1
|
Qiu XT, Guo C, Ma LT, Li XN, Zhang QY, Huang FS, Zhang MM, Bai Y, Liang GB, Li YQ. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of the anterior cingulate cortex in neuropathic pain model rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1164426. [PMID: 37396788 PMCID: PMC10311218 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1164426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NP) takes a heavy toll on individual life quality, yet gaps in its molecular characterization persist and effective therapy is lacking. This study aimed to provide comprehensive knowledge by combining transcriptomic and proteomic data of molecular correlates of NP in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a cortical hub responsible for affective pain processing. Methods The NP model was established by spared nerve injury (SNI) in Sprague-Dawley rats. RNA sequencing and proteomic data from the ACC tissue isolated from sham and SNI rats 2 weeks after surgery were integrated to compare their gene and protein expression profiles. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to figure out the functions and signaling pathways of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) enriched in. Results Transcriptomic analysis identified a total of 788 DEGs (with 49 genes upregulated) after SNI surgery, while proteomic analysis found 222 DEPs (with 89 proteins upregulated). While Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses of the DEGs suggested that most of the altered genes were involved in synaptic transmission and plasticity, bioinformatics analysis of the DEPs revealed novel critical pathways associated with autophagy, mitophagy, and peroxisome. Notably, we noticed functionally important NP-related changes in the protein that occurred in the absence of corresponding changes at the level of transcription. Venn diagram analysis of the transcriptomic and proteomic data identified 10 overlapping targets, among which only three genes (XK-related protein 4, NIPA-like domain-containing 3, and homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 3) showed concordance in the directions of change and strong correlations between mRNA and protein levels. Conclusion The present study identified novel pathways in the ACC in addition to confirming previously reported mechanisms for NP etiology, and provided novel mechanistic insights for future research on NP treatment. These findings also imply that mRNA profiling alone fails to provide a complete landscape of molecular pain in the ACC. Therefore, explorations of changes at the level of protein are necessary to understand NP processes that are not transcriptionally modulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Tong Qiu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Preclinical School of Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Li-Tian Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin-Ning Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi-Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Fen-Sheng Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ming-Ming Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Preclinical School of Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Guo-Biao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Preclinical School of Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fornasiero EF, Savas JN. Determining and interpreting protein lifetimes in mammalian tissues. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:106-118. [PMID: 36163144 PMCID: PMC9868050 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The orchestration of protein production and degradation, and the regulation of protein lifetimes, play a central role in the majority of biological processes. Recent advances in proteomics have enabled the estimation of protein half-lives for thousands of proteins in vivo. What is the utility of these measurements, and how can they be leveraged to interpret the proteome changes occurring during development, aging, and disease? This opinion article summarizes leading technical approaches and highlights their strengths and weaknesses. We also disambiguate frequently used terminology, illustrate recent mechanistic insights, and provide guidance for interpreting and validating protein turnover measurements. Overall, protein lifetimes, coupled to estimates of protein levels, are essential for obtaining a deep understanding of mammalian biology and the basic processes defining life itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio F Fornasiero
- Department of Neuro-Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Jeffrey N Savas
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang X, Liu P, He X, Jiang Z, Wang Q, Gu N, Lu Y. The PKCγ neurons in anterior cingulate cortex contribute to the development of neuropathic allodynia and pain-related emotion. Mol Pain 2021; 17:17448069211061973. [PMID: 34898326 PMCID: PMC8679404 DOI: 10.1177/17448069211061973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While the PKCγ neurons in spinal dorsal horn play an indispensable part in neuropathic
allodynia, the exact effect of PKCγ neurons of brain regions in neuropathic pain remains
elusive. Mounting research studies have depicted that the anterior cingulate cortex
(ACC) is closely linked with pain perception and behavior, the present study was
designed to investigate the contribution of PKCγ neurons in ACC to neuropathic allodynia
and pain-related emotion in newly developed Prkcg-P2A-Tdtomato mice. Methods The c-fos expression in response to innocuous stimulation was used to monitor the
activity of PKCγ in CCI (chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve) induced
neuropathic pain condition. Activating or silencing ACC PKCγ neurons by chemogenetics
was applied to observe the changes of pain behavior. The excitability of ACC PKCγ
neurons in normal and CCI mice was compared by patch-clamp whole-cell recordings. Results The PKCγ-Tdtomato neurons were mainly distributed in layer III-Vof ACC. The Tdtomato
was mainly expressed in ACC pyramidal neurons demonstrated by intracellular staining.
The c-fos expression in ACC PKCγ neurons in response to innocuous stimulation was
obviously elevated in CCI mice. The patch clamp recordings showed that ACC PKCγ-Tdtomato
neurons were largely activated in CCI mice. Chemogenetic activation of ACC PKCγ neurons
in Prkcg-icre mice induced mechanical allodynia and pain-related aversive behavior,
conversely, silencing them in CCI condition significantly reversed the mechanical
allodynia and pain-related place aversive behavior. Conclusion We conclude that the PKCγ neurons in ACC are closely linked with neuropathic allodynia
and pain-related emotional behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, 12644Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, 12644Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Xiaolan He
- Department of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, 12644Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Zhenhua Jiang
- Department of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, 12644Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, 12644Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Nan Gu
- Department of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, 12644Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, 12644Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li C, Liu SY, Pi W, Zhang PX. Cortical plasticity and nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1518-1523. [PMID: 33433465 PMCID: PMC8323687 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.303008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of neuroscience, substantial advances have been achieved in peripheral nerve regeneration over the past decades. However, peripheral nerve injury remains a critical public health problem because of the subsequent impairment or absence of sensorimotor function. Uncomfortable complications of peripheral nerve injury, such as chronic pain, can also cause problems for families and society. A number of studies have demonstrated that the proper functioning of the nervous system depends not only on a complete connection from the central nervous system to the surrounding targets at an anatomical level, but also on the continuous bilateral communication between the two. After peripheral nerve injury, the interruption of afferent and efferent signals can cause complex pathophysiological changes, including neurochemical alterations, modifications in the adaptability of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and the reorganization of somatosensory and motor regions. This review discusses the close relationship between the cerebral cortex and peripheral nerves. We also focus on common therapies for peripheral nerve injury and summarize their potential mechanisms in relation to cortical plasticity. It has been suggested that cortical plasticity may be important for improving functional recovery after peripheral nerve damage. Further understanding of the potential common mechanisms between cortical reorganization and nerve injury will help to elucidate the pathophysiological processes of nerve injury, and may allow for the reduction of adverse consequences during peripheral nerve injury recovery. We also review the role that regulating reorganization mechanisms plays in functional recovery, and conclude with a suggestion to target cortical plasticity along with therapeutic interventions to promote peripheral nerve injury recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ci Li
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Song-Yang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Pi
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Pei-Xun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University; National Center for Trauma Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|