapeutic treatment of this disorder.
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Wen J, Yang Y, Wu S, Wei G, Jia S, Hannaford S, Tao YX. Long noncoding RNA H19 in the injured dorsal root ganglion contributes to peripheral nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivity. TRANSLATIONAL PERIOPERATIVE AND PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 7:176-184. [PMID: 32099850 PMCID: PMC7041488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury-induced changes in gene transcription and translation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) play a critical role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression. Here, we report that peripheral nerve injury caused by ligation of the fourth spinal nerve (SNL) led to a time-dependent increase in the expression in H19, an lncRNA, in the injured DRG. Microinjection of a specific H19 siRNA, but not negative control scrambled siRNA, into the injured DRG 4 days before SNL alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia on days 3 and 5 post-SNL. Additionally, DRG microinjection of the H19 siRNA on day 7 after SNL reduced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia on days 10 and 12 post-SNL. DRG microinjection of neither siRNA affected locomotor activity and acute basal responses to mechanical and thermal stimuli. Our findings suggest that H19 participates in the peripheral mechanism underlying the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. H19 may be a potential target for treatment of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Guihua Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shushan Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Stephen Hannaford
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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Liang L, Wu S, Lin C, Chang YJ, Tao YX. Alternative Splicing of Nrcam Gene in Dorsal Root Ganglion Contributes to Neuropathic Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 21:892-904. [PMID: 31917219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
NrCAM, a neuronal cell adhesion molecule in the L1 family of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is subjected to extensively alternative splicing and involved in neural development and some disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the role of Nrcam mRNA alternative splicing in neuropathic pain. A next generation RNA sequencing analysis of dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) showed the differential expression of two splicing variants of Nrcam, Nrcam+10 and Nrcam-10, in the injured DRG after the fourth lumbar spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in mice. SNL increased the exon 10 insertion, resulting in an increase in the amount of Nrcam+10 and a corresponding decrease in the level of Nrcam-10 in the injured DRG. An antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that specifically targeted exon 10 of Nrcam gene (Nrcam ASO) repressed RNA expression of Nrcam+10 and increased RNA expression of Nrcam-10 in in vitro DRG cell culture. Either DRG microinjection or intrathecal injection of Nrcam ASO attenuated SNL-induced the development of mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, or cold allodynia. Nrcam ASO also relieved SNL- or chronic compression of DRG (CCD)-induced the maintenance of pain hypersensitivities in male and female mice. PERSPECTIVE: We conclude that the relative levels of alternatively spliced Nrcam variants are critical for neuropathic pain genesis. Targeting Nrcam alternative splicing via the antisense oligonucleotides may be a new potential avenue in neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Corinna Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Yun-Juan Chang
- Office of advanced research computing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey.
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Li Q, Zhu ZY, Lu J, Chao YC, Zhou XX, Huang Y, Chen XM, Su DS, Yu WF, Gu XY. Sleep deprivation of rats increases postsurgical expression and activity of L-type calcium channel in the dorsal root ganglion and slows recovery from postsurgical pain. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:217. [PMID: 31870460 PMCID: PMC6929318 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0868-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Perioperative sleep disturbance is a risk factor for persistent pain after surgery. Clinical studies have shown that patients with insufficient sleep before and after surgery experience more intense and long-lasting postoperative pain. We hypothesize that sleep deprivation alters L-type calcium channels in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), thus delaying the recovery from post-surgical pain. To verify this hypothesis, and to identify new predictors and therapeutic targets for persistent postoperative pain, we first established a model of postsurgical pain with perioperative sleep deprivation (SD) by administering hind paw plantar incision to sleep deprivation rats. Then we conducted behavioral tests, including tests with von Frey filaments and a laser heat test, to verify sensory pain, measured the expression of L-type calcium channels using western blotting and immunofluorescence of dorsal root ganglia (an important neural target for peripheral nociception), and examined the activity of L-type calcium channels and neuron excitability using electrophysiological measurements. We validated the findings by performing intraperitoneal injections of calcium channel blockers and microinjections of dorsal root ganglion cells with adeno-associated virus. We found that short-term sleep deprivation before and after surgery increased expression and activity of L-type calcium channels in the lumbar dorsal root ganglia, and delayed recovery from postsurgical pain. Blocking these channels reduced impact of sleep deprivation. We conclude that the increased expression and activity of L-type calcium channels is associated with the sleep deprivation-mediated prolongation of postoperative pain. L-type calcium channels are thus a potential target for management of postoperative pain.
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Liang L, Wei J, Tian L, Padma Nagendra BV, Gao F, Zhang J, Xu L, Wang H, Huo FQ. Paclitaxel Induces Sex-biased Behavioral Deficits and Changes in Gene Expression in Mouse Prefrontal Cortex. Neuroscience 2019; 426:168-178. [PMID: 31846751 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents for various cancer diseases. Despite its advantages, PTX also causes behavioral deficits related to nervous-system dysfunction, such as neuropathic pain, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is one of the areas that is susceptible to adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine sex-biased behavioral deficits and whole-transcriptome changes in gene expression in the PFC of mice treated with vehicle or PTX. In this study, PTX (4 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally four times in mice every other day. Three weeks later, both PTX-treated male and female mice developed mechanical pain hypersensitivities, as indicated by increased paw withdrawal responses to 0.16-g von Frey filaments. Additionally, PTX-treated mice exhibited depression-like symptoms, as they exhibited increased immobility times in the forced swim test. PTX also induced cognitive impairment, as demonstrated via results of a novel object recognition (NOR) test and anxiety-like behavior in an elevated plus-maze test in male mice, but not in female mice. RNA sequencing and in-depth gene expression analysis of the PFC in paired vehicle and PTX-treated mice showed that PTX induced 1755 differentially expressed genes in the PFCs of male and female mice. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR verified that some gene expressions in the medial PFC (mPFC) were related to neurotransmission. In conclusion, this study identified a sex-biased effect of PTX on PFC function and gene expression, which provides a foundation for future studies to explore the precise mechanisms of PTX-induced behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Liang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Jianxiong Wei
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lixia Tian
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China
| | - Borra V Padma Nagendra
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Linping Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China
| | - Haoruo Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China
| | - Fu-Quan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, PR China
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Ciotu CI, Tsantoulas C, Meents J, Lampert A, McMahon SB, Ludwig A, Fischer MJM. Noncanonical Ion Channel Behaviour in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4572. [PMID: 31540178 PMCID: PMC6770626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels contribute fundamental properties to cell membranes. Although highly diverse in conductivity, structure, location, and function, many of them can be regulated by common mechanisms, such as voltage or (de-)phosphorylation. Primarily considering ion channels involved in the nociceptive system, this review covers more novel and less known features. Accordingly, we outline noncanonical operation of voltage-gated sodium, potassium, transient receptor potential (TRP), and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide (HCN)-gated channels. Noncanonical features discussed include properties as a memory for prior voltage and chemical exposure, alternative ion conduction pathways, cluster formation, and silent subunits. Complementary to this main focus, the intention is also to transfer knowledge between fields, which become inevitably more separate due to their size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosmin I Ciotu
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jannis Meents
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephen B McMahon
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London SE1 1UR, UK
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael J M Fischer
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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MZF1 in the Dorsal Root Ganglia Contributes to the Development and Maintenance of Neuropathic Pain via Regulation of TRPV1. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:2782417. [PMID: 31582966 PMCID: PMC6754943 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2782417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) participates in neuropathic pain induced by chronic-constriction injury (CCI) via regulation of voltage-gated K+ channels (Kv). Emerging evidence indicates that transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is involved in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Although it is known that the transcription of TRPV1 is regulated by Kruppel-like zinc-finger transcription factor 7 (Klf7)—and that the structure of TRPV1 is similar to that of Kv—few studies have systematically investigated the relationship between MZF1 and TRPV1 in neuropathic pain. In the present study, we demonstrated that CCI induced an increase in MZF1 and TRPV1 in lumbar-level 4/5 (L4/5) DRGs at 3 days post-CCI and that this increase was persistent until at least 14 days post-CCI. DRG microinjection of rAAV5-MZF1 into the DRGs of naïve rats resulted in a decrease in paw-withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw-withdrawal latency (PWL) compared with that of the rAAV5-EGFP group, which started at four weeks and lasted until at least eight weeks after microinjection. Additionally, prior microinjection of MZF1 siRNA clearly ameliorated CCI-induced reduction in PWT and PWL at 3 days post-CCI and lasted until at least 7 days post-CCI. Correspondingly, microinjection of MZF1 siRNA subsequent to CCI alleviated the established mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia induced by CCI, which occurred at 3 days postinjection and lasted until at least 10 days postinjection. Microinjection of rAAV5-MZF1 increased the expression of TRPV1 in DRGs. Microinjection of MZF1 siRNA diminished the CCI-induced increase of TRPV1, but not P2X7R, in DRGs. These findings suggest that MZF1 may contribute to neuropathic pain via regulation of TRPV1 expression in DRGs.
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Liang L, Zhao JY, Kathryn T, Bekker A, Tao YX. BIX01294, a G9a inhibitor, alleviates nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities during both development and maintenance periods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 6:106-114. [PMID: 31497620 DOI: 10.31480/2330-4871/097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic knockdown or knockout of the histone methytransferase G9a in the injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) has been shown to alleviate neuropathic pain development. However, the application of genetic strategy in clinic is highly limited. The present study sought to examine the effect of intrathecal BIX01294, a specific G9a inhibitor, on the development and maintenance of pain hypersensitivities caused by unilateral L5 spinal nerve injury (SNL) or chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve in rats. We found that intrathecal administration of BIX01294 reduced SNL- or CCI-induced mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia and cold allodynia not only in the development period but also in the maintenance period. These effects were dose-dependent. Intrathecal administration of BIX01294 also blocked the SNL-induced increase in the level of H3K9me2, a marker of G9a activity, and reversed SNL-induced downregulation of Oprm1 mRNA, Oprk1 mRNA, Oprd1 mRNA, Kcna2 mRNA, and Kcna4 mRNA, the downstream targets of G9a, in the ipsilateral L5 DRG. These findings further implicate that G9a as a potential target in the management of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jian-Yuan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ticehurst Kathryn
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.,Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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Contribution of dorsal root ganglion octamer transcription factor 1 to neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury. Pain 2019; 160:375-384. [PMID: 30247265 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain genesis is related to gene alterations in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after peripheral nerve injury. Transcription factors control gene expression. In this study, we investigated whether octamer transcription factor 1 (OCT1), a transcription factor, contributed to neuropathic pain caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Chronic constriction injury produced a time-dependent increase in the level of OCT1 protein in the ipsilateral L4/5 DRG, but not in the spinal cord. Blocking this increase through microinjection of OCT1 siRNA into the ipsilateral L4/5 DRG attenuated the initiation and maintenance of CCI-induced mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, and cold allodynia and improved morphine analgesia after CCI, without affecting basal responses to acute mechanical, heat, and cold stimuli as well as locomotor functions. Mimicking this increase through microinjection of recombinant adeno-associated virus 5 harboring full-length OCT1 into the unilateral L4/5 DRG led to marked mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, and cold allodynia in naive rats. Mechanistically, OCT1 participated in CCI-induced increases in Dnmt3a mRNA and its protein and DNMT3a-mediated decreases in Oprm1 and Kcna2 mRNAs and their proteins in the injured DRG. These findings indicate that OCT1 may participate in neuropathic pain at least in part by transcriptionally activating Dnmt3a and subsequently epigenetic silencing of Oprm1 and Kcan2 in the DRG. OCT1 may serve as a potential target for therapeutic treatments against neuropathic pain.
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