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Tang Y, Zhou Y, Ren J, Wang Y, Li X, Qi M, Yang Y, Zhu C, Wang C, Ma Y, Tang Z, Yu G. TRPV4-β-catenin axis is a novel therapeutic target for dry skin-induced chronic itch. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167491. [PMID: 39218273 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167491] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Dry skin induced chronic pruritus is an increasingly common and debilitating problem, especially in the elderly. Although keratinocytes play important roles in innate and adaptive immunity and keratinocyte proliferation is a key feature of dry skin induced chronic pruritus, the exact contribution of keratinocytes to the pathogenesis of dry skin induced chronic pruritus is poorly understood. In this study, we generated the acetone-ether-water induced dry skin model in mice and found that epidermal hyperplasia induced by this model is partly dependent on the β-catenin signaling pathway. XAV939, an antagonist of β-catenin signaling pathway, inhibited epidermal hyperplasia in dry skin model mice. Importantly, dry skin induced chronic pruritus also dramatically reduced in XAV939 treated mice. Moreover, acetone-ether-water treatment-induced epidermal hyperplasia and chronic itch were decreased in Trpv4-/- mice. In vitro, XAV939 inhibited hypo-osmotic stress induced proliferation of HaCaT cells, and hypo-osmotic stress induced proliferation of in HaCaT cells and primary cultured keratinocytes were also significantly reduced by blocking TRPV4 function. Finally, thymic stromal lymphopoietin release was examined both in vivo and in vitro, which was significantly inhibited by XAV939 treatment and Trpv4 deficiency, and anti-TSLP antibody treatment significantly decreased AEW-induced scratching behavior. Overall, our study revealed a unique ability of TRPV4 expressing keratinocytes in the skin, which critically mediated dry skin induced epidermal hyperplasia and chronic pruritus, thus provided novel insights into the development of therapies for chronic pruritus in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Jiahui Ren
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Xue Li
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Mingxin Qi
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Chan Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Changming Wang
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yuxiang Ma
- School of Life Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China.
| | - Zongxiang Tang
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Guang Yu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
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2
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Cheung ST, Do Y, Kim E, Rella A, Goyarts E, Pernodet N, Wong YH. G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Skin Aging. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)01919-5. [PMID: 39186022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.06.1288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Skin aging is a complex biological process affected by a plethora of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that alter cutaneous functions through the modulations of signaling pathways and responses. Expressed in various cell types and skin tissue layers, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a vital role in regulating skin aging. We have cataloged 156 GPCRs expressed in the skin and reviewed their roles in skin aging, such as pigmentation, loss of elasticity, wrinkles, rough texture, and aging-associated skin disorders. By exploring the GPCRs found in the skin, it may be possible to develop new treatment regimens for aging-associated skin conditions using GPCR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suet Ting Cheung
- The Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; The Biotechnology Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yelim Do
- The Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; The Biotechnology Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eunah Kim
- The Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; The Biotechnology Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Antonella Rella
- Research and Development, The Estée Lauder Companies, New York, New York, USA
| | - Earl Goyarts
- Research and Development, The Estée Lauder Companies, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nadine Pernodet
- Research and Development, The Estée Lauder Companies, New York, New York, USA; Estée Lauder Research Laboratories, Melville, New York, USA
| | - Yung Hou Wong
- The Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; The Biotechnology Research Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; Molecular Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China; Center for Aging Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.
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3
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Guo SS, Gong Y, Zhang TT, Su XY, Wu YJ, Yan YX, Cao Y, Song XL, Xie JC, Wu D, Jiang Q, Li Y, Zhao X, Zhu MX, Xu TL, Liu MG. A thalamic nucleus reuniens-lateral septum-lateral hypothalamus circuit for comorbid anxiety-like behaviors in chronic itch. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn6272. [PMID: 39150998 PMCID: PMC11328909 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn6272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
Chronic itch often clinically coexists with anxiety symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of itch-anxiety comorbidities that are difficult to treat. However, the neuronal circuit mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of anxiety in chronic itch remain elusive. Here, we report anxiety-like behaviors in mouse models of chronic itch and identify γ-aminobutyric acid-releasing (GABAergic) neurons in the lateral septum (LS) as the key player in chronic itch-induced anxiety. In addition, chronic itch is accompanied with enhanced activity and synaptic plasticity of excitatory projections from the thalamic nucleus reuniens (Re) onto LS GABAergic neurons. Selective chemogenetic inhibition of the Re → LS circuit notably alleviated chronic itch-induced anxiety, with no impact on anxiety induced by restraint stress. Last, GABAergic neurons in lateral hypothalamus (LH) receive monosynaptic inhibition from LS GABAergic neurons to mediate chronic itch-induced anxiety. These findings underscore the potential significance of the Re → LS → LH pathway in regulating anxiety-like comorbid symptoms associated with chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Shan Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yu Gong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xin-Yu Su
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yan-Jiao Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xing-Lei Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Dehua Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Michael X Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tian-Le Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ming-Gang Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- Institute of Mental Health and Drug Discovery, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
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4
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Wang TT, Li ZY, Hu DD, Xu XY, Song NJ, Li GQ, Zhang L. Spinal histamine H4 receptor mediates chronic pruritus via p-ERK in acetone-ether-water (AEW)-induced dry skin mice. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15128. [PMID: 38973249 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15128] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Dry skin is common to many pruritic diseases and is difficult to improve with oral traditional antihistamines. Recently, increasing evidence indicated that histamine H4 receptor (H4R) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of pruritus. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation activation in the spinal cord mediates histamine-induced acute and choric itch. However, whether the histamine H4 receptor regulates ERK activation in the dry skin itch remains unclear. In the study, we explore the role of the histamine H4 receptor and p-ERK in the spinal cord in a dry skin mouse model induced by acetone-ether-water (AEW). q-PCR, Western blot, pharmacology and immunofluorescence were applied in the study. We established a dry skin itch model by repeated application of AEW on the nape of neck in mice. The AEW mice showed typically dry skin histological change and persistent spontaneous scratching behaviour. Histamine H4 receptor, instead of histamine H1 receptor, mediated spontaneous scratching behaviour in AEW mice. Moreover, c-Fos and p-ERK expression in the spinal cord neurons were increased and co-labelled with GRPR-positive neurons in AEW mice. Furthermore, H4R agonist 4-methyhistamine dihydrochloride (4-MH)induced itch. Both 4-MH-induced itch and the spontaneous itch in AEW mice were blocked by p-ERK inhibitor U0126. Finally, intrathecal H4R receptor antagonist JNJ7777120 inhibited spinal p-ERK expression in AEW mice. Our results indicated that spinal H4R mediates itch via ERK activation in the AEW-induced dry skin mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Wang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Sensory Neurobiology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Yang Li
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Sensory Neurobiology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan-Dan Hu
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Sensory Neurobiology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian-Yun Xu
- Laboratory of Sensory Neurobiology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning-Jing Song
- Department of Dermatology, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang-Qiang Li
- Department of Pathology, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Sensory Neurobiology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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5
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Rasheed AAB, Birling MC, Lauria G, Gaveriaux-Ruff C, Herault Y. The COL6A5-p.Glu2272* mutation induces chronic itch in mice. Mamm Genome 2024; 35:122-134. [PMID: 38523187 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-024-10032-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Pruritus is a common irritating sensation that provokes the desire to scratch. Environmental and genetic factors contribute to the onset of pruritus. Moreover, itch can become a major burden when it becomes chronic. Interestingly, the rare Collagen VI alpha 5 (COL6A5) gene variant p.Glu2272* has been identified in two families and an independent patient with chronic neuropathic itch. These patients showed reduced COL6A5 expression in skin and normal skin morphology. However, little progress has been made until now toward understanding the relationships between this mutation and chronic itch. Therefore, we developed the first mouse model that recapitulates COL6A5-p.Glu2272* mutation using the CRISPR-Cas technology and characterized this new mouse model. The mutant mRNA, measured by RT-ddPCR, was expressed at normal levels in dorsal root ganglia and was decreased in skin. The functional exploration showed effects of the mutation with some sex dysmorphology. Mutant mice had increased skin permeability. Elevated spontaneous scratching and grooming was detected in male and female mutants, with increased anxiety-like behavior in female mutants. These results suggest that the COL6A5-p.Glu2272* mutation found in patients contributes to chronic itch and induces in mice additional behavioral changes. The COL6A5-p.Glu2272* mouse model could elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying COL6A5 role in itch and help identify potential new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameer Abu Bakr Rasheed
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Marie-Christine Birling
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67400, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris, (PHENOMIN-ICS), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67400, Illkirch, France
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, IRCCS Foundation "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Claire Gaveriaux-Ruff
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67400, Illkirch, France
- Biotechnology and Cell Signaling, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, UMR7242, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67400, Illkirch, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris, (PHENOMIN-ICS), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67400, Illkirch, France.
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6
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Li L, Li ZE, Mo YL, Li WY, Li HJ, Yan GH, Qin XZ, Piao LH. Molecular and cellular pruritus mechanisms in the host skin. Exp Mol Pathol 2024; 136:104889. [PMID: 38316203 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2024.104889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Pruritus, also known as itching, is a complex sensation that involves the activation of specific physiological and cellular receptors. The skin is innervated with sensory nerves as well as some receptors for various sensations, and its immune system has prominent neurological connections. Sensory neurons have a considerable impact on the sensation of itching. However, immune cells also play a role in this process, as they release pruritogens. Disruption of the dermal barrier activates an immune response, initiating a series of chemical, physical, and cellular reactions. These reactions involve various cell types, including keratinocytes, as well as immune cells involved in innate and adaptive immunity. Collective activation of these immune responses confers protection against potential pathogens. Thus, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to pruritus in host skin is crucial for the advancement of effective treatment approaches. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the present knowledge concerning the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying itching signaling in the skin. Additionally, this review explored the integration of these mechanisms with the broader context of itch mediators and the expression of their receptors in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Department of Anatomy, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Zhi-En Li
- Clinical Medicine, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Yun-Li Mo
- Clinical Medicine, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Wan-Yao Li
- Clinical Medicine, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Hui-Jing Li
- Clinical Medicine, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Guang-Hai Yan
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Department of Anatomy, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Xiang-Zheng Qin
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Department of Anatomy, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China.
| | - Li-Hua Piao
- Jilin Key Laboratory for Immune and Targeting Research on Common Allergic Diseases, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China; Department of Anatomy, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji 133002, China.
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7
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Huang J, Liang X, Zhao M, Zhang Y, Chen Z. Metabolomics and network pharmacology reveal the mechanism of antithrombotic effect of Asperosaponin VI. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116355. [PMID: 38493592 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116355] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Dipsaci Radix may possess antithrombotic properties, and one of its primary active ingredients is Asperosaponin VI. However, the antithrombotic effects and pharmacological mechanisms of Asperosaponin VI remain unclear. An in vivo experimental study has demonstrated the antithrombotic activity of Asperosaponin VI. Asperosaponin VI also exhibits anticoagulant properties. Asperosaponin VI significantly hindered collagen adrenergic-induced acute pulmonary thrombosis in mice and enhanced their survival rate. This hinders the formation of acute pulmonary embolisms induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and decreases recovery time. A comprehensive strategy that combines metabolomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation has the potential to reveal the antithrombotic mechanisms of Asperosaponin VI. Metabolomic evidence suggests that Asperosaponin VI may influence platelet aggregation and the production of anti-inflammatory metabolites through the regulation of pathways such as phenylalanine and arachidonic acid metabolism, thereby inhibiting thrombosis. Network pharmacology identified the pharmacological targets of Asperosaponin VI and indicated that it treats thrombi by partially regulating the signaling pathways related to inflammation and platelet aggregation. Asperosaponin VI showed strong binding affinity for F2, PTPRC, JUN, STAT3, SRC, AKT1. The antiplatelet aggregation activity of Asperosaponin VI was validated based on the metabolomic and network pharmacology results. Asperosaponin VI inhibits platelet aggregation induced by ADP, AA, and collagen. Therefore, Asperosaponin VI exerts antithrombotic effects through antiplatelet aggregation. Therefore, Asperosaponin VI is a promising antithrombotic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Huang
- Shenzhen Pingle Orthopedic Hospital (Shenzhen Pingshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Shenzhen 518001, China
| | - Xuewen Liang
- Shenzhen Pingle Orthopedic Hospital (Shenzhen Pingshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Shenzhen 518001, China
| | - Minrui Zhao
- Shenzhen Pingle Orthopedic Hospital (Shenzhen Pingshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Shenzhen 518001, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Shenzhen Pingle Orthopedic Hospital (Shenzhen Pingshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Shenzhen 518001, China.
| | - Ziyang Chen
- Huizhou first Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Huizhou 516000, China.
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8
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Yu G, Liu P, Huang X, Qi M, Li X, Feng W, Shang E, Zhou Y, Wang C, Yang Y, Zhu C, Wang F, Tang Z, Duan J. 20-HETE mediated TRPV1 activation drives allokinesis via MrgprA3 + neurons in chronic dermatitis. Theranostics 2024; 14:1615-1630. [PMID: 38389848 PMCID: PMC10879873 DOI: 10.7150/thno.85214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Noxious stimuli are often perceived as itchy in patients with chronic dermatitis (CD); however, itch and pain mechanisms of CD are not known. Methods: TRPV1 involvement in CD was analyzed using a SADBE induced CD-like mouse model, and several loss- and gain-of-function mouse models. Trigeminal TRPV1 channel and MrgprA3+ neuron functions were analyzed by calcium imaging and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Lesional CD-like skin from mice were analyzed by unbiased metabolomic analysis. 20-HETE availability in human and mouse skin were determined by LC/MS and ELISA. And finally, HET0016, a selective 20-HETE synthase inhibitor, was used to evaluate if blocking skin TRPV1 activation alleviates CD-associated chronic itch or pain. Results: While normally a pain inducing chemical, capsaicin induced both itch and pain in mice with CD condition. DREADD silencing of MrgprA3+ primary sensory neurons in these mice selectively decreased capsaicin induced scratching, but not pain-related wiping behavior. In the mice with CD condition, MrgprA3+ neurons showed elevated ERK phosphorylation. Further experiments showed that MrgprA3+ neurons from MrgprA3;Braf mice, which have constitutively active BRAF in MrgprA3+ neurons, were significantly more excitable and responded more strongly to capsaicin. Importantly, capsaicin induced both itch and pain in MrgprA3;Braf mice in an MrgprA3+ neuron dependent manner. Finally, the arachidonic acid metabolite 20-HETE, which can activate TRPV1, was significantly elevated in the lesional skin of mice and patients with CD. Treatment with the selective 20-HETE synthase inhibitor HET0016 alleviated itch in mice with CD condition. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that 20-HETE activates TRPV1 channels on sensitized MrgprA3+ neurons, and induces allokinesis in lesional CD skin. Blockade of 20-HETE synthesis or silencing of TRPV1-MrgprA3+ neuron signaling offers promising therapeutic strategies for alleviating CD-associated chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Pei Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaobao Huang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingxin Qi
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Li
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weimeng Feng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Erxin Shang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Changming Wang
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chan Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zongxiang Tang
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinao Duan
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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9
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Chen S, Chen J, Tang D, Yin W, Xu S, Gao P, Jiao Y, Yu W. Mechanical and chemical itch regulated by neuropeptide Y-Y 1 signaling. Mol Pain 2024; 20:17448069241242982. [PMID: 38485252 PMCID: PMC10981256 DOI: 10.1177/17448069241242982] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Itch is a somatosensory sensation to remove potential harmful stimulation with a scratching desire, which could be divided into mechanical and chemical itch according to diverse stimuli, such as wool fiber and insect biting. It has been reported that neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons, a population of spinal inhibitory interneurons, could gate the transmission of mechanical itch, with no effect on chemical itch. In our study, we verified that chemogenetic activation of NPY neurons could inhibit the mechanical itch as well as the chemical itch, which also attenuated the alloknesis phenomenon in the chronic dry skin model. Afterwards, intrathecal administration of NPY1R agonist, [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY (LP-NPY), showed the similar inhibition effect on mechanical itch, chemical itch and alloknesis as chemo-activation of NPY neurons. Whereas, intrathecal administration of NPY1R antagonist BIBO 3304 enhanced mechanical itch and reversed the alloknesis phenomenon inhibited by LP-NPY treatment. Moreover, selectively knocking down NPY1R by intrathecal injection of Npy1r siRNA enhanced mechanical and chemical itch behavior as well. These results indicate that NPY neurons in spinal cord regulate mechanical and chemical itch, and alloknesis in dry skin model through NPY1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhui Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Saihong Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Po Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingfu Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Weifeng Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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10
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Takanami K, Kuroiwa M, Ishikawa R, Imai Y, Oishi A, Hashino M, Shimoda Y, Sakamoto H, Koide T. Function of gastrin-releasing peptide receptors in ocular itch transmission in the mouse trigeminal sensory system. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1280024. [PMID: 38098939 PMCID: PMC10719851 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1280024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in itchy eyes has increased constantly worldwide owing to environmental pollution. Currently, anti-allergic and antihistaminic eye drops are used; however, there are many unknown aspects about the neural circuits that transmit itchy eyes. We focused on the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and GRP receptor (GRPR), which are reportedly involved in itch transmission in the spinal somatosensory system, to determine whether the GRP system is involved in itch neurotransmission of the eyes in the trigeminal sensory system. First, the instillation of itch mediators, such as histamine (His) and non-histaminergic itch mediator chloroquine (CQ), exhibited concentration-dependent high levels of eye scratching behavior, with a significant sex differences observed in the case of His. Histological analysis revealed that His and CQ significantly increased the neural activity of GRPR-expressing neurons in the caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus of the medulla oblongata in GRPR transgenic mice. We administered a GRPR antagonist or bombesin-saporin to ablate GRPR-expressing neurons, followed by His or CQ instillation, and observed a decrease in CQ-induced eye-scratching behavior in the toxin experiments. Intracisternal administration of neuromedin C (NMC), a GRPR agonist, resulted in dose-dependent excessive facial scratching behavior, despite the absence of an itch stimulus on the face. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that non-histaminergic itchy eyes were transmitted centrally via GRPR-expressing neurons in the trigeminal sensory system, and that NMC in the medulla oblongata evoked facial itching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Takanami
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Mishima, Japan
- Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima, Japan
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Sciences, Nara Women’s University, Nara, Japan
| | - Masaya Kuroiwa
- Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Japan
| | - Ren Ishikawa
- Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Japan
| | - Yuji Imai
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Mishima, Japan
- Technical Section, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Akane Oishi
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Mishima, Japan
- Technical Section, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Midori Hashino
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Sciences, Nara Women’s University, Nara, Japan
| | - Yasushi Shimoda
- Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science, and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Koide
- Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics (NIG), Mishima, Japan
- Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima, Japan
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11
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Takanami K, Morishita M, Sakamoto T, Sakamoto H. Chronic corticosterone exposure evokes itch hypersensitivity and sexual dysfunction in male rats: relationship between the two distinct gastrin-releasing peptide systems in the spinal cord. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 339:114289. [PMID: 37094615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
In today's society, people are subjected to many social stressors, and excessive chronic stress causes functional disruption of the neuroendocrine system and many diseases. Although the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis with symptoms of itching and erectile dysfunction is induced by chronic stress, the details of the mechanisms are unknown. Here, we examined the effects of chronic stress on itch sensation and male sexual function at the behavioral and molecular levels, focusing on two distinct gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) systems that independently regulate itch transmission, i.e., the somatosensory GRP system, and male sexual function, i.e., the lumbosacral autonomic GRP system, in the spinal cord. In a rat model of chronic stress induced by chronic corticosterone (CORT) administration, we observed increased plasma CORT concentrations, decreased body weight, and increased anxiety-like behavior, similar to that observed in humans. Chronic CORT exposure induced hypersensitivity to itch and increased the Grp mRNA level in the spinal somatosensory system, but there was no change in pain or tactile sensitivity. Antagonists of the somatosensory GRP receptor, an itch-specific mediator, suppressed itch hypersensitivity induced by chronic CORT exposure. In contrast, chronic CORT exposure decreased male sexual behavior, ejaculated semen volume, vesicular gland weight, and plasma testosterone levels. However, there were no effects on the expression of Grp mRNA or protein in the lumbosacral autonomic GRP system, which regulates male sexual function. In summary, chronic stress model rats showed itch hypersensitivity and impaired sexual function in males, and the involvement of the spinal GRP systems was apparent in itch hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Takanami
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan; Mouse Genomics Resources Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan; Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Sciences, Nara Women's University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan.
| | - Makoto Morishita
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
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12
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Chen O, He Q, Han Q, Furutani K, Gu Y, Olexa M, Ji RR. Mechanisms and treatments of neuropathic itch in a mouse model of lymphoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:160807. [PMID: 36520531 PMCID: PMC9927942 DOI: 10.1172/jci160807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of neuropathic itch is limited due to a lack of relevant animal models. Patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) experience severe itching. Here, we characterize a mouse model of chronic itch with remarkable lymphoma growth, immune cell accumulation, and persistent pruritus. Intradermal CTCL inoculation produced time-dependent changes in nerve innervations in lymphoma-bearing skin. In the early phase (20 days), CTCL caused hyperinnervations in the epidermis. However, chronic itch was associated with loss of epidermal nerve fibers in the late phases (40 and 60 days). CTCL was also characterized by marked nerve innervations in mouse lymphoma. Blockade of C-fibers reduced pruritus at early and late phases, whereas blockade of A-fibers only suppressed late-phase itch. Intrathecal (i.t.) gabapentin injection reduced late-phase, but not early-phase, pruritus. IL-31 was upregulated in mouse lymphoma, whereas its receptor Il31ra was persistently upregulated in Trpv1-expressing sensory neurons in mice with CTCL. Intratumoral anti-IL-31 treatment effectively suppressed CTCL-induced scratching and alloknesis (mechanical itch). Finally, i.t. administration of a TLR4 antagonist attenuated pruritus in early and late phases and in both sexes. Collectively, we have established a mouse model of neuropathic and cancer itch with relevance to human disease. Our findings also suggest distinct mechanisms underlying acute, chronic, and neuropathic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouyang Chen
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology,,Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - Qianru He
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
| | - Qingjian Han
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
| | - Kenta Furutani
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
| | - Yun Gu
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
| | - Madelynne Olexa
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology,,Department of Cell Biology, and,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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13
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Structures of human gastrin-releasing peptide receptors bound to antagonist and agonist for cancer and itch therapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2216230120. [PMID: 36724251 PMCID: PMC9963752 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216230120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), a member of the bombesin (BBN) G protein-coupled receptors, is aberrantly overexpressed in several malignant tumors, including those of the breast, prostate, pancreas, lung, and central nervous system. Additionally, it also mediates non-histaminergic itch and pathological itch conditions in mice. Thus, GRPR could be an attractive target for cancer and itch therapy. Here, we report the inactive state crystal structure of human GRPR in complex with the non-peptide antagonist PD176252, as well as two active state cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of GRPR bound to the endogenous peptide agonist gastrin-releasing peptide and the synthetic BBN analog [D-Phe6, β-Ala11, Phe13, Nle14] Bn (6-14), in complex with Gq heterotrimers. These structures revealed the molecular mechanisms for the ligand binding, receptor activation, and Gq proteins signaling of GRPR, which are expected to accelerate the structure-based design of GRPR antagonists and agonists for the treatments of cancer and pruritus.
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14
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Brazill JM, Shin D, Magee K, Majumdar A, Shen IR, Cavalli V, Scheller EL. Knockout of TSC2 in Nav1.8+ neurons predisposes to the onset of normal weight obesity. Mol Metab 2023; 68:101664. [PMID: 36586433 PMCID: PMC9841058 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity and nutrient oversupply increase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in multiple cell types and organs, contributing to the onset of insulin resistance and complications of metabolic disease. However, it remains unclear when and where mTOR activation mediates these effects, limiting options for therapeutic intervention. The objective of this study was to isolate the role of constitutive mTOR activation in Nav1.8-expressing peripheral neurons in the onset of diet-induced obesity, bone loss, and metabolic disease. METHODS In humans, loss of function mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) lead to maximal constitutive activation of mTOR. To mirror this in mice, we bred Nav1.8-Cre with TSC2fl/fl animals to conditionally delete TSC2 in Nav1.8-expressing neurons. Male and female mice were studied from 4- to 34-weeks of age and a subset of animals were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 24-weeks. Assays of metabolism, body composition, bone morphology, and behavior were performed. RESULTS By lineage tracing, Nav1.8-Cre targeted peripheral sensory neurons, a subpopulation of postganglionic sympathetics, and several regions of the brain. Conditional knockout of TSC2 in Nav1.8-expressing neurons (Nav1.8-TSC2KO) selectively upregulated neuronal mTORC1 signaling. Male, but not female, Nav1.8-TSC2KO mice had a 4-10% decrease in body size at baseline. When challenged with HFD, both male and female Nav1.8-TSC2KO mice resisted diet-induced gains in body mass. However, this did not protect against HFD-induced metabolic dysfunction and bone loss. In addition, despite not gaining weight, Nav1.8-TSC2KO mice fed HFD still developed high body fat, a unique phenotype previously referred to as 'normal weight obesity'. Nav1.8-TSC2KO mice also had signs of chronic itch, mild increases in anxiety-like behavior, and sex-specific alterations in HFD-induced fat distribution that led to enhanced visceral obesity in males and preferential deposition of subcutaneous fat in females. CONCLUSIONS Knockout of TSC2 in Nav1.8+ neurons increases itch- and anxiety-like behaviors and substantially modifies fat storage and metabolic responses to HFD. Though this prevents HFD-induced weight gain, it masks depot-specific fat expansion and persistent detrimental effects on metabolic health and peripheral organs such as bone, mimicking the 'normal weight obesity' phenotype that is of growing concern. This supports a mechanism by which increased neuronal mTOR signaling can predispose to altered adipose tissue distribution, adipose tissue expansion, impaired peripheral metabolism, and detrimental changes to skeletal health with HFD - despite resistance to weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Brazill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - David Shin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Kristann Magee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Anurag Majumdar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Ivana R Shen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Valeria Cavalli
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA; Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Erica L Scheller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA; Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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15
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Gutierrez-Mecinas M, Kókai É, Polgár E, Quillet R, Titterton HF, Weir GA, Watanabe M, Todd AJ. Antibodies Against the Gastrin-releasing Peptide Precursor Pro-Gastrin-releasing Peptide Reveal Its Expression in the Mouse Spinal Dorsal Horn. Neuroscience 2023; 510:60-71. [PMID: 36581131 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in the spinal dorsal horn acts on the GRP receptor, and this signalling mechanism has been strongly implicated in itch. However, the source of GRP in the dorsal horn is not fully understood. For example, the BAC transgenic mouse line GRP::GFP only captures around 25% of GRP-expressing cells, and Grp mRNA is found in several types of excitatory interneuron. A major limitation in attempts to identify GRP-expressing neurons has been that antibodies against GRP cross-react with other neuropeptides, including some that are expressed by primary afferents. Here we have developed two antibodies raised against different parts of the precursor protein, pro-GRP. We show that labelling is specific, and that the antibodies do not cross-react with neuropeptides in primary afferents. Immunoreactivity was strongest in the superficial laminae, and the two antibodies labelled identical structures, including glutamatergic axons and cell bodies. The pattern of pro-GRP-immunoreactivity varied among different neurochemical classes of excitatory interneuron. Cell bodies and axons of all GRP-GFP cells were labelled, confirming reliability of the antibodies. Among the other populations, we found the highest degree of co-expression (>50%) in axons of NPFF-expressing cells, while this was somewhat lower (10-20%) in cells that expressed substance P and NKB, and much lower (<10%) in other classes. Our findings show that these antibodies reliably detect GRP-expressing neurons and axons, and that in addition to the GRP-GFP cells, excitatory interneurons expressing NPFF or substance P are likely to be the main source of GRP in the spinal dorsal horn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Éva Kókai
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Erika Polgár
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Raphaëlle Quillet
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Heather F Titterton
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Greg A Weir
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Andrew J Todd
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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16
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Chen QY, Zhuo M. Glutamate acts as a key neurotransmitter for itch in the mammalian spinal cord. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231152101. [PMID: 36604775 PMCID: PMC9846298 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231152101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch sensation is one of the major sensory experiences of humans and animals. Recent studies using genetic deletion techniques have proposed that gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is a key neurotransmitter for itch in the spinal cord. However, these studies are mainly based on behavioral responses and lack direct electrophysiological evidence that GRP indeed mediates itch information between primary afferent fibers and spinal dorsal horn neurons. In this review, we reviewed recent studies using different experimental approaches and proposed that glutamate but not GRP acts as the key neurotransmitter in the primary afferents in the transmission of itch. GRP is more likely to serve as an itch-related neuromodulator. In the cerebral cortex, we propose that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a significant role in both itch and pain sensations. Only behavioral measurement of itch (scratching) is not sufficient for itch measurement, since scratching the itching area also produces pleasure. Integrative experimental approaches as well as better behavioral scoring models are needed to help to understand the neuronal mechanism of itch and aid future treatment for patients with pruritic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yu Chen
- Qingdao International Academician
Park, International Institute for Brain
Research, Qingdao, China,CAS Key Laboratory of Brain
Connectome and Manipulation, Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, The
Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of
Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen Institute of
Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen
Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Zhuo
- Qingdao International Academician
Park, International Institute for Brain
Research, Qingdao, China,Department of Physiology, Faculty
of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Min Zhuo, Institute of Brain Research,
Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao 266199, China.
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17
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Kanehisa K, Koga K, Maejima S, Shiraishi Y, Asai K, Shiratori-Hayashi M, Xiao MF, Sakamoto H, Worley PF, Tsuda M. Neuronal pentraxin 2 is required for facilitating excitatory synaptic inputs onto spinal neurons involved in pruriceptive transmission in a model of chronic itch. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2367. [PMID: 35501343 PMCID: PMC9061767 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
An excitatory neuron subset in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) that expresses gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPR) is critical for pruriceptive transmission. Here, we show that glutamatergic excitatory inputs onto GRPR+ neurons are facilitated in mouse models of chronic itch. In these models, neuronal pentraxin 2 (NPTX2), an activity-dependent immediate early gene product, is upregulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Electron microscopy reveals that NPTX2 is present at presynaptic terminals connected onto postsynaptic GRPR+ neurons. NPTX2-knockout prevents the facilitation of synaptic inputs to GRPR+ neurons, and repetitive scratching behavior. DRG-specific NPTX2 expression rescues the impaired behavioral phenotype in NPTX2-knockout mice. Moreover, ectopic expression of a dominant-negative form of NPTX2 in DRG neurons reduces chronic itch-like behavior in mice. Our findings indicate that the upregulation of NPTX2 expression in DRG neurons contributes to the facilitation of glutamatergic inputs onto GRPR+ neurons under chronic itch-like conditions, providing a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensho Kanehisa
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Keisuke Koga
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Sho Maejima
- Ushimado Marine Institute, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 130-17 Kashino, Ushimado, Setouchi, 701-4303, Japan
| | - Yuto Shiraishi
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Konatsu Asai
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Miho Shiratori-Hayashi
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mei-Fang Xiao
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 130-17 Kashino, Ushimado, Setouchi, 701-4303, Japan
| | - Paul F Worley
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Makoto Tsuda
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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18
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Steinhoff M, Ahmad F, Pandey A, Datsi A, AlHammadi A, Al-Khawaga S, Al-Malki A, Meng J, Alam M, Buddenkotte J. Neuro-immune communication regulating pruritus in atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 149:1875-1898. [PMID: 35337846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic-relapsing inflammatory skin disease with significant disease burden. Genetic and environmental trigger factors contribute to AD, activating two of our largest organs, the nervous and immune system. Dysregulation of neuro-immune circuits plays a key role in the pathophysiology of AD causing inflammation, pruritus, pain, and barrier dysfunction. Sensory nerves can be activated by environmental or endogenous trigger factors transmitting itch stimuli to the brain. Upon stimulation, sensory nerve endings also release neuromediators into the skin contributing again to inflammation, barrier dysfunction and itch. Additionally, dysfunctional peripheral and central neuronal structures contribute to neuroinflammation, sensitization, nerve elongation, neuropathic itch, thus chronification and therapy-resistance. Consequently, neuro-immune circuits in skin and central nervous system may be targets to treat pruritus in AD. Cytokines, chemokines, proteases, lipids, opioids, ions excite/sensitize sensory nerve endings not only induce itch but further aggravate/perpetuate inflammation, skin barrier disruption, and pruritus. Thus, targeted therapies for neuro-immune circuits as well as pathway inhibitors (e.g., kinase inhibitors) may be beneficial to control pruritus in AD either in systemic and/or topical form. Understanding neuro-immune circuits and neuronal signaling will optimize our approach to control all pathological mechanisms in AD, inflammation, barrier dysfunction and pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Steinhoff
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar; Qatar University, College of Medicine, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA.
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Atul Pandey
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Angeliki Datsi
- Institute for Transplantational Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ayda AlHammadi
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Al-Khawaga
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aysha Al-Malki
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jianghui Meng
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Majid Alam
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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19
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Szöllősi AG, Oláh A, Lisztes E, Griger Z, Tóth BI. Pruritus: A Sensory Symptom Generated in Cutaneous Immuno-Neuronal Crosstalk. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:745658. [PMID: 35321329 PMCID: PMC8937025 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.745658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pruritus or itch generated in the skin is one of the most widespread symptoms associated with various dermatological and systemic (immunological) conditions. Although many details about the molecular mechanisms of the development of both acute and chronic itch were uncovered in the last 2 decades, our understanding is still incomplete and the clinical management of pruritic conditions is one of the biggest challenges in daily dermatological practice. Recent research revealed molecular interactions between pruriceptive sensory neurons and surrounding cutaneous cell types including keratinocytes, as well as resident and transient cells of innate and adaptive immunity. Especially in inflammatory conditions, these cutaneous cells can produce various mediators, which can contribute to the excitation of pruriceptive sensory fibers resulting in itch sensation. There also exists significant communication in the opposite direction: sensory neurons can release mediators that maintain an inflamed, pruritic tissue-environment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the sensory transduction of pruritus detailing the local intercellular interactions that generate itch. We especially emphasize the role of various pruritic mediators in the bidirectional crosstalk between cutaneous non-neuronal cells and sensory fibers. We also list various dermatoses and immunological conditions associated with itch, and discuss the potential immune-neuronal interactions promoting the development of pruritus in the particular diseases. These data may unveil putative new targets for antipruritic pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Gábor Szöllősi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Erika Lisztes
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Griger
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Balázs István Tóth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Balázs István Tóth,
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20
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Wang W, Li Q, Zhao Z, Liu Y, Wang Y, Xiong H, Mei Z. Paeonol Ameliorates Chronic Itch and Spinal Astrocytic Activation via CXCR3 in an Experimental Dry Skin Model in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:805222. [PMID: 35095512 PMCID: PMC8794748 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.805222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Paeonol is a bioactive phenol presents mainly in Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. (Paeoniaceae), Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and Dioscorea japonica Thunb. (Dioscoreaceae), harboring various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune regulatory activity and reverse chemoresistance. Recent reports revealed paeonol exhibited good effects on chronic dermatitis, such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis. However, whether paeonol is effective for dry skin disease and its mechanism of action still remain unclear. In this study, we analysed the effects of paeonol on a mouse model of dry skin treated with acetone-ether-water (AEW), which showed impressive activities in reducing scratching behavior and skin inflammation. To elucidate the underlying molecular targets for the anti-pruritic ability of paeonol, we screened the expression of possible chemokine pathways in the spinal cord. The expression of CXCR3 was significantly alleviated by paeonol, which increased greatly in the spinal neurons of AEW mice. In addition, treatment of paeonol significantly inhibited AEW-induced expression of astrocyte activity-dependent genes including Tlr4, Lcn2 and Hspb1 et al. The inhibitory effects of paeonol on scratching behavior and astrocytic activation in the spinal cord induced by AEW were abolished when CXCR3 was antagonized or genetically ablated. Taken together, our results indicated that paeonol can ameliorate AEW-induced inflammatory response and itching behavior, and reduce the expression of spinal astrocyte activity-dependent genes induced by AEW, which are driven by CXCR3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Ethnomedicine, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiaoyun Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Ethnomedicine, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongqiu Zhao
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Yutong Liu
- College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Ethnomedicine, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhinan Mei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Ethnomedicine, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
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21
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Hu Y, Fu QY, Fu DN, Wang XL, Wang ZH, Zhang JT, Xu WJ, Zhou GK, Chen LH, Liu T. The Role of Transient Receptor Potential A1 and G Protein-Coupled Receptor 39 in Zinc-Mediated Acute and Chronic Itch in Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:768731. [PMID: 35095413 PMCID: PMC8790520 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.768731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Itching is a common symptom of many skin or systemic diseases and has a negative impact on the quality of life. Zinc, one of the most important trace elements in an organism, plays an important role in the regulation of pain. Whether and how zinc regulates itching is largely unclear. Herein, we explored the role of Zn2+ in the regulation of acute and chronic itch in mice. It is found that intradermal injection (i.d.) of Zn2+ dose-dependently induced acute itch and transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) participated in Zn2+-induced acute itch in mice. Moreover, the pharmacological analysis showed the involvement of histamine, mast cells, opioid receptors, and capsaicin-sensitive C-fibers in Zn2+-induced acute itch in mice. Systemic administration of Zn2+ chelators, such as N,N,N′,N′-Tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN), pyrithione, and clioquinol were able to attenuate both acute itch and dry skin-induced chronic itch in mice. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) analysis showed that the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of zinc transporters (ZIPs and ZnTs) significantly changed in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) under dry skin-induced chronic itch condition in mice. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway was induced in the DRG and skin by the administration of zinc or under dry skin condition, which was inhibited by systemic administration of Zn2+ chelators. Finally, we found that the expression of GPR39 (a zinc-sensing GPCR) was significantly upregulated in the dry skin mice model and involved in the pathogenesis of chronic itch. Together, these results indicated that the TRPA1/GPR39/ERK axis mediated the zinc-induced itch and, thus, targeting zinc signaling may be a promising strategy for anti-itch therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qing-Yue Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dan-Ni Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xue-Long Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Capital Medical University Electric Power Teaching Hospital Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiang-Tao Zhang
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wen-Jing Xu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Guo-Kun Zhou
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Li-Hua Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Li-Hua Chen
| | - Tong Liu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- College of Life Sciences, Yanan University, Yan'an, China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine and Equipment, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Tong Liu
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22
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Meng QT, Liu XY, Liu XT, Liu J, Munanairi A, Barry DM, Liu B, Jin H, Sun Y, Yang Q, Gao F, Wan L, Peng J, Jin JH, Shen KF, Kim R, Yin J, Tao A, Chen ZF. BNP facilitates NMB-encoded histaminergic itch via NPRC-NMBR crosstalk. eLife 2021; 10:71689. [PMID: 34919054 PMCID: PMC8789279 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histamine-dependent and -independent itch is conveyed by parallel peripheral neural pathways that express gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and neuromedin B (NMB), respectively, to the spinal cord of mice. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been proposed to transmit both types of itch via its receptor NPRA encoded by Npr1. However, BNP also binds to its cognate receptor, NPRC encoded by Npr3 with equal potency. Moreover, natriuretic peptides (NP) signal through the Gi-couped inhibitory cGMP pathway that is supposed to inhibit neuronal activity, raising the question of how BNP may transmit itch information. Here, we report that Npr3 expression in laminae I-II of the dorsal horn partially overlaps with NMB receptor (NMBR) that transmits histaminergic itch via Gq-couped PLCβ-Ca2+ signaling pathway. Functional studies indicate that NPRC is required for itch evoked by histamine but not chloroquine (CQ), a nonhistaminergic pruritogen. Importantly, BNP significantly facilitates scratching behaviors mediated by NMB, but not GRP. Consistently, BNP evoked Ca2+ responses in NMBR/NPRC HEK 293 cells and NMBR/NPRC dorsal horn neurons. These results reveal a previously unknown mechanism by which BNP facilitates NMB-encoded itch through a novel NPRC-NMBR cross-signaling in mice. Our studies uncover distinct modes of action for neuropeptides in transmission and modulation of itch in mice. An itch is a common sensation that makes us want to scratch. Most short-term itches are caused by histamine, a chemical that is released by immune cells following an infection or in response to an allergic reaction. Chronic itching, on the other hand, is not usually triggered by histamine, and is typically the result of neurological or skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis. The sensation of itching is generated by signals that travel from the skin to nerve cells in the spinal cord. Studies in mice have shown that the neuropeptides responsible for delivering these signals differ depending on whether or not the itch involves histamine: GRPs (short for gastrin-releasing proteins) convey histamine-independent itches, while NMBs (short for neuromedin B) convey histamine-dependent itches. It has been proposed that another neuropeptide called BNP (short for B-type natriuretic peptide) is able to transmit both types of itch signals to the spinal cord. But it remains unclear how this signaling molecule is able to do this. To investigate, Meng, Liu, Liu, Liu et al. carried out a combination of behavioral, molecular and pharmacological experiments in mice and nerve cells cultured in a laboratory. The experiments showed that BNP alone cannot transmit the sensation of itching, but it can boost itching signals that are triggered by histamine. It is widely believed that BNP activates a receptor protein called NPRA. However, Meng et al. found that the BNP actually binds to another protein which alters the function of the receptor activated by NMBs. These findings suggest that BNP modulates rather than initiates histamine-dependent itching by enhancing the interaction between NMBs and their receptor. Understanding how itch signals travel from the skin to neurons in the spinal cord is crucial for designing new treatments for chronic itching. The work by Meng et al. suggests that treatments targeting NPRA, which was thought to be a key itch receptor, may not be effective against chronic itching, and that other drug targets need to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Tao Meng
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Xian-Yu Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Xue-Ting Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Juan Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Admire Munanairi
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Devin M Barry
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Benlong Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Hua Jin
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Yu Sun
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Qianyi Yang
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Fang Gao
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Li Wan
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Jiahang Peng
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Jin-Hua Jin
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Kai-Feng Shen
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Ray Kim
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Jun Yin
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
| | - Ailin Tao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou-Feng Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
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23
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Melzer S, Newmark ER, Mizuno GO, Hyun M, Philson AC, Quiroli E, Righetti B, Gregory MR, Huang KW, Levasseur J, Tian L, Sabatini BL. Bombesin-like peptide recruits disinhibitory cortical circuits and enhances fear memories. Cell 2021; 184:5622-5634.e25. [PMID: 34610277 PMCID: PMC8556345 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Disinhibitory neurons throughout the mammalian cortex are powerful enhancers of circuit excitability and plasticity. The differential expression of neuropeptide receptors in disinhibitory, inhibitory, and excitatory neurons suggests that each circuit motif may be controlled by distinct neuropeptidergic systems. Here, we reveal that a bombesin-like neuropeptide, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), recruits disinhibitory cortical microcircuits through selective targeting and activation of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing cells. Using a genetically encoded GRP sensor, optogenetic anterograde stimulation, and trans-synaptic tracing, we reveal that GRP regulates VIP cells most likely via extrasynaptic diffusion from several local and long-range sources. In vivo photometry and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of the GRP receptor (GRPR) in auditory cortex indicate that VIP cells are strongly recruited by novel sounds and aversive shocks, and GRP-GRPR signaling enhances auditory fear memories. Our data establish peptidergic recruitment of selective disinhibitory cortical microcircuits as a mechanism to regulate fear memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Melzer
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elena R Newmark
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Grace Or Mizuno
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Minsuk Hyun
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Adrienne C Philson
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eleonora Quiroli
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Beatrice Righetti
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Malika R Gregory
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kee Wui Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - James Levasseur
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Bernardo L Sabatini
- Department of Neurobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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24
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Abstract
Itch is one of the most primal sensations, being both ubiquitous and important for the well-being of animals. For more than a century, a desire to understand how itch is encoded by the nervous system has prompted the advancement of many theories. Within the past 15 years, our understanding of the molecular and neural mechanisms of itch has undergone a major transformation, and this remarkable progress continues today without any sign of abating. Here I describe accumulating evidence that indicates that itch is distinguished from pain through the actions of itch-specific neuropeptides that relay itch information to the spinal cord. According to this model, classical neurotransmitters transmit, inhibit and modulate itch information in a context-, space- and time-dependent manner but do not encode itch specificity. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is proposed to be a key itch-specific neuropeptide, with spinal neurons expressing GRP receptor (GRPR) functioning as a key part of a convergent circuit for the conveyance of peripheral itch information to the brain.
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25
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Kiguchi N, Fukazawa Y, Saika A, Uta D, Saika F, Nakamura TY, Ko M, Kishioka S. Chemogenetic activation of central gastrin-releasing peptide-expressing neurons elicits itch-related scratching behavior in male and female mice. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00790. [PMID: 34000759 PMCID: PMC8128314 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence have clarified that the key transmission pathways of itching sensation travel from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS). Despite the functional significance of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its cognate receptor in the itch processing mechanism in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), the roles of GRP-expressing (GRP+ ) neurons in different regions remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether GRP+ neurons in the CNS directly modulated itch processing. To specifically activate spinal and supraspinal GRP neurons by the designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) system, CAG-LSL-Gq-DREADD mice were crossed with GRP-Cre mice, resulting in the development of GRP-hM3Dq mice. Immunohistochemistry showed that hM3Dq was highly expressed in the SDH and brainstem closely related to sensory processing. The intraperitoneal, intrathecal, or intracerebroventricular administration of clozapine-N-oxide, an agonist of hM3Dq, strongly elicited dermatome-dependent itch-related scratching behavior, but did not change pain sensitivity. Importantly, GRP-Gq-DREADD-mediated scratching behavior in GRP-hM3Dq mice was not affected by the ablation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1+ sensory C-fibers, and it was also observed to a similar degree under chronic itch conditions. Furthermore, there were no significant sex differences in the scratching behavior elicited by GRP-Gq-DREADD, suggesting that itch-dominant roles of central GRP+ neurons might be common in both sexes, at least under normal physiological conditions. These novel findings not only contribute to understanding the functional roles of central GRP+ neurons further, but also propose the development of future effective therapeutics for intractable itching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of PharmacologyWakayama Medical UniversityWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
- Department of Physiological SciencesSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesWakayama Medical UniversityWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
| | - Yohji Fukazawa
- Department of AnatomyKansai University of Health SciencesSennan‐gunOsakaJapan
| | - Ayano Saika
- Department of PharmacologyWakayama Medical UniversityWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
| | - Daisuke Uta
- Department of Applied PharmacologyFaculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of ToyamaToyama CityToyamaJapan
| | - Fumihiro Saika
- Department of PharmacologyWakayama Medical UniversityWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
| | - Tomoe Y. Nakamura
- Department of PharmacologyWakayama Medical UniversityWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
| | - Mei‐Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyWake Forest University School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNCUSA
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Faculty of Wakayama Health Care SciencesTakarazuka University of Medical and Health CareWakayama CityWakayamaJapan
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26
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Li Y, Zhang W, Sun T, Liu B, Manyande A, Xu W, Xiang HB. The Role of Gut Microbiota in Chronic Itch-Evoked Novel Object Recognition-Related Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:616489. [PMID: 33614682 PMCID: PMC7892771 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.616489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of patients with chronic itch highlights the importance of fundamental research. Recent advances in the interface of gut microbiota have shed new light into exploring this phenomenon. However, it is unknown whether gut microbiota plays a role in chronic itch in rodents with or without cognitive dysfunction. In this study, the role of gut microbiota in diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP)-evoked chronic itch was investigated in mice and hierarchical cluster analysis of novel object recognition test (ORT) results were used to classify DCP-evoked itch model in mice with or without cognitive dysfunction (CD)-like phenotype and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing was used to compare gut bacterial composition between CD (Susceptible) and Non-CD phenotypes (Unsusceptible) in chronic itch mice. Results showed that the microbiota composition was significantly altered by DCP-evoked chronic itch and chronic itch induced novel object recognition-related CD. However, abnormal gut microbiota composition induced by chronic itch may not be correlated with novel object recognition-related CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wencui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tainning Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Baowen Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Anne Manyande
- School of Human and Social Sciences, University of West London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Weiguo Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Bing Xiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Koga K, Shiraishi Y, Yamagata R, Tozaki-Saitoh H, Shiratori-Hayashi M, Tsuda M. Intrinsic braking role of descending locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons in acute and chronic itch in mice. Mol Brain 2020; 13:144. [PMID: 33109226 PMCID: PMC7590446 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00688-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Itch is defined as an unpleasant sensation that provokes a desire to scratch. Our understanding of neuronal circuits for itch information transmission and processing in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) has progressively advanced following the identification of SDH neuron subsets that are crucial for scratching behavior in models of itch. However, little is known about the control of acute and chronic itch by descending signals from the brain to the SDH. In this study, using genetic approaches that enable cell-type and circuit-specific functional manipulation, we reveal an intrinsic potential of locus coeruleus (LC)-noradrenergic (NAergic) neurons that project to the SDH to control acute and chronic itch. Activation and silencing of SDH-projecting LC-NAergic neurons reduced and enhanced scratching behavior, respectively, in models of histamine-dependent and -independent acute itch. Furthermore, in a model of chronic itch associated with contact dermatitis, repetitive scratching behavior was suppressed by the activation of the descending LC-NAergic pathway and by knocking out NA transporters specific to descending LC-NAergic neurons using a CRISPR-Cas9 system. Moreover, patch-clamp recording using spinal slices showed that noradrenaline facilitated inhibitory synaptic inputs onto gastrin-releasing peptide receptor-expressing SDH neurons, a neuronal subset known to be essential for itch transmission. Our findings suggest that descending LC-NAergic signaling intrinsically controls acute and chronic itch and provide potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of acute and chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Koga
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Yuto Shiraishi
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamagata
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Tozaki-Saitoh
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Miho Shiratori-Hayashi
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Makoto Tsuda
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan. .,Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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GRPR/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase and NPRA/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signaling Pathways Play a Critical Role in Spinal Transmission of Chronic Itch. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:863-873. [PMID: 33039402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intractable or recurrent chronic itch greatly reduces the patients' QOL and impairs their daily activities. In this study, we investigated whether there are certain key signaling molecules downstream of the recently identified peptides mediating itch in the spinal cord. RNA sequencing analysis of mouse spinal cord in chronic itch models induced by squaric acid dibutylester and imiquimod showed that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 cascade is the most significantly upregulated gene cluster in both models. In four different mouse models of chronic itch, sustained ERK phosphorylation was detected mainly in spinal neurons, and MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitors significantly inhibited chronic itch in these models. Phosphorylated ERK was observed in the interneurons expressing the receptors of different neuropeptides for itch, including gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor A, neuromedin B receptor, and sst2A. Blocking gastrin-releasing peptide receptor and natriuretic peptide receptor A by genetic approaches or toxins in mice significantly attenuated or ablated spinal phosphorylated ERK. When human embryonic kidney 293T cells transfected with these receptors were exposed to their respective agonists, ERK was the most significantly activated intracellular signaling molecule. Together, our work showed that phosphorylated ERK is a unique marker for itch signal transmission in the spinal cord and an attractive target for the treatment of chronic itch.
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29
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A spinal neural circuitry for converting touch to itch sensation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5074. [PMID: 33033265 PMCID: PMC7545208 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18895-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Touch and itch sensations are crucial for evoking defensive and emotional responses, and light tactile touch may induce unpleasant itch sensations (mechanical itch or alloknesis). The neural substrate for touch-to-itch conversion in the spinal cord remains elusive. We report that spinal interneurons expressing Tachykinin 2-Cre (Tac2Cre) receive direct Aβ low threshold mechanoreceptor (LTMR) input and form monosynaptic connections with GRPR neurons. Ablation or inhibition markedly reduces mechanical but not acute chemical itch nor noxious touch information. Chemogenetic inhibition of Tac2Cre neurons also displays pronounced deficit in chronic dry skin itch, a type of chemical itch in mice. Consistently, ablation of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) neurons, which are essential for transmitting chemical itch, also abolishes mechanical itch. Together, these results suggest that innocuous touch and chemical itch information converge on GRPR neurons and thus map an exquisite spinal circuitry hard-wired for converting innocuous touch to irritating itch.
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30
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Liu X, Wang D, Wen Y, Zeng L, Li Y, Tao T, Zhao Z, Tao A. Spinal GRPR and NPRA Contribute to Chronic Itch in a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:1856-1866.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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31
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Oxymatrine ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis pruritus and inflammation through inhibiting heat shock protein 90 and heat shock protein 60 expression in keratinocytes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 405:115209. [PMID: 32835761 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we aimed to investigate whether oxymatrine exerts its anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory efficacy in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice and the related mechanism. We established the psoriasis model by applying the imiquimod ointment topically and oxymatrine was injected intraperitoneally as the treatment. The behavior and skin morphology results indicated that oxymatrine inhibits imiquimod-induced pruritus alleviating keratinization of skin and inflammatory infiltration. Moreover, we examined the expression of various indicators and found heat shock protein (HSP) 90 and 60 upregulated in model group, which were reversed in oxymatrine treated groups. Molecular docking and the studies in vivo confirmed that HSP90 and HSP60 participate in the inhibitory effect of oxymatrine on the phenotypes of psoriasis mice. Mechanically, immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that oxymatrine-induced downregulation of HSP90 and HSP60 was mainly in keratinocytes. In vitro results showed that oxymatrine decreases the expression of HSP90 and HSP60 upregulated by TNF-α and IFN-γ in HaCaTs cells and the siRNA mediated HSP90 and HSP60 silencing reverses inflammation inhibited by oxymatrine. Taken together, these results indicate that oxymatrine relieves psoriasis pruritic and inflammation by inhibiting the expression of HSP90 and HSP60 in keratinocytes through MAPK signaling pathway.
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32
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Cevikbas F, Lerner EA. Physiology and Pathophysiology of Itch. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:945-982. [PMID: 31869278 PMCID: PMC7474262 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00017.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is a topic to which everyone can relate. The physiological roles of itch are increasingly understood and appreciated. The pathophysiological consequences of itch impact quality of life as much as pain. These dynamics have led to increasingly deep dives into the mechanisms that underlie and contribute to the sensation of itch. When the prior review on the physiology of itching was published in this journal in 1941, itch was a black box of interest to a small number of neuroscientists and dermatologists. Itch is now appreciated as a complex and colorful Rubik's cube. Acute and chronic itch are being carefully scratched apart and reassembled by puzzle solvers across the biomedical spectrum. New mediators are being identified. Mechanisms blur boundaries of the circuitry that blend neuroscience and immunology. Measures involve psychophysics and behavioral psychology. The efforts associated with these approaches are positively impacting the care of itchy patients. There is now the potential to markedly alleviate chronic itch, a condition that does not end life, but often ruins it. We review the itch field and provide a current understanding of the pathophysiology of itch. Itch is a disease, not only a symptom of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Cevikbas
- Dermira, Inc., Menlo Park, California; and Harvard Medical School and the Cutaneous Biology Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Ethan A Lerner
- Dermira, Inc., Menlo Park, California; and Harvard Medical School and the Cutaneous Biology Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
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33
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Abstract
Itch, in particular chronic forms, has been widely recognized as an important clinical problem, but much less is known about the mechanisms of itch in comparison with other sensory modalities such as pain. Recently, considerable progress has been made in dissecting the circuit mechanisms of itch at both the spinal and supraspinal levels. Major components of the spinal neural circuit underlying both chemical and mechanical itch have now been identified, along with the circuits relaying ascending transmission and the descending modulation of itch. In this review, we summarize the progress in elucidating the neural circuit mechanism of itch at spinal and supraspinal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yu-quan Road, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Gang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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34
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Barry DM, Liu XT, Liu B, Liu XY, Gao F, Zeng X, Liu J, Yang Q, Wilhelm S, Yin J, Tao A, Chen ZF. Exploration of sensory and spinal neurons expressing gastrin-releasing peptide in itch and pain related behaviors. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1397. [PMID: 32170060 PMCID: PMC7070094 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15230-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) functions as a neurotransmitter for non-histaminergic itch, but its site of action (sensory neurons vs spinal cord) remains controversial. To determine the role of GRP in sensory neurons, we generated a floxed Grp mouse line. We found that conditional knockout of Grp in sensory neurons results in attenuated non-histaminergic itch, without impairing histamine-induced itch. Using a Grp-Cre knock-in mouse line, we show that the upper epidermis of the skin is exclusively innervated by GRP fibers, whose activation via optogeneics and chemogenetics in the skin evokes itch- but not pain-related scratching or wiping behaviors. In contrast, intersectional genetic ablation of spinal Grp neurons does not affect itch nor pain transmission, demonstrating that spinal Grp neurons are dispensable for itch transmission. These data indicate that GRP is a neuropeptide in sensory neurons for non-histaminergic itch, and GRP sensory neurons are dedicated to itch transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin M Barry
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Xue-Ting Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Center for Immunology, Inflammation, Immune-mediated disease, Guangzhou Medical University, 510260, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Benlong Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Xian-Yu Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Fang Gao
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Xiansi Zeng
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- College of Life Sciences, Xinyang Normal University, 237 Nanhu Road, 464000, Xinyang, P. R. China
| | - Juan Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Qianyi Yang
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Steven Wilhelm
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jun Yin
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ailin Tao
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Center for Immunology, Inflammation, Immune-mediated disease, Guangzhou Medical University, 510260, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Zhou-Feng Chen
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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35
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Kiguchi N, Uta D, Ding H, Uchida H, Saika F, Matsuzaki S, Fukazawa Y, Abe M, Sakimura K, Ko MC, Kishioka S. GRP receptor and AMPA receptor cooperatively regulate itch-responsive neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Neuropharmacology 2020; 170:108025. [PMID: 32142790 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptor-expressing (GRPR)+ neurons have a central role in the spinal transmission of itch. Because their fundamental regulatory mechanisms are not yet understood, it is important to determine how such neurons are excited and integrate itch sensation. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms for the activation of itch-responsive GRPR+ neurons in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH). GRPR+ neurons expressed the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) containing the GluR2 subunit. In mice, peripherally elicited histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch was prevented by intrathecal (i.t.) administration of the AMPAR antagonist NBQX, which was consistent with the fact that firing of GRPR+ neurons in SDH under histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch was completely blocked by NBQX, but not by the GRPR antagonist RC-3095. Because GRP+ neurons in SDH contain glutamate, we investigated the role of GRP+ (GRP+/Glu+) neurons in regulating itch. Chemogenetic inhibition of GRP+ neurons suppressed both histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch without affecting the mechanical pain threshold. In nonhuman primates, i.t. administration of NBQX also attenuated peripherally elicited itch without affecting the thermal pain threshold. In a mouse model of diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP)-induced contact dermatitis, GRP, GRPR, and AMPAR subunits were upregulated in SDH. DCP-induced itch was prevented by either silencing GRP+ neurons or ablation of GRPR+ neurons. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that GRP and glutamate cooperatively regulate GRPR+ AMPAR+ neurons in SDH, mediating itch sensation. GRP-GRPR and the glutamate-AMPAR system may play pivotal roles in the spinal transmission of itch in rodents and nonhuman primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Uta
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama City, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Hitoshi Uchida
- Department of Cellular Neuropathology, Brain Research Institute Niigata University, Niigata City, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Saika
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Matsuzaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan
| | - Yohji Fukazawa
- Department of Anatomy, Kansai University of Health Sciences, Sennan-gun, Osaka, 590-0482, Japan
| | - Manabu Abe
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata City, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata City, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA; W.G. Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salisbury, NC, 28144, USA
| | - Shiroh Kishioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan
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36
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Li NQ, Tang Y, Huang ST, Liu XT, Zeng LP, Li H, Wan L. Modulation of NR1 receptor by CaMKIIα plays an important role in chronic itch development in mice. Brain Res Bull 2020; 158:66-76. [PMID: 32112850 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Intractable scratching is the characteristic of chronic itch, which represents a great challenge in clinical practice. However, the mechanism underlying chronic itch development is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of NMDA receptor in acute itch and in development of chronic itch. A mouse model was developed by painting DNFB to induce allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). We found that the expression of pNR1, which is a subunit of NMDA receptor, was significantly increased in the dorsal root ganglion in the DNFB model. The DNFB-evoked spontaneous scratching was blocked by the NMDA antagonist D-AP-5, the calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) inhibitor KN-93, a CaMKIIα siRNA and the PKC inhibitor LY317615. Moreover, activation of PKC did not reverse the CaMKIIα knockdown-induced decrease in scratching, suggesting that PKC functions upstream of CaMKIIα. Thus, our study indicates that modulation of NR1 receptor by CaMKIIα plays an important role in the development of chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Qi Li
- Department of Pain Management, The State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, P.R. China
| | - Yang Tang
- Department of Pain Management, The State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, P.R. China
| | - Si-Ting Huang
- Department of Pain Management, The State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Ting Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinic Immunology, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ping Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinic Immunology, Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Li Wan
- Department of Pain Management, The State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, P.R. China.
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37
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Dalgard FJ, Svensson Å, Halvorsen JA, Gieler U, Schut C, Tomas-Aragones L, Lien L, Poot F, Jemec GB, Misery L, Szabo C, Linder D, Sampogna F, Koulil SSV, Balieva F, Szepietowski JC, Lvov A, Marron SE, Altunay IK, Finlay AY, Salek S, Kupfer J. Itch and Mental Health in Dermatological Patients across Europe: A Cross-Sectional Study in 13 Countries. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:568-573. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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38
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Zhao J, Munanairi A, Liu XY, Zhang J, Hu L, Hu M, Bu D, Liu L, Xie Z, Kim BS, Yang Y, Chen ZF. PAR2 Mediates Itch via TRPV3 Signaling in Keratinocytes. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:1524-1532. [PMID: 32004565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Animal studies have suggested that transient receptor potential ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors play important roles in itch transmission. TRPV3 gain-of-function mutations have been identified in patients with Olmsted syndrome, which is associated with severe pruritus. However, the mechanisms causing itch remain poorly understood. Here, we show that keratinocytes lacking TRPV3 impair the function of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), resulting in reduced neuronal activation and scratching behavior in response to PAR2 agonists. Moreover, we show that TRPV3 and PAR2 were upregulated in skin biopsies from patients and mice with atopic dermatitis, whereas their inhibition attenuated scratching and inflammatory responses in mouse atopic dermatitis models. These results reveal a previously unrecognized link between TRPV3 and PAR2 in keratinocytes to convey itch information and suggest that a blockade of PAR2 or TRPV3 individually or both may serve as a potential approach for antipruritic therapy in atopic dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Disease, Beijing, China; Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Admire Munanairi
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA; Current Address: Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Xian-Yu Liu
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Linghan Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Disease, Beijing, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Meiqin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology and Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardio-metabolic Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dingfang Bu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xie
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Brian S Kim
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA; Department of Dermatology(,) Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Disease, Beijing, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China; Current Address: Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
| | - Zhou-Feng Chen
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA.
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Koga K, Yamagata R, Kohno K, Yamane T, Shiratori-Hayashi M, Kohro Y, Tozaki-Saitoh H, Tsuda M. Sensitization of spinal itch transmission neurons in a mouse model of chronic itch requires an astrocytic factor. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 145:183-191.e10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Rafei-Shamsabadi DA, Klose CSN, Halim TYF, Tanriver Y, Jakob T. Context Dependent Role of Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Allergic Skin Inflammation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2591. [PMID: 31781103 PMCID: PMC6851052 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of innate lymphoid cells (ILC) has profoundly influenced the understanding of innate and adaptive immune crosstalk in health and disease. ILC and T cells share developmental and functional characteristics such as the lineage-specifying transcription factors and effector cytokines, but importantly ILC do not display rearranged antigen-specific receptors. Similar to T cells ILC are subdivided into 3 different helper-like subtypes, namely ILC1-3, and a killer-like subtype comprising natural killer (NK) cells. Increasing evidence supports the physiological relevance of ILC, e.g., in wound healing and defense against parasites, as well as their pathogenic role in allergy, inflammatory bowel diseases or psoriasis. Group 2 ILC have been attributed to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases like asthma and atopic dermatitis. Other inflammatory skin diseases such as allergic contact dermatitis are profoundly shaped by inflammatory NK cells. This article reviews the role of ILC in allergic skin diseases with a major focus on ILC2. While group 2 ILC are suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 dominated inflammation as seen in atopic dermatitis, we have shown that lack of ILC2 in type 1 dominated contact hypersensitivity results in enhanced inflammation, suggesting a regulatory role of ILC2 in this context. We provide a concept of how ILC2 may influence context dependent the mutual counterbalance between type I and type II immune responses in allergic skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Rafei-Shamsabadi
- Allergy Research Group, Department of Dermatology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph S. N. Klose
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Yakup Tanriver
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thilo Jakob
- Experimental Dermatology and Allergy Research Group, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Giessen, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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41
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Pain Inhibits GRPR Neurons via GABAergic Signaling in the Spinal Cord. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15804. [PMID: 31676846 PMCID: PMC6825123 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52316-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been known that algogens and cooling could inhibit itch sensation; however, the underlying molecular and neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the spinal neurons expressing gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) primarily comprise excitatory interneurons that receive direct and indirect inputs from C and Aδ fibers and form contacts with projection neurons expressing the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R). Importantly, we show that noxious or cooling agents inhibit the activity of GRPR neurons via GABAergic signaling. By contrast, capsaicin, which evokes a mix of itch and pain sensations, enhances both excitatory and inhibitory spontaneous synaptic transmission onto GRPR neurons. These data strengthen the role of GRPR neurons as a key circuit for itch transmission and illustrate a spinal mechanism whereby pain inhibits itch by suppressing the function of GRPR neurons.
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Liu XY, Ginosar Y, Yazdi J, Hincker A, Chen ZF. Cross-talk between Human Spinal Cord μ-opioid Receptor 1Y Isoform and Gastrin-releasing Peptide Receptor Mediates Opioid-induced Scratching Behavior. Anesthesiology 2019; 131:381-391. [PMID: 31314749 PMCID: PMC7098053 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000002776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although spinal opioids are safe and effective, pruritus is common and distressing. The authors previously demonstrated in mouse spinal cord that interactions between μ-opioid receptor isoform 1D and gastrin releasing peptide receptor mediate morphine-induced scratch. The C-terminal of 1D inhibits morphine-induced scratch without affecting analgesia. The authors hypothesize that human spinal cord also contains itch-specific μ-opioid receptor isoforms which interact with gastrin releasing peptide receptor. METHODS Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed on human spinal cord complimentary DNA from two human cadavers. Calcium responses to morphine (1 μM) were examined using calcium imaging microscopy on human cells (HEK293) coexpressing gastrin releasing peptide receptor and different human μ-opioid receptor isoforms. The authors assessed morphine-induced scratching behavior and thermal analgesia in mice following intrathecal injection of morphine (0.3 nmol) and a transactivator of transcription peptide designed from C-terminal sequences of 1Y isoform (0, 0.1, and 0.4 nmol). RESULTS The authors demonstrated 1Y expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Morphine administration evoked a calcium response (mean ± SD) (57 ± 13 nM) in cells coexpressing both gastrin releasing peptide receptor and the 1Y isomer. This was blocked by 10 μM naltrexone (0.7 ± 0.4 nM; P < 0.0001), 1 μM gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist (3 ± 2 nM; P < 0.0001), or 200 μM 1Y-peptide (2 + 2 nM; P < 0.0001). In mice, 0.4 nmol 1Y-peptide significantly attenuated morphine-induced scratching behaviors (scratching bouts, vehicle vs. 1Y-peptide) (92 ± 31 vs. 38 ± 29; P = 0.011; n = 6 to 7 mice per group), without affecting morphine antinociception in warm water tail immersion test (% of maximum possible effect) (70 ± 21 vs. 67 ± 22; P = 0.80; n = 6 mice per group). CONCLUSIONS Human μ-opioid receptor 1Y isomer is a C-terminal splicing variant of Oprm1 gene identified in human spinal cord. Cross-talk between 1Y and gastrin releasing peptide receptor is required for mediating opioid-induced pruritus. Disrupting the cross talk may have implications for therapeutic uncoupling of desired analgesic effects from side effects of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Yu Liu
- From the Center for the Study of Itch, Departments of Anesthesiology, Psychiatry and Developmental Biology (X.-Y.L., Z.-F.C.) the Division of Obstetric Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Barnes Jewish Hospital (Y.G., A.H.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri the Mother and Child Anesthesia Unit, Department of Anesthesiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel (Y.G.) SpineMore Surgical Associates, St. Louis, Missouri (J.Y.)
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43
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Dong X, Dong X. Peripheral and Central Mechanisms of Itch. Neuron 2019; 98:482-494. [PMID: 29723501 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Itch is a unique sensory experience that is encoded by genetically distinguishable neurons both in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) to elicit a characteristic behavioral response (scratching). Itch interacts with the other sensory modalities at multiple locations, from its initiation in a particular dermatome to its transmission to the brain where it is finally perceived. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular and neural mechanisms of itch by starting in the periphery, where itch is initiated, and discussing the circuits involved in itch processing in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Dong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Trier AM, Mack MR, Kim BS. The Neuroimmune Axis in Skin Sensation, Inflammation, and Immunity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2019; 202:2829-2835. [PMID: 31061146 PMCID: PMC6563610 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although connections between the immune and nervous systems have long been recognized, the precise mechanisms that underlie this relationship are just starting to be elucidated. Advances in sensory biology have unveiled novel mechanisms by which inflammatory cytokines promote itch and pain sensations to coordinate host-protective behavioral responses. Conversely, new evidence has emphasized the importance of immune cell regulation by sensory neurons. By focusing on itch biology and how it has been informed by the more established field of pain research, we highlight recent interdisciplinary studies that demonstrate how novel neuroimmune interactions underlie a diversity of sensory, inflammatory, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Trier
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Madison R Mack
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Brian S Kim
- Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110;
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110; and
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
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Du L, Hu X, Yang W, Yasheng H, Liu S, Zhang W, Zhou Y, Cui W, Zhu J, Qiao Z, Maoying Q, Chu Y, Zhou H, Wang Y, Mi W. Spinal IL-33/ST2 signaling mediates chronic itch in mice through the astrocytic JAK2-STAT3 cascade. Glia 2019; 67:1680-1693. [PMID: 31087583 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and its receptor ST2 contribute to spinal glial activation and chronic pain. A recent study showed that peripheral IL-33 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of chronic itch induced by poison ivy. However, how IL-33/ST2 signaling in the spinal cord potentially mediates chronic itch remains elusive. Here, we determined that St2-/- substantially reduced scratching behaviors in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) as well as acetone and diethylether followed by water-induced dry skin in mice. Intrathecal administration of the neutralizing anti-ST2 or anti-IL-33 antibody remarkably decreased the scratching response in DNFB-induced ACD mice. Expression of spinal IL-33 and ST2 significantly increased in ACD mice, as evidenced by increased mRNA and protein levels. Immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization demonstrated that increased expression of spinal IL-33 was predominant in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, whereas ST2 was mainly expressed in astrocytes. Further studies showed that in ACD mice, the activation of astrocytes and increased phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were markedly attenuated by St2-/- . Intrathecal injection of Janus Kinase 2 Inhibitor AG490 significantly alleviated scratching behaviors in ACD mice. rIL-33 pretreatment exacerbated gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-evoked scratching behaviors. This increased gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) expression was abolished by St2-/- . Tnf-α upregulation was suppressed by St2-/- . Our results indicate that the spinal IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway contributes to chronic itch via astrocytic JAK2-STAT3 cascade activation, promoting TNF-α release to regulate the GRP/GRPR signaling-related itch response. Thus, these findings provide a potential therapeutic option for treating chronic pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Du
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueming Hu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanikezi Yasheng
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenbin Liu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqiang Cui
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyu Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Qiao
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiliang Maoying
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxia Chu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenli Mi
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Gong X, Xiong H, Liu S, Liu Y, Yin L, Tu C, Wang H, Zhao Z, Chen W, Mei Z. Qingpeng Ointment Ameliorates Inflammatory Responses and Dysregulation of Itch-Related Molecules for Its Antipruritic Effects in Experimental Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:354. [PMID: 31024317 PMCID: PMC6465648 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of itchy skin diseases including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is complicated and the treatment of chronic itch is a worldwide problem. One traditional Tibetan medicine, Qingpeng ointment (QP), has been used in treatment of ACD in China for years. In this study we used HPLC and LC/MS analysis, combined with a BATMAN-TCM platform, for detailed HPLC fingerprint analysis and network pharmacology of QP, and investigated the anti-inflammatory and antipruritic activities of QP on ACD induced by squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) in mice. The BATMAN-TCM analysis provided information of effector molecules of the main ingredients of QP, and possible chronic dermatitis-associated molecules and cell signaling pathways by QP. In ACD mice, QP treatment suppressed the scratching behavior induced by SADBE in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited the production of Th1/2 cytokines in serum and spleen. Also, QP treatment reversed the upregulation of mRNAs levels of itch-related genes in the skin (TRPV4, TSLP, GRP, and MrgprA3) and DRGs (TRPV1, TRPA1, GRP, and MrgprA3). Furthermore, QP suppressed the phosphorylation of Erk and p38 in the skin. In all, our work indicated that QP can significantly attenuate the pathological alterations of Th1/2 cytokines and itch-related mediators, and inhibit the phosphorylation of MAPKs to treat the chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Sisi Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Yutong Liu
- College of Life Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuyue Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Wang
- College of Life Science, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongqiu Zhao
- Center for the Study of Itch, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Weiwu Chen
- Qizheng Tibetan Medicine Co., Ltd., Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhinan Mei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
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Abstract
Chronic itch is clinically correlated with the development of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Nonetheless, whether this relevance exists in rodents is unknown, and evidence demonstrating chronic itch can affect mood is lacking. The aim of this study is to characterize the affective consequences of chronic itch, and explore potential mechanisms and interventional strategy. We subjected mice to chronic itch by repetitive cutaneous treatment with acetone and diethylether followed by water (AEW) that models "dry skin." After 3 to 4 weeks AEW treatment, the mice developed behavioral phenotypes of anxiety and depression assessed by a battery of behavioral paradigms, such as light-dark box and forced swim test. These behavioral symptoms of mood disturbance were independent of cutaneous barrier disruption, but correlated well with the degree of the irritating itch sensation. Although AEW mice showed normal circadian hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, their neuroendocrine functionality was dampened, including impaired endocrine stress responsivity, altered neuroendocrine-immune interaction, and blunted corticosterone response to both dexamethasone and CRF. Parameters of HPA functionality at the level of mRNA transcripts are altered in stress-related brain regions of AEW mice, implying an overdrive of central CRF system. Remarkably, chronic treatment of AEW mice with antalarmin, a CRFR1 antagonist, ameliorated both their mood impairment and stress axis dysfunction. This is the first evidence revealing mood impairment, HPA axis dysfunction, and potential therapeutic efficacy by CRFR1 antagonist in mice with chronic itch, thus providing a preclinical model to investigate the affective consequence of chronic itch and the underlying mechanisms.
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48
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Mack MR, Kim BS. The Itch–Scratch Cycle: A Neuroimmune Perspective. Trends Immunol 2018; 39:980-991. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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49
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Salvatierra J, Diaz-Bustamante M, Meixiong J, Tierney E, Dong X, Bosmans F. A disease mutation reveals a role for NaV1.9 in acute itch. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:5434-5447. [PMID: 30395542 DOI: 10.1172/jci122481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch (pruritis) and pain represent two distinct sensory modalities; yet both have evolved to alert us to potentially harmful external stimuli. Compared with pain, our understanding of itch is still nascent. Here, we report a new clinical case of debilitating itch and altered pain perception resulting from the heterozygous de novo p.L811P gain-of-function mutation in NaV1.9, a voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channel subtype that relays sensory information from the periphery to the spine. To investigate the role of NaV1.9 in itch, we developed a mouse line in which the channel is N-terminally tagged with a fluorescent protein, thereby enabling the reliable identification and biophysical characterization of NaV1.9-expressing neurons. We also assessed NaV1.9 involvement in itch by using a newly created NaV1.9-/- and NaV1.9L799P/WT mouse model. We found that NaV1.9 is expressed in a subset of nonmyelinated, nonpeptidergic small-diameter dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). In WT DRGs, but not those of NaV1.9-/- mice, pruritogens altered action potential parameters and NaV channel gating properties. Additionally, NaV1.9-/- mice exhibited a strong reduction in acute scratching behavior in response to pruritogens, whereas NaV1.9L799P/WT mice displayed increased spontaneous scratching. Altogether, our data suggest an important contribution of NaV1.9 to itch signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xinzhong Dong
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Frank Bosmans
- Department of Physiology.,Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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50
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Abstract
Chronic, persistent itch is a devastating symptom that causes much suffering. In recent years, there has been great progress made in understanding the molecules, cells, and circuits underlying itch sensation. Once thought to be carried by pain-sensing neurons, itch is now believed to be capable of being transmitted by dedicated sensory labeled lines. Members of the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (Mrgpr) family demarcate an itch-specific labeled line in the peripheral nervous system. In the spinal cord, the expression of other proteins identifies additional populations of itch-dedicated sensory neurons. However, as evidence for labeled-line coding has mounted, studies promoting alternative itch-coding strategies have emerged, complicating our understanding of the neural basis of itch. In this review, we cover the molecules, cells, and circuits related to understanding the neural basis of itch, with a focus on the role of Mrgprs in mediating itch sensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Meixiong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; ,
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Sensory Biology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; , .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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