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Zamponi GW, Han C, Waxman SG. Voltage-Gated Ion Channels as Molecular Targets for Pain. Transl Neurosci 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-7654-3_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Laumet G, Garriga J, Chen SR, Zhang Y, Li DP, Smith TM, Dong Y, Jelinek J, Cesaroni M, Issa JP, Pan HL. G9a is essential for epigenetic silencing of K(+) channel genes in acute-to-chronic pain transition. Nat Neurosci 2015; 18:1746-55. [PMID: 26551542 PMCID: PMC4661086 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating clinical problem and difficult to treat. Nerve injury causes a long-lasting reduction in K+ channel expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), but little is known about the epigenetic mechanisms involved. Here we show that nerve injury increased H3K9me2 occupancy at Kcna4, Kcnd2, Kcnq2 and Kcnma1 promoters but did not affect DNA methylation levels of these genes in DRGs. Nerve injury increased activity of G9a, histone deacetylases and EZH2, but only G9a inhibition consistently restored K+ channel expression. Selective G9a knockout in DRG neurons completely blocked K+ channel silencing and chronic pain development after nerve injury. Remarkably, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that G9a inhibition not only reactivated 40 of 42 silenced K+ channel genes but also normalized 638 genes down- or up-regulated by nerve injury. Thus G9a plays a dominant role in transcriptional repression of K+ channels and in acute-to-chronic pain transition after nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffroy Laumet
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Judit Garriga
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - De-Pei Li
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Trevor M Smith
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yingchun Dong
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Institute and Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jaroslav Jelinek
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matteo Cesaroni
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Variations in potassium channel genes are associated with distinct trajectories of persistent breast pain after breast cancer surgery. Pain 2015; 156:371-380. [PMID: 25599232 DOI: 10.1097/01.j.pain.0000460319.87643.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Persistent pain after breast cancer surgery is a common clinical problem. Given the role of potassium channels in modulating neuronal excitability, coupled with recently published genetic associations with preoperative breast pain, we hypothesized that variations in potassium channel genes will be associated with persistent postsurgical breast pain. In this study, associations between 10 potassium channel genes and persistent breast pain were evaluated. Using growth mixture modeling (GMM), 4 distinct latent classes of patients, who were assessed before and monthly for 6 months after breast cancer surgery, were identified previously (ie, No Pain, Mild Pain, Moderate Pain, Severe Pain). Genotyping was done using a custom array. Using logistic regression analyses, significant differences in a number of genotype or haplotype frequencies were found between: Mild Pain vs No Pain and Severe Pain vs No Pain classes. Seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 5 genes (ie, potassium voltage-gated channel, subfamily A, member 1 [KCNA1], potassium voltage-gated channel, subfamily D, member 2 [KCND2], potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, members 3 and 6 (KCNJ3 and KCNJ6), potassium channel, subfamily K, member 9 [KCNK9]) were associated with membership in the Mild Pain class. In addition, 3 SNPs and 1 haplotype across 4 genes (ie, KCND2, KCNJ3, KCNJ6, KCNK9) were associated with membership in the Severe Pain class. These findings suggest that variations in potassium channel genes are associated with both mild and severe persistent breast pain after breast cancer surgery. Although findings from this study warrant replication, they provide intriguing preliminary information on potential therapeutic targets.
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Vascular endothelial growth factor-A165b prevents diabetic neuropathic pain and sensory neuronal degeneration. Clin Sci (Lond) 2015. [PMID: 26201024 DOI: 10.1042/cs20150124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects up to half of diabetic patients. This neuronal damage leads to sensory disturbances, including allodynia and hyperalgesia. Many growth factors have been suggested as useful treatments for prevention of neurodegeneration, including the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. VEGF-A is generated as two alternative splice variant families. The most widely studied isoform, VEGF-A165a is both pro-angiogenic and neuroprotective, but pro-nociceptive and increases vascular permeability in animal models. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats develop both hyperglycaemia and many of the resulting diabetic complications seen in patients, including peripheral neuropathy. In the present study, we show that the anti-angiogenic VEGF-A splice variant, VEGF-A165b, is also a potential therapeutic for diabetic neuropathy. Seven weeks of VEGF-A165b treatment in diabetic rats reversed enhanced pain behaviour in multiple behavioural paradigms and was neuroprotective, reducing hyperglycaemia-induced activated caspase 3 (AC3) levels in sensory neuronal subsets, epidermal sensory nerve fibre loss and aberrant sciatic nerve morphology. Furthermore, VEGF-A165b inhibited a STZ-induced increase in Evans Blue extravasation in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), saphenous nerve and plantar skin of the hind paw. Increased transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel activity is associated with the onset of diabetic neuropathy. VEGF-A165b also prevented hyperglycaemia-enhanced TRPA1 activity in an in vitro sensory neuronal cell line indicating a novel direct neuronal mechanism that could underlie the anti-nociceptive effect observed in vivo. These results demonstrate that in a model of Type I diabetes VEGF-A165b attenuates altered pain behaviour and prevents neuronal stress, possibly through an effect on TRPA1 activity.
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Cheng CF, Wang WC, Huang CY, Du PH, Yang JH, Tsaur ML. Coexpression of auxiliary subunits KChIP and DPPL in potassium channel Kv4-positive nociceptors and pain-modulating spinal interneurons. J Comp Neurol 2015; 524:846-73. [PMID: 26239200 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Subthreshold A-type K(+) currents (ISA s) have been recorded from the somata of nociceptors and spinal lamina II excitatory interneurons, which sense and modulate pain, respectively. Kv4 channels are responsible for the somatodendritic ISA s. Accumulative evidence suggests that neuronal Kv4 channels are ternary complexes including pore-forming Kv4 subunits and two types of auxiliary subunits: K(+) channel-interacting proteins (KChIPs) and dipeptidyl peptidase-like proteins (DPPLs). Previous reports have shown Kv4.3 in a subset of nonpeptidergic nociceptors and Kv4.2/Kv4.3 in certain spinal lamina II excitatory interneurons. However, whether and which KChIP and DPPL are coexpressed with Kv4 in these ISA -expressing pain-related neurons is unknown. In this study we mapped the protein distribution of KChIP1, KChIP2, KChIP3, DPP6, and DPP10 in adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord by immunohistochemistry. In the DRG, we found colocalization of KChIP1, KChIP2, and DPP10 in the somatic surface and cytoplasm of Kv4.3(+) nociceptors. KChIP3 appears in most Aβ and Aδ sensory neurons as well as a small population of peptidergic nociceptors, whereas DPP6 is absent in sensory neurons. In the spinal cord, KChIP1 is coexpressed with Kv4.3 in the cell bodies of a subset of lamina II excitatory interneurons, while KChIP1, KChIP2, and DPP6 are colocalized with Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 in their dendrites. Within the dorsal horn, besides KChIP3 in the inner lamina II and lamina III, we detected DPP10 in most projection neurons, which transmit pain signal to brain. The results suggest the existence of Kv4/KChIP/DPPL ternary complexes in ISA -expressing nociceptors and pain-modulating spinal interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chau-Fu Cheng
- Institute of Neuroscience, Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chen Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hau Du
- Institute of Neuroscience, Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Hui Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meei-Ling Tsaur
- Institute of Neuroscience, Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chen Y, Tsaur M, Wang S, Wang T, Hung Y, Lin C, Chang Y, Wang Y, Shiue S, Cheng J. Chronic intrathecal infusion of mibefradil, ethosuximide and nickel attenuates nerve ligation-induced pain in rats. Br J Anaesth 2015; 115:105-111. [DOI: 10.1093/bja/aev198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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Gandhi RA, Selvarajah D. Understanding and treating painful diabetic neuropathy: time for a paradigm shift. Diabet Med 2015; 32:771-7. [PMID: 25818649 DOI: 10.1111/dme.12755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy (DN) continues to be unclear and as a result, progress in developing effective therapies has been disappointing. In particular, there is only limited understanding of why some patients suffer severe chronic pain, whilst others have painless symptoms. Assessment of the peripheral nerves frequently shows no differences between painful and painless DN. There is growing evidence that the nerve damage in DN is more generalized, including the central nervous system, and these central changes are key to the development and persistence of pain in DN. The advent of new radiological techniques provides us with non-invasive modalities to study central pathophysiological processes in greater detail. These insights are increasingly leading to the recognition that painful DN is a complex and heterogeneous disorder, which requires a multimodal approach to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Gandhi
- Academic Unit of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - D Selvarajah
- Academic Unit of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Sforna L, D'Adamo MC, Servettini I, Guglielmi L, Pessia M, Franciolini F, Catacuzzeno L. Expression and function of a CP339,818-sensitive K⁺ current in a subpopulation of putative nociceptive neurons from adult mouse trigeminal ganglia. J Neurophysiol 2015; 113:2653-65. [PMID: 25652918 PMCID: PMC4416569 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00379.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons are functionally and morphologically heterogeneous, and the molecular basis of this heterogeneity is still not fully understood. Here we describe experiments showing that a subpopulation of neurons expresses a delayed-rectifying K(+) current (IDRK) with a characteristically high (nanomolar) sensitivity to the dihydroquinoline CP339,818 (CP). Although submicromolar CP has previously been shown to selectively block Kv1.3 and Kv1.4 channels, the CP-sensitive IDRK found in TG neurons could not be associated with either of these two K(+) channels. It could neither be associated with Kv2.1 channels homomeric or heteromerically associated with the Kv9.2, Kv9.3, or Kv6.4 subunits, whose block by CP, tested using two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings from Xenopus oocytes, resulted in the low micromolar range, nor to the Kv7 subfamily, given the lack of blocking efficacy of 3 μM XE991. Within the group of multiple-firing neurons considered in this study, the CP-sensitive IDRK was preferentially expressed in a subpopulation showing several nociceptive markers, such as small membrane capacitance, sensitivity to capsaicin, and slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP); in these neurons the CP-sensitive IDRK controls the membrane resting potential, the firing frequency, and the AHP duration. A biophysical study of the CP-sensitive IDRK indicated the presence of two kinetically distinct components: a fast deactivating component having a relatively depolarized steady-state inactivation (IDRKf) and a slow deactivating component with a more hyperpolarized V1/2 for steady-state inactivation (IDRKs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Sforna
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Universitá di Perugia, Perugia, Italy; and
| | - Maria Cristina D'Adamo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Facoltá di Medicina e Chirurgia, Universitá di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ilenio Servettini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Facoltá di Medicina e Chirurgia, Universitá di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luca Guglielmi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Facoltá di Medicina e Chirurgia, Universitá di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mauro Pessia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Facoltá di Medicina e Chirurgia, Universitá di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Fabio Franciolini
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Universitá di Perugia, Perugia, Italy; and
| | - Luigi Catacuzzeno
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Universitá di Perugia, Perugia, Italy; and
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60
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Chiu IM, Barrett LB, Williams EK, Strochlic DE, Lee S, Weyer AD, Lou S, Bryman GS, Roberson DP, Ghasemlou N, Piccoli C, Ahat E, Wang V, Cobos EJ, Stucky CL, Ma Q, Liberles SD, Woolf CJ. Transcriptional profiling at whole population and single cell levels reveals somatosensory neuron molecular diversity. eLife 2014; 3. [PMID: 25525749 PMCID: PMC4383053 DOI: 10.7554/elife.04660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The somatosensory nervous system is critical for the organism's ability to respond to
mechanical, thermal, and nociceptive stimuli. Somatosensory neurons are functionally
and anatomically diverse but their molecular profiles are not well-defined. Here, we
used transcriptional profiling to analyze the detailed molecular signatures of dorsal
root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons. We used two mouse reporter lines and surface IB4
labeling to purify three major non-overlapping classes of neurons: 1)
IB4+SNS-Cre/TdTomato+, 2)
IB4−SNS-Cre/TdTomato+, and 3)
Parv-Cre/TdTomato+ cells, encompassing the majority of
nociceptive, pruriceptive, and proprioceptive neurons. These neurons displayed
distinct expression patterns of ion channels, transcription factors, and GPCRs.
Highly parallel qRT-PCR analysis of 334 single neurons selected by membership of the
three populations demonstrated further diversity, with unbiased clustering analysis
identifying six distinct subgroups. These data significantly increase our knowledge
of the molecular identities of known DRG populations and uncover potentially novel
subsets, revealing the complexity and diversity of those neurons underlying
somatosensation. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04660.001 In the nervous system, a network of specialized neurons—known as the
somatosensory system—carries information about sensations including touch,
muscle position, temperature and pain. Distinct sets of somatosensory neurons are
thought to carry information about the different types of sensations. In young
animals, the precise switching on, or ‘expression’, of genes controls
the formation of the network of neurons. However, it is not known exactly which genes
are expressed in what types of neurons, where, or when. Here, Chiu et al. used a technique called flow cytometry using different fluorescent
markers to isolate a group of cells called Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) neurons in
mice. These neurons have long thread-like fibers that extend from the spinal cord to
the skin, muscles and joints all over the body. These fibers carry sensory
information to the spinal cord, where it can be relayed to the brain and processed.
The experiments compared three distinct types of DRG neuron and found that they
differed in their ability to send information to other cells. Chiu et al. analyzed the expression of all the genes in the three types of DRG
neurons. Each type of neuron had distinct groups of genes that were being expressed.
Also, several genes that are known to be important for sensation were expressed at
different levels in the different types of cells. Next, large numbers of single cells
were analyzed to find out the finer details about the three types of neuron. These
findings made it possible to further divide the DRG neurons into six distinct subsets
that matched previously known groups of somatosensory neurons, and also identified
new ones. Chiu et al.'s findings reveal the complexity and diversity of the neurons involved in
carrying information about sensations towards the brain. This is an important step in
classifying the nervous system, and uncovers many genes previously not linked to
sensation. The next challenges lie in understanding how the expression of these genes
in each type of neuron relates to their unique roles. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04660.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac M Chiu
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Lee B Barrett
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Erika K Williams
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - David E Strochlic
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Seungkyu Lee
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Andy D Weyer
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Shan Lou
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Gregory S Bryman
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - David P Roberson
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Nader Ghasemlou
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Cara Piccoli
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Ezgi Ahat
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Victor Wang
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Enrique J Cobos
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Cheryl L Stucky
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Qiufu Ma
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Stephen D Liberles
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
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Lentivirus mediated siRNA against GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptor reduces nociception in a rat model of neuropathic pain. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:871637. [PMID: 25243192 PMCID: PMC4163390 DOI: 10.1155/2014/871637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although neuropathic pain (NP) is still not fully understood by scientists and clinicians alike, studies suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play an important role in the induction and maintenance of NP. A promising treatment for NP is through the downregulation of NMDA subunit GluN2B by RNA interference; however, naked siRNA (small interference RNA) is not effective in long-term treatments. In order to concoct a viable prolonged treatment for NP, Lv-siGluN2B (lentivirus carrying siRNA targeting GluN2B subunit) was prepared and the antinociception effects were observed in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats in the present study. Results showed that Lv-siGluN2B was transduced into spinal cord cells after intrathecal injections and effectively reduced the nociception induced by sciatic nerve ligation while inhibiting the mRNA and protein expression of GluN2B. This antinociception effect lasted approximately 7 weeks. These findings suggest that GluN2B subunit could be a target for NP treatment and Lv-siGluN2B represents a new potential option for long-term treatment of NP.
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Du X, Hao H, Gigout S, Huang D, Yang Y, Li L, Wang C, Sundt D, Jaffe DB, Zhang H, Gamper N. Control of somatic membrane potential in nociceptive neurons and its implications for peripheral nociceptive transmission. Pain 2014; 155:2306-22. [PMID: 25168672 PMCID: PMC4247381 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2014.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral sensory ganglia contain somata of afferent fibres conveying somatosensory inputs to the central nervous system. Growing evidence suggests that the somatic/perisomatic region of sensory neurons can influence peripheral sensory transmission. Control of resting membrane potential (Erest) is an important mechanism regulating excitability, but surprisingly little is known about how Erest is regulated in sensory neuron somata or how changes in somatic/perisomatic Erest affect peripheral sensory transmission. We first evaluated the influence of several major ion channels on Erest in cultured small-diameter, mostly capsaicin-sensitive (presumed nociceptive) dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The strongest and most prevalent effect on Erest was achieved by modulating M channels, K2P and 4-aminopiridine-sensitive KV channels, while hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated, voltage-gated Na+, and T-type Ca2+ channels to a lesser extent also contributed to Erest. Second, we investigated how varying somatic/perisomatic membrane potential, by manipulating ion channels of sensory neurons within the DRG, affected peripheral nociceptive transmission in vivo. Acute focal application of M or KATP channel enhancers or a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel blocker to L5 DRG in vivo significantly alleviated pain induced by hind paw injection of bradykinin. Finally, we show with computational modelling how somatic/perisomatic hyperpolarization, in concert with the low-pass filtering properties of the t-junction within the DRG, can interfere with action potential propagation. Our study deciphers a complement of ion channels that sets the somatic Erest of nociceptive neurons and provides strong evidence for a robust filtering role of the somatic and perisomatic compartments of peripheral nociceptive neuron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China.
| | - Han Hao
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Sylvain Gigout
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Dongyang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Yuehui Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Caixue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Danielle Sundt
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - David B Jaffe
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Nikita Gamper
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China; Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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Wang F, Stefano GB, Kream RM. Epigenetic modification of DRG neuronal gene expression subsequent to nerve injury: etiological contribution to complex regional pain syndromes (Part I). Med Sci Monit 2014; 20:1067-77. [PMID: 24961509 PMCID: PMC4081136 DOI: 10.12659/msm.890702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DRG is of importance in relaying painful stimulation to the higher pain centers and therefore could be a crucial target for early intervention aimed at suppressing primary afferent stimulation. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a common pain condition with an unknown etiology. Recently added new information enriches our understanding of CRPS pathophysiology. Researches on genetics, biogenic amines, neurotransmitters, and mechanisms of pain modulation, central sensitization, and autonomic functions in CRPS revealed various abnormalities indicating that multiple factors and mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of CRPS. Epigenetics refers to mitotically and meiotically heritable changes in gene expression that do not affect the DNA sequence. As epigenetic modifications potentially play an important role in inflammatory cytokine metabolism, neurotransmitter responsiveness, and analgesic sensitivity, they are likely key factors in the development of chronic pain. In this dyad review series, we systematically examine the nerve injury-related changes in the neurological system and their contribution to CRPS. In this part, we first reviewed and summarized the role of neural sensitization in DRG neurons in performing function in the context of pain processing. Particular emphasis is placed on the cellular and molecular changes after nerve injury as well as different models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. These were considered as the potential molecular bases that underlie nerve injury-associated pathogenesis of CRPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuzhou Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China (mainland)
| | - George B Stefano
- Neuroscience Research Institute, State University of New York at Old Westbury, Old Westbury, USA
| | - Richard M Kream
- Neuroscience Research Institute, State University of New York at Old Westbury, Old Westbury, USA
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Lolignier S, Eijkelkamp N, Wood JN. Mechanical allodynia. Pflugers Arch 2014; 467:133-9. [PMID: 24846747 PMCID: PMC4281368 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-014-1532-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical allodynia (other pain) is a painful sensation caused by innocuous stimuli like light touch. Unlike inflammatory hyperalgesia that has a protective role, allodynia has no obvious biological utility. Allodynia is associated with nerve damage in conditions such as diabetes, and is likely to become an increasing clinical problem. Unfortunately, the mechanistic basis of this enhanced sensitivity is incompletely understood. In this review, we describe evidence for the involvement of candidate mechanosensitive channels such as Piezo2 and their role in allodynia, as well as the peripheral and central nervous system mechanisms that have also been implicated in this form of pain. Specific treatments that block allodynia could be very useful if the cell and molecular basis of the condition could be determined. There are many potential mechanisms underlying this condition ranging from alterations in mechanotransduction and sensory neuron excitability to the actions of inflammatory mediators and wiring changes in the CNS. As with other pain conditions, it is likely that the range of redundant mechanisms that cause allodynia will make therapeutic intervention problematic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Lolignier
- Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK,
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66
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Savastano LE, Laurito SR, Fitt MR, Rasmussen JA, Gonzalez Polo V, Patterson SI. Sciatic nerve injury: A simple and subtle model for investigating many aspects of nervous system damage and recovery. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 227:166-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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67
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Trimmer JS. Ion channels and pain: important steps towards validating a new therapeutic target for neuropathic pain. Exp Neurol 2014; 254:190-4. [PMID: 24508559 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James S Trimmer
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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68
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Waxman SG, Zamponi GW. Regulating excitability of peripheral afferents: emerging ion channel targets. Nat Neurosci 2014; 17:153-63. [DOI: 10.1038/nn.3602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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69
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Perkins JR, Antunes-Martins A, Calvo M, Grist J, Rust W, Schmid R, Hildebrandt T, Kohl M, Orengo C, McMahon SB, Bennett DLH. A comparison of RNA-seq and exon arrays for whole genome transcription profiling of the L5 spinal nerve transection model of neuropathic pain in the rat. Mol Pain 2014; 10:7. [PMID: 24472155 PMCID: PMC4021616 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-10-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The past decade has seen an abundance of transcriptional profiling studies of preclinical models of persistent pain, predominantly employing microarray technology. In this study we directly compare exon microarrays to RNA-seq and investigate the ability of both platforms to detect differentially expressed genes following nerve injury using the L5 spinal nerve transection model of neuropathic pain. We also investigate the effects of increasing RNA-seq sequencing depth. Finally we take advantage of the "agnostic" approach of RNA-seq to discover areas of expression outside of annotated exons that show marked changes in expression following nerve injury. RESULTS RNA-seq and microarrays largely agree in terms of the genes called as differentially expressed. However, RNA-seq is able to interrogate a much larger proportion of the genome. It can also detect a greater number of differentially expressed genes than microarrays, across a wider range of fold changes and is able to assign a larger range of expression values to the genes it measures. The number of differentially expressed genes detected increases with sequencing depth. RNA-seq also allows the discovery of a number of genes displaying unusual and interesting patterns of non-exonic expression following nerve injury, an effect that cannot be detected using microarrays. CONCLUSION We recommend the use of RNA-seq for future high-throughput transcriptomic experiments in pain studies. RNA-seq allowed the identification of a larger number of putative candidate pain genes than microarrays and can also detect a wider range of expression values in a neuropathic pain model. In addition, RNA-seq can interrogate the whole genome regardless of prior annotations, being able to detect transcription from areas of the genome not currently annotated as exons. Some of these areas are differentially expressed following nerve injury, and may represent novel genes or isoforms. We also recommend the use of a high sequencing depth in order to detect differential expression for genes with low levels of expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Perkins
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Laboratorio de Investigacion, Fundacion IMABIS, Avda. Jorge Luis Borges nº15 Bl.3 Pl.3, 29010, Malaga, Spain
| | - Ana Antunes-Martins
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Wolfson Wing, Hodgkin Building, King’s College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Margarita Calvo
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Wolfson Wing, Hodgkin Building, King’s College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - John Grist
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Wolfson Wing, Hodgkin Building, King’s College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Werner Rust
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Target Discovery Research Germany, Birkendorferstraße 67, 88397, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Ramona Schmid
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Target Discovery Research Germany, Birkendorferstraße 67, 88397, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Tobias Hildebrandt
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Target Discovery Research Germany, Birkendorferstraße 67, 88397, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Matthias Kohl
- Department of Medical and Life Sciences, Furtwangen University, Jakob-Kienzle-Str. 17, D-78054 VS-Schwenningen, Germany
| | - Christine Orengo
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Stephen B McMahon
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Wolfson Wing, Hodgkin Building, King’s College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - David LH Bennett
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Wolfson Wing, Hodgkin Building, King’s College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Level 6, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, England
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70
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Denk F, McMahon SB, Tracey I. Pain vulnerability: a neurobiological perspective. Nat Neurosci 2014; 17:192-200. [DOI: 10.1038/nn.3628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Opening paths to novel analgesics: the role of potassium channels in chronic pain. Trends Neurosci 2014; 37:146-58. [PMID: 24461875 PMCID: PMC3945816 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Potassium (K+) channels are crucial determinants of neuronal excitability. Nerve injury or inflammation alters K+ channel activity in neurons of the pain pathway. These changes can render neurons hyperexcitable and cause chronic pain. Therapies targeting K+ channels may provide improved pain relief in these states.
Chronic pain is associated with abnormal excitability of the somatosensory system and remains poorly treated in the clinic. Potassium (K+) channels are crucial determinants of neuronal activity throughout the nervous system. Opening of these channels facilitates a hyperpolarizing K+ efflux across the plasma membrane that counteracts inward ion conductance and therefore limits neuronal excitability. Accumulating research has highlighted a prominent involvement of K+ channels in nociceptive processing, particularly in determining peripheral hyperexcitability. We review salient findings from expression, pharmacological, and genetic studies that have untangled a hitherto undervalued contribution of K+ channels in maladaptive pain signaling. These emerging data provide a framework to explain enigmatic pain syndromes and to design novel pharmacological treatments for these debilitating states.
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Langford DJ, West C, Elboim C, Cooper BA, Abrams G, Paul SM, Schmidt BL, Levine JD, Merriman JD, Dhruva A, Neuhaus J, Leutwyler H, Baggott C, Sullivan CW, Aouizerat BE, Miaskowski C. Variations in potassium channel genes are associated with breast pain in women prior to breast cancer surgery. J Neurogenet 2014; 28:122-35. [PMID: 24392765 DOI: 10.3109/01677063.2013.856430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Preoperative breast pain in women with breast cancer may result from a number of causes. Previous work from our team found that breast pain occurred in 28.2% of women (n = 398) who were about to undergo breast cancer surgery. The occurrence of preoperative breast pain was associated with a number of demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as variation in two cytokine genes. Given that ion channels regulate excitability of sensory neurons, we hypothesized that variations in potassium channel genes would be associated with preoperative breast pain in these patients. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated for associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and inferred haplotypes among 10 potassium channel genes and the occurrence of preoperative breast pain in patients scheduled to undergo breast cancer surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify those genetic variations that were associated with the occurrence of preoperative breast pain while controlling for age and genomic estimates of and self-reported race/ethnicity. Variations in four potassium channel genes: (1) potassium voltage-gated channel, delayed rectifier, subfamily S, member 1 (KCNS1); (2) potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 3 (KCNJ3); (3) KCNJ6; and (4) potassium channel, subfamily K, member 9 (KCNK9) were associated with the occurrence of breast pain. Findings from this study warrant replication in an independent sample of women who report breast pain following one or more breast biopsies.
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Du X, Gamper N. Potassium channels in peripheral pain pathways: expression, function and therapeutic potential. Curr Neuropharmacol 2013; 11:621-40. [PMID: 24396338 PMCID: PMC3849788 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x113119990042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical excitation of peripheral somatosensory nerves is a first step in generation of most pain signals in mammalian nervous system. Such excitation is controlled by an intricate set of ion channels that are coordinated to produce a degree of excitation that is proportional to the strength of the external stimulation. However, in many disease states this coordination is disrupted resulting in deregulated peripheral excitability which, in turn, may underpin pathological pain states (i.e. migraine, neuralgia, neuropathic and inflammatory pains). One of the major groups of ion channels that are essential for controlling neuronal excitability is potassium channel family and, hereby, the focus of this review is on the K+ channels in peripheral pain pathways. The aim of the review is threefold. First, we will discuss current evidence for the expression and functional role of various K+ channels in peripheral nociceptive fibres. Second, we will consider a hypothesis suggesting that reduced functional activity of K+ channels within peripheral nociceptive pathways is a general feature of many types of pain. Third, we will evaluate the perspectives of pharmacological enhancement of K+ channels in nociceptive pathways as a strategy for new analgesic drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Nikita Gamper
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Probing functional properties of nociceptive axons using a microfluidic culture system. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80722. [PMID: 24278311 PMCID: PMC3835735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological changes in axonal function are integral features of many neurological disorders, yet our knowledge of the molecular basis of axonal dysfunction remains limited. Microfluidic chambers (MFCs) can provide unique insight into the axonal compartment independent of the soma. Here we demonstrate how an MFC based cell culture system can be readily adapted for the study of axonal function in vitro. We illustrate the ease and versatility to assay electrogenesis and conduction of action potentials (APs) in naïve, damaged or sensitized DRG axons using calcium imaging at the soma for pharmacological screening or patch-clamp electrophysiology for detailed biophysical characterisation. To demonstrate the adaptability of the system, we report by way of example functional changes in nociceptor axons following sensitization by neurotrophins and axotomy in vitro. We show that NGF can locally sensitize axonal responses to capsaicin, independent of the soma. Axotomizing neurons in MFC results in a significant increase in the proportion of neurons that respond to axonal stimulation, and interestingly leads to accumulation of Nav1.8 channels in regenerating axons. Axotomy also augmented AP amplitude following axotomy and altered activation thresholds in a subpopulation of regenerating axons. We further show how the system can readily be used to study modulation of axonal function by non-neuronal cells such as keratinocytes. Hence we describe a novel in vitro platform for the study of axonal function and a surrogate model for nerve injury and sensitization.
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Kv2 dysfunction after peripheral axotomy enhances sensory neuron responsiveness to sustained input. Exp Neurol 2013; 251:115-26. [PMID: 24252178 PMCID: PMC3898477 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries caused by trauma are associated with increased sensory neuron excitability and debilitating chronic pain symptoms. Axotomy-induced alterations in the function of ion channels are thought to largely underlie the pathophysiology of these phenotypes. Here, we characterise the mRNA distribution of Kv2 family members in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and describe a link between Kv2 function and modulation of sensory neuron excitability. Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 were amply expressed in cells of all sizes, being particularly abundant in medium-large neurons also immunoreactive for neurofilament-200. Peripheral axotomy led to a rapid, robust and long-lasting transcriptional Kv2 downregulation in the DRG, correlated with the onset of mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. The consequences of Kv2 loss-of-function were subsequently investigated in myelinated neurons using intracellular recordings on ex vivo DRG preparations. In naïve neurons, pharmacological Kv2.1/Kv2.2 inhibition by stromatoxin-1 (ScTx) resulted in shortening of action potential (AP) after-hyperpolarization (AHP). In contrast, ScTx application on axotomized neurons did not alter AHP duration, consistent with the injury-induced Kv2 downregulation. In accordance with a shortened AHP, ScTx treatment also reduced the refractory period and improved AP conduction to the cell soma during high frequency stimulation. These results suggest that Kv2 downregulation following traumatic nerve lesion facilitates greater fidelity of repetitive firing during prolonged input and thus normal Kv2 function is postulated to limit neuronal excitability. In summary, we have profiled Kv2 expression in sensory neurons and provide evidence for the contribution of Kv2 dysfunction in the generation of hyperexcitable phenotypes encountered in chronic pain states. Kv2.1 and Kv2.2 are expressed in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Kv2 subunits are most abundant in myelinated sensory neurons. Kv2.1 and Kv.2 subunits are downregulated in a traumatic nerve injury pain model. Kv2 inhibition ex vivo allows higher firing rates during sustained stimulation. We conclude that Kv2 channels contribute to limiting peripheral neuron excitability.
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Manteniotis S, Lehmann R, Flegel C, Vogel F, Hofreuter A, Schreiner BSP, Altmüller J, Becker C, Schöbel N, Hatt H, Gisselmann G. Comprehensive RNA-Seq expression analysis of sensory ganglia with a focus on ion channels and GPCRs in Trigeminal ganglia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79523. [PMID: 24260241 PMCID: PMC3832644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The specific functions of sensory systems depend on the tissue-specific expression of genes that code for molecular sensor proteins that are necessary for stimulus detection and membrane signaling. Using the Next Generation Sequencing technique (RNA-Seq), we analyzed the complete transcriptome of the trigeminal ganglia (TG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult mice. Focusing on genes with an expression level higher than 1 FPKM (fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads), we detected the expression of 12984 genes in the TG and 13195 in the DRG. To analyze the specific gene expression patterns of the peripheral neuronal tissues, we compared their gene expression profiles with that of the liver, brain, olfactory epithelium, and skeletal muscle. The transcriptome data of the TG and DRG were scanned for virtually all known G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as well as for ion channels. The expression profile was ranked with regard to the level and specificity for the TG. In total, we detected 106 non-olfactory GPCRs and 33 ion channels that had not been previously described as expressed in the TG. To validate the RNA-Seq data, in situ hybridization experiments were performed for several of the newly detected transcripts. To identify differences in expression profiles between the sensory ganglia, the RNA-Seq data of the TG and DRG were compared. Among the differentially expressed genes (> 1 FPKM), 65 and 117 were expressed at least 10-fold higher in the TG and DRG, respectively. Our transcriptome analysis allows a comprehensive overview of all ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors that are expressed in trigeminal ganglia and provides additional approaches for the investigation of trigeminal sensing as well as for the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of pain.
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