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Dabrowski KR, Daws SE. Morphine-Driven m6A Epitranscriptomic Neuroadaptations in Primary Cortical Cultures. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04219-z. [PMID: 38780720 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Opioid overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States and remains a major public health concern, despite significant resources aimed at combating opioid misuse. Neurobiological research to elucidate molecular and cellular consequences of opioid exposure is required to define avenues to explore for reversal of opioid-induced neuroadaptations. Opioids impart well-documented regulation of the transcriptome and epigenetic modifications in the brain, but opioid-induced epitranscriptomic posttranscriptional regulation of RNA is vastly understudied. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is significantly enriched in the brain and involved in learning, memory, and reward. m6A modifications have not been studied in opioid use disorder, despite being the most common RNA modification. We detected significant regulation of m6A-modifying enzymes in rat primary cortical cultures following morphine treatment, including AlkB Homolog 5 (Alkbh5). The m6a demethylase ALKBH5 functions as an m6A eraser, removing m6A modifications from mRNA. We hypothesized that chronic opioid treatment regulates m6A modifications through modulation of Alkbh5 and profiled m6A modifications in primary cortical cultures following chronic morphine treatment and Alkbh5 knock-down. We observed differential regulation of m6A modifications for a common set of transcripts following morphine or Alkbh5 knock-down, and the two treatments elicited concordant m6A epitranscriptomic profiles, suggesting that a subset of morphine-driven m6A modifications may be mediated through downregulation of Alkbh5 in cortical cultures. Gene Ontology terms of commonly regulated transcripts included serotonin secretion, synapse disassembly, neuron remodeling, and immune response. Thus, we conclude that morphine can drive epitranscriptomic changes, a subset of which may occur in an Alkbh5-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad R Dabrowski
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie E Daws
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Neural Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Song K, Cao Q, Yang Y, Zuo Y, Wu X. ALKBH5 modulates bone cancer pain in a rat model by suppressing NR2B expression. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2024. [PMID: 38764325 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2601] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the clinical treatment of bone cancer pain (BCP) is mainly related to its pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the potential role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in BCP in the spinal cord dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of BCP rats and its specific regulatory mechanism in N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NR2B). A rat model of BCP was constructed by tibial injection of Walker256 cells, and ALKBH5 and NR2B expression in the spinal cord DRG was detected. ALKBH5 was silenced or overexpressed in PC12 cells to verify the regulatory effect of ALKBH5 on NR2B. The specific mechanism underlying the interaction between ALKBH5 and NR2B was investigated using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. The results showed increased expression of m6A, decreased expression of ALKBH5, and increased expression of NR2B in the DRG of the BCP rat model. Overexpression of ALKBH5 inhibited NR2B expression, whereas interference with ALKBH5 caused an increase in NR2B expression. In NR2B, interference with ALKBH5 caused an increase in m6A modification, which caused an increase in NR2B. Taken together, ALKBH5 affected the expression of NR2B by influencing the stability of the m6A modification site of central NR2B, revealing that ALKBH5 is a therapeutic target for BCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
- Graduate school, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qionghua Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanping Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
- Graduate school, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuefen Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
| | - Xianping Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, China
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Xu J, Ren Z, Niu T, Li S. Mechanism of Fat Mass and Obesity-Related Gene-Mediated Heme Oxygenase-1 m6A Modification in the Recovery of Neurological Function in Mice with Spinal Cord Injury. Orthop Surg 2024; 16:1175-1186. [PMID: 38514911 PMCID: PMC11062882 DOI: 10.1111/os.14002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the mechanism of fat mass and obesity-related gene (FTO)-mediated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) m6A modification facilitating neurological recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) mice. FTO/HO-1 was identified as a key regulator of SCI as well as a potential target for treatment of SCI. METHODS An SCI mouse was treated with pcDNA3.1-FTO/pcDNA3.1-NC/Dac51. An oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model simulated SCI, with cells treated with pcDNA3.1-FTO/si-HO-1/Dac51. Motor function and neurobehavioral evaluation were assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale and modified neurological severity score (mNSS). Spinal cord pathology and neuronal apoptosis were assessed. Further, FTO/HO-1 mRNA and protein levels, HO-1 mRNA stability, the interaction of YTHDF2 with HO-1 mRNA, neuronal viability/apoptosis, and HO-1 m6A modification were evaluated. RESULTS Spinal cord injury mice exhibited reduced BBB, elevated mNSS scores, disorganized spinal cord cells, scattered nuclei, and severe nucleus pyknosis. pcDNA3.1-FTO elevated FTO mRNA, protein expression, and BBB score; reduced the mNSS score of SCI mice; decreased neuronal apoptosis; improved the cell arrangement; and improved nucleus pyknosis in spinal cord tissues. OGD decreased FTO expression. FTO upregulation ameliorated OGD-induced neuronal apoptosis. pcDNA3.1-FTO reduced HO-1 mRNA and protein and HO-1 m6A modification, while increasing HO-1 mRNA stability and FTO in OGD-treated cells. FTO upregulated HO-1 by modulating m6A modification. HO-1 downregulation attenuated the effect of FTO. pcDNA3.1-FTO/Dac51 increased the HO-1 m6A level in mouse spinal cord tissue homogenate, reduced BBB, boosted mNSS scores of SCI mice, aggravated nucleus pyknosis, and increased neuronal apoptosis in spinal cord tissues, confirming that FTO mediated HO-1 m6A modification facilitated neurological recovery in SCI mice. CONCLUSION The fat mass and obesity-related gene modulates HO-1 mRNA stability by regulating m6A modification levels, thereby influencing HO-1 expression and promoting neurological recovery in SCI mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Xu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)GuangzhouChina
| | - Zhenxiao Ren
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)GuangzhouChina
| | - Tianzuo Niu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)GuangzhouChina
| | - Siyuan Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology)GuangzhouChina
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Huang L, Sharma D, Feng X, Pan Z, Wu S, Munoz D, Bekker A, Hu H, Tao YX. RALY participates in nerve trauma-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity through triggering Eif4g2 gene expression in primary sensory neurons. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:735-751. [PMID: 37782223 PMCID: PMC10873045 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Peripheral nerve trauma-induced dysregulation of pain-associated genes in the primary sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to neuropathic pain genesis. RNA-binding proteins participate in gene transcription. We hypothesized that RALY, an RNA-binding protein, participated in nerve trauma-induced dysregulation of DRG pain-associated genes and nociceptive hypersensitivity. METHODS AND RESULTS Immunohistochemistry staining showed that RALY was expressed exclusively in the nuclei of DRG neurons. Peripheral nerve trauma caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of unilateral sciatic nerve produced time-dependent increases in the levels of Raly mRNA and RALY protein in injured DRG. Blocking this increase through DRG microinjection of adeno-associated virus 5 (AAV5)-expressing Raly shRNA reduced the CCI-induced elevation in the amount of eukaryotic initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (Eif4g2) mRNA and Eif4g2 protein in injured DRG and mitigated the development and maintenance of CCI-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity, without altering basal (acute) response to noxious stimuli and locomotor activity. Mimicking DRG increased RALY through DRG microinjection of AAV5 expressing Raly mRNA up-regulated the expression of Eif4g2 mRNA and Eif4g2 protein in the DRG and led to hypersensitive responses to noxious stimuli in the absence of nerve trauma. Mechanistically, CCI promoted the binding of RALY to the promoter of Eif4g2 gene and triggered its transcriptional activity. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings indicate that RALY participates in nerve trauma-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity likely through transcriptionally triggering Eif4g2 expression in the DRG. RALY may be a potential target in neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Dilip Sharma
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Xiaozhou Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Daisy Munoz
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Huijuan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ07103, USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ07103, USA
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5
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Yang L, Liu Q, Zhao Y, Lin N, Huang Y, Wang Q, Yang K, Wei R, Li X, Zhang M, Hao L, Wang H, Pan Z. DExH-box helicase 9 modulates hippocampal synapses and regulates neuropathic pain. iScience 2024; 27:109016. [PMID: 38327775 PMCID: PMC10847742 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109016] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies have shown that neuropathic pain impairs hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Here, we sought to determine the underlying mechanisms responsible for synaptic changes in neuropathic painful mouse hippocampal neurons. Beyond demonstrating proof-of-concept for the location of DExH-box helicase 9 (DHX9) in the nucleus, we found that it did exist in the cytoplasm and DHX9 depletion resulted in structural and functional changes at synapses in the hippocampus. A decrease of DHX9 was observed in the hippocampus after peripheral nerve injury; overexpression of DHX9 in the hippocampus significantly alleviated the nociceptive responses and improved anxiety behaviors. Mimicking DHX9 decrease evoked spontaneous pain behavioral symptoms and anxiety emotion in naïve mice. Mechanistically, we found that DHX9 bound to dendrin (Ddn) mRNA, which may have altered the level of synaptic- and dendritic-associated proteins. The data suggest that DHX9 contributes to synapses in hippocampal neurons and may modulate neuropathic pain and its comorbidity aversive emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yaxuan Zhao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Ninghua Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Qihui Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Kehui Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Runa Wei
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Lingyun Hao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
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Huang Z, Zhang Y, Wang S, Qi R, Tao Y, Sun Y, Jiang D, Jiang X, Tao J. FOXD3-mediated transactivation of ALKBH5 promotes neuropathic pain via m 6A-dependent stabilization of 5-HT3A mRNA in sensory neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312861121. [PMID: 38285939 PMCID: PMC10861880 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312861121] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA is an emerging epigenetic regulatory mechanism that has been shown to participate in various pathophysiological processes. However, its involvement in modulating neuropathic pain is still poorly understood. In this study, we elucidate a functional role of the m6A demethylase alkylation repair homolog 5 (ALKBH5) in modulating trigeminal-mediated neuropathic pain. Peripheral nerve injury selectively upregulated the expression level of ALKBH5 in the injured trigeminal ganglion (TG) of rats. Blocking this upregulation in injured TGs alleviated trigeminal neuropathic pain, while mimicking the upregulation of ALKBH5 in intact TG neurons sufficiently induced pain-related behaviors. Mechanistically, histone deacetylase 11 downregulation induced by nerve injury increases histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), facilitating the binding of the transcription factor forkhead box protein D3 (FOXD3) to the Alkbh5 promoter and promoting Alkbh5 transcription. The increased ALKBH5 erases m6A sites in Htr3a messenger RNA (mRNA), resulting in an inability of YT521-B homology domain 2 (YTHDF2) to bind to Htr3a mRNA, thus causing an increase in 5-HT3A protein expression and 5-HT3 channel currents. Conversely, blocking the increased expression of ALKBH5 in the injured TG destabilizes nerve injury-induced 5-HT3A upregulation and reverses mechanical allodynia, and the effect can be blocked by 5-HT3A knockdown. Together, FOXD3-mediated transactivation of ALKBH5 promotes neuropathic pain through m6A-dependent stabilization of Htr3a mRNA in TG neurons. This mechanistic understanding may advance the discovery of new therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Huang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou215004, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shoupeng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Renfei Qi
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yufang Sun
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Jiang
- Institute of Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich81377, Germany
| | - Xinghong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
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7
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Lu W, Yang X, Zhong W, Chen G, Guo X, Ye Q, Xu Y, Qi Z, Ye Y, Zhang J, Wang Y, Wang X, Wang S, Zhao Q, Zeng W, Huang J, Ma H, Xie J. METTL14-mediated m6A epitranscriptomic modification contributes to chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain by stabilizing GluN2A expression via IGF2BP2. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e174847. [PMID: 38319733 PMCID: PMC10940092 DOI: 10.1172/jci174847] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is a biological process that modifies and regulates gene expression, affects neuronal function, and contributes to pain. However, the mechanism by which epigenetics facilitates and maintains chronic pain is poorly understood. We aimed to determine whether N6-methyladenosine (m6A) specifically modified by methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) alters neuronal activity and governs pain by sensitizing the GluN2A subunit of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP). Using dot blotting, immunofluorescence, gain/loss-of-function, and behavioral assays, we found that m6A levels were upregulated in L4-L6 DRG neurons in CINP in a DBP/METTL14-dependent manner, which was also confirmed in human DRGs. Blocking METTL14 reduced m6A methylation and attenuated pain hypersensitivity. Mechanistically, METTL14-mediated m6A modification facilitated the synaptic plasticity of DRG neurons by enhancing the GluN2A subunit of NMDAR, and inhibiting METTL14 blocked this effect. In contrast, overexpression of METTL14 upregulated m6A modifications, enhanced presynaptic NMDAR activity in DRG neurons, and facilitated pain sensation. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism of METTL14-mediated m6A modification in DRG neurons to maintain neuropathic pain. Targeting these molecules may provide a new strategy for pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weicheng Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohua Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiqiang Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinqi Guo
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qingqing Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yixin Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenhua Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqi Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingyun Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuge Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xintong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiyue Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Weian Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junting Huang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huijie Ma
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jingdun Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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8
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Zhang F, Ignatova VV, Ming GL, Song H. Advances in brain epitranscriptomics research and translational opportunities. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:449-463. [PMID: 38123727 PMCID: PMC11116067 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Various chemical modifications of all RNA transcripts, or epitranscriptomics, have emerged as crucial regulators of RNA metabolism, attracting significant interest from both basic and clinical researchers due to their diverse functions in biological processes and immense clinical potential as highlighted by the recent profound success of RNA modifications in improving COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Rapid accumulation of evidence underscores the critical involvement of various RNA modifications in governing normal neural development and brain functions as well as pathogenesis of brain disorders. Here we provide an overview of RNA modifications and recent advancements in epitranscriptomic studies utilizing animal models to elucidate important roles of RNA modifications in regulating mammalian neurogenesis, gliogenesis, synaptic formation, and brain function. Moreover, we emphasize the pivotal involvement of RNA modifications and their regulators in the pathogenesis of various human brain disorders, encompassing neurodevelopmental disorders, brain tumors, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, we discuss potential translational opportunities afforded by RNA modifications in combatting brain disorders, including their use as biomarkers, in the development of drugs or gene therapies targeting epitranscriptomic pathways, and in applications for mRNA-based vaccines and therapies. We also address current limitations and challenges hindering the widespread clinical application of epitranscriptomic research, along with the improvements necessary for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Valentina V Ignatova
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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9
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Zhou HM, Xu HJ, Sun RH, Zhang M, Li XT, Zhao YX, Yang K, Wei R, Liu Q, Li S, Xue Z, Hao LY, Yang L, Wang QH, Wang HJ, Gao F, Cao JL, Pan Z. DNA N6-methyladenine methylase N6AMT1 controls neuropathic pain through epigenetically modifying Kcnj16 in dorsal horn neurons. Pain 2024; 165:75-91. [PMID: 37624905 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nerve injury-induced aberrant changes in gene expression in spinal dorsal horn neurons are critical for the genesis of neuropathic pain. N6-methyladenine (m 6 A) modification of DNA represents an additional layer of gene regulation. Here, we report that peripheral nerve injury significantly decreased the level of m 6 A-specific DNA methyltransferase 1 ( N6amt1 ) in dorsal horn neurons. This decrease was attributed, at least partly, to a reduction in transcription factor Nr2f6 . Rescuing the decrease in N6amt1 reversed the loss of m 6 A at the promoter for inwardly rectifying potassium channel subfamily J member 16 ( Kcnj16 ), mitigating the nerve injury-induced upregulation of Kcnj16 expression in the dorsal horn and alleviating neuropathic pain hypersensitivities. Conversely, mimicking the downregulation of N6amt1 in naive mice erased DNA m 6 A at the Kcnj16 promoter, elevated Kcnj16 expression, and led to neuropathic pain-like behaviors. Therefore, decreased N6amt1 caused by NR2F6 is required for neuropathic pain, likely through its regulation of m 6 A-controlled KCNJ16 in dorsal horn neurons, suggesting that DNA m 6 A modification may be a potential new target for analgesic and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Heng-Jun Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Run-Hang Sun
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ya-Xuan Zhao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kehui Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Runa Wei
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhouya Xue
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yancheng Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, China
| | - Ling-Yun Hao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Li Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qi-Hui Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hong-Jun Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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10
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Berkman T, Li X, Liang Y, Korban A, Bekker A, Tao YX. Systemic administration of NIS-lncRNA antisense oligonucleotide alleviates neuropathic pain. Neurosci Lett 2023; 817:137512. [PMID: 37806431 PMCID: PMC10842954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137512] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) is an FDA-approved strategy in the treatment of neurological diseases. We have shown the viability of using intrathecal ASO to suppress nerve injury-specific long noncoding RNA (NIS-lncRNA) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), resulting in a stable and long-lasting antinociceptive effect on NP. This study examined whether systemic administration of NIS-lncRNA ASO relieved the chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity. METHODS A single subcutaneous injection of NIS-lncRNA ASO at a dose of 1,000 µg was carried out 7 days after CCI or sham surgery in male mice. Behavioral tests were performed one day before surgery and at different days after surgery. DRG and spinal cord were finally collected for quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot assays. RESULTS NIS-lncRNA ASO significantly alleviated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, and cold hyperalgesia starting on day 14 or 21 post-ASO injection and lasting for at least 7 days on the ipsilateral side. Additionally, CCI-induced spontaneous pain and ipsilateral dorsal horn neuronal and astrocyte hyperactivation were blocked on day 28 after NIS-lncRNA ASO injection. As predicted, the CCI-induced increases in the levels of NIS-lncRNA and its downstream target C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 in the ipsilateral lumbar 3 and 4 DRGs were attenuated on day 28 following NIS-lncRNA ASO injection. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that systemic administration of NIS-lncRNA ASO also produces a stable and long-lasting antinociceptive effect on neuropathic pain. NIS-lncRNA ASO may have potential clinical application in the treatment of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Berkman
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark NJ07103, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark NJ07103, USA
| | - Yingping Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark NJ07103, USA
| | - Anna Korban
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark NJ07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark NJ07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark NJ07103, USA; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark NJ07103, USA; Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark NJ07103, USA.
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11
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Li B, Du M, Sun Q, Cao Z, He H. m 6 A demethylase Fto regulates the TNF-α-induced inflammatory response in cementoblasts. Oral Dis 2023; 29:2806-2815. [PMID: 36227651 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14396] [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: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Apical periodontitis is the most frequently occurring pathological lesion. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (Fto) is the first identified RNA N6-methyladenosine demethylase. However, whether Fto regulates apical periodontitis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of Fto in the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced inflammatory response. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established an apical periodontitis model. An immortalized cementoblast cell line (OCCM-30) cells were exposed to TNF-α. Fto, Il6, Mcp1, and Mmp9 expressions were assessed by qRT-PCR. We knocked down Fto using lentiviruses and detected TNF-α-induced inflammation-related gene expressions and mRNA stability. RESULTS Mice with apical periodontitis showed downregulation of Fto expression. OCCM-30 cells exposed to TNF-α showed an upregulation of inflammation-related genes with a decrease in Fto. Furthermore, knockdown of Fto promoted the expressions of Il6, Mcp1, and Mmp9 in TNF-α-treated OCCM-30 cells as compared with negative control cells, whereas it did not affect the mRNA stability. Interestingly, Fto knockdown activated the p65, p38, and ERK1/2 pathways, and it slightly activated the JNK signaling pathway after TNF-α administration in OCCM-30 cells. CONCLUSION A TNF-α-induced decrease in the expression of Fto might play a critical role in the inflammatory response in cementoblasts, and knockdown of Fto might upregulate the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingyuan Du
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiao Sun
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengguo Cao
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong He
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Wu L, Tang H. The role of N6-methyladenosine modification in rodent models of neuropathic pain: from the mechanism to therapeutic potential. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115398. [PMID: 37647691 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115398] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic pain condition resulted from lesions or diseases of somatosensory nervous system, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. A growing body of evidence supports the relationship between pathogenesis and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications of RNA. However, studies on the role of m6A modifications in NP are still at an early stage. Elucidating different etiologies is important for understanding the specific pathogenesis of NP. This article provides a comprehensive review on the role of m6A methylation modifications including methyltransferases ("writers"), demethylases ("erasers"), and m6A binding proteins ("readers") in NP models. Further analysis of the pathogenic mechanism relationship between m6A and NP provided novel theoretical and practical significance for clinical treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wu
- Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China; The First Clinical Medical College of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Hongliang Tang
- Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University Affiliated Fangchenggang Hospital.
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13
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Li C, Xu P, Huang Y, Wang Y, Wu Y, Li H, Peng Y, Wang X, Li G, He J, Miao C. RNA methylations in depression, from pathological mechanism to therapeutic potential. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115750. [PMID: 37595670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115750] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Depression is caused by a variety of factors such as genetic factors, biological factors, and psychosocial factors, and the pathogenesis is complex. RNA methylations and related downstream signaling pathways influence a variety of biological mechanisms, including cell differentiation, tumorigenesis, sex determination, and stress response. In this work, we searched the PubMed, Web of Science, National Library of Science and Technology (NSTL), and ScienceDirect Online (SDOL) databases to summarize the biological roles of RNA methylations and their impact on the pathological mechanisms of depression. RNA methylations play a key role in the development of many diseases, and current research shows that RNA methylations are also closely linked to depression. RNA methylations in depression mainly involve "writers" (mediating the methylation modification process of RNAs), "erasers" (mediating the demethylation modification process of RNA methylation). Fat Mass and Obesity Associated (FTO) influences the development of depression by increasing body mass index (BMI), decreases the dopamine level, inhibits the adrenoceptor beta 2 (ADRB2)-c-Myc-sirt1 pathway, results in the m6A/m6Am dysregulation in brain, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of depression. The study of RNA methylations in depression has further deepened our understanding of the pathogenesis and development process of depression, provides new perspectives for the study of the pathological mechanism of depression, and provides new targets for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yurong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yajie Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanhui Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Guoying Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Juan He
- Department of Gynecology, Anhui Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Chenggui Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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14
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Wang D, Zheng T, Zhou S, Liu M, Liu Y, Gu X, Mao S, Yu B. Promoting axon regeneration by inhibiting RNA N6-methyladenosine demethylase ALKBH5. eLife 2023; 12:e85309. [PMID: 37535403 PMCID: PMC10400074 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85309] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A key limiting factor of successful axon regeneration is the intrinsic regenerative ability in both the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). Previous studies have identified intrinsic regenerative ability regulators that act on gene expression in injured neurons. However, it is less known whether RNA modifications play a role in this process. Here, we systematically screened the functions of all common m6A modification-related enzymes in axon regeneration and report ALKBH5, an evolutionarily conserved RNA m6A demethylase, as a regulator of axonal regeneration in rodents. In PNS, knockdown of ALKBH5 enhanced sensory axonal regeneration, whereas overexpressing ALKBH5 impaired axonal regeneration in an m6A-dependent manner. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 increased the stability of Lpin2 mRNA and thus limited regenerative growth associated lipid metabolism in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Moreover, in CNS, knockdown of ALKBH5 enhanced the survival and axonal regeneration of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury. Together, our results suggest a novel mechanism regulating axon regeneration and point ALKBH5 as a potential target for promoting axon regeneration in both PNS and CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Tiemei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Songlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Mingwen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Yaobo Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University; Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Susu Mao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
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15
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Zhang M, Yang K, Wang QH, Xie L, Liu Q, Wei R, Tao Y, Zheng HL, Lin N, Xu H, Yang L, Wang H, Zhang T, Xue Z, Cao JL, Pan Z. The Cytidine N-Acetyltransferase NAT10 Participates in Peripheral Nerve Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain by Stabilizing SYT9 Expression in Primary Sensory Neurons. J Neurosci 2023; 43:3009-3027. [PMID: 36898834 PMCID: PMC10146489 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2321-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification is increasingly recognized as an important layer of gene regulation; however, the involvement of ac4C in pain regulation has not been studied. Here, we report that N-acetyltransferase 10 protein (NAT10; the only known ac4C "writer") contributes to the induction and development of neuropathic pain in an ac4C-dependent manner. Peripheral nerve injury increases the levels of NAT10 expression and overall ac4C in injured dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). This upregulation is triggered by the activation of upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1), a transcription factor that binds to the Nat10 promoter. Knock-down or genetic deletion of NAT10 in the DRG abolishes the gain of ac4C sites in Syt9 mRNA and the augmentation of SYT9 protein, resulting in a marked antinociceptive effect in nerve-injured male mice. Conversely, mimicking NAT10 upregulation in the absence of injury evokes the elevation of Syt9 ac4C and SYT9 protein and induces the genesis of neuropathic-pain-like behaviors. These findings demonstrate that USF1-governed NAT10 regulates neuropathic pain by targeting Syt9 ac4C in peripheral nociceptive sensory neurons. Our findings establish NAT10 as a critical endogenous initiator of nociceptive behavior and a promising new target for treating neuropathic pain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The cytidine N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), a new epigenetic RNA modification, is crucial for the translation and stability of mRNA, but its role for chronic pain remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) acts as ac4C N-acetyltransferase and plays an important role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. NAT10 was upregulated via the activation of the transcription factor upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1) in the injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after peripheral nerve injury. Since pharmacological or genetic deleting NAT10 in the DRG attenuated the nerve injury-induced nociceptive hypersensitivities partially through suppressing Syt9 mRNA ac4C and stabilizing SYT9 protein level, NAT10 may serve as an effective and novel therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Kehui Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Qi-Hui Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Ling Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Runa Wei
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yang Tao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Hong-Li Zheng
- Department of Pain, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ninghua Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yantai affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Hengjun Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Li Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Tingruo Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Zhouya Xue
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yancheng affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng 224008, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
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16
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Li L, Chen J, Li YQ. The Downregulation of Opioid Receptors and Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065981. [PMID: 36983055 PMCID: PMC10053236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) refers to pain caused by primary or secondary damage or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of 7-10% of the general population. The etiology and pathogenesis of NP are complex; as such, NP has been a hot topic in clinical medicine and basic research for a long time, with researchers aiming to find a cure by studying it. Opioids are the most commonly used painkillers in clinical practice but are regarded as third-line drugs for NP in various guidelines due to the low efficacy caused by the imbalance of opioid receptor internalization and their possible side effects. Therefore, this literature review aims to evaluate the role of the downregulation of opioid receptors in the development of NP from the perspective of dorsal root ganglion, spinal cord, and supraspinal regions. We also discuss the reasons for the poor efficacy of opioids, given the commonness of opioid tolerance caused by NP and/or repeated opioid treatments, an angle that has received little attention to date; in-depth understanding might provide a new method for the treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
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17
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Han G, Li X, Wen CH, Wu S, He L, Tan C, Nivar J, Bekker A, Davidson S, Tao YX. FUS Contributes to Nerve Injury-Induced Nociceptive Hypersensitivity by Activating NF-κB Pathway in Primary Sensory Neurons. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1267-1278. [PMID: 36627209 PMCID: PMC9962786 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2082-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of pain-associated genes in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is considered to be a molecular basis of neuropathic pain genesis. Fused in sarcoma (FUS), a DNA/RNA-binding protein, is a critical regulator of gene expression. However, whether it contributes to neuropathic pain is unknown. This study showed that peripheral nerve injury caused by the fourth lumbar (L4) spinal nerve ligation (SNL) or chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve produced a marked increase in the expression of FUS protein in injured DRG neurons. Blocking this increase through microinjection of the adeno-associated virus (AAV) 5-expressing Fus shRNA into the ipsilateral L4 DRG mitigated the SNL-induced nociceptive hypersensitivities in both male and female mice. This microinjection also alleviated the SNL-induced increases in the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the ipsilateral L4 dorsal horn. Furthermore, mimicking this increase through microinjection of AAV5 expressing full-length Fus mRNA into unilateral L3/4 DRGs produced the elevations in the levels of p-ERK1/2 and GFAP in the dorsal horn, enhanced responses to mechanical, heat and cold stimuli, and induced the spontaneous pain on the ipsilateral side of both male and female mice in the absence of SNL. Mechanistically, the increased FUS activated the NF-κB signaling pathway by promoting the translocation of p65 into the nucleus and phosphorylation of p65 in the nucleus from injured DRG neurons. Our results indicate that DRG FUS contributes to neuropathic pain likely through the activation of NF-κB in primary sensory neurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the present study, we reported that fused in sarcoma (FUS), a DNA/RNA-binding protein, is upregulated in injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) following peripheral nerve injury. This upregulation is responsible for nerve injury-induced translocation of p65 into the nucleus and phosphorylation of p65 in the nucleus from injured DRG neurons. Because blocking this upregulation alleviates nerve injury-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity, DRG FUS participates in neuropathic pain likely through the activation of NF-κB in primary sensory neurons. FUS may be a potential target for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - Chun-Hsien Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - Long He
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - Cynthia Tan
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - John Nivar
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
| | - Steve Davidson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Research Center, and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
- Departments of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103
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18
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Ma S, Xia T, Wang X, Wang H. Identification and validation of biomarkers based on cellular senescence in mild cognitive impairment. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1139789. [PMID: 37187578 PMCID: PMC10176455 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1139789] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a syndrome defined as decline of cognitive function greater than expected for an individual's age and education level, occurs in up to 22.7% of elderly patients in United States, causing the heavy psychological and economic burdens to families and society. Cellular senescence (CS) is a stress response that accompanies permanent cell-cycle arrest, which has been reported to be a fundamental pathological mechanism of many age-related diseases. This study aims to explore biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in MCI based on CS. Methods The mRNA expression profiles of peripheral blood samples from patients in MCI and non-MCI group were download from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database (GSE63060 for training and GSE18309 for external validation), CS-related genes were obtained from CellAge database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to discover the key relationships behind the co-expression modules. The differentially expressed CS-related genes would be obtained through overlapping among the above datasets. Then, pathway and GO enrichment analyses were performed to further elucidate the mechanism of MCI. The protein-protein interaction network was used to extract hub genes and the logistic regression was performed to distinguish the MCI patients from controls. The hub gene-drug network, hub gene-miRNA network as well as transcription factor-gene regulatory network were used to analyze potential therapeutic targets for MCI. Results Eight CS-related genes were identified as key gene signatures in MCI group, which were mainly enriched in the regulation of response to DNA damage stimulus, Sin3 complex and transcription corepressor activity. The receiver operating characteristic curves of logistic regression diagnostic model were constructed and presented great diagnostic value in both training and validation set. Conclusion Eight CS-related hub genes - SMARCA4, GAPDH, SMARCB1, RUNX1, SRC, TRIM28, TXN, and PRPF19 - serve as candidate biomarkers for MCI and display the excellent diagnostic value. Furthermore, we also provide a theoretical basis for targeted therapy against MCI through the above hub genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songmei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of Shangqiu, Shangqiu, Henan, China
| | - Tong Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China
- Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin, China
| | - Haiyun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin, China
- Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Haiyun Wang,
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19
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Lin W, Liu Y, Zhou Y, Lin M, Liu C, Tang Y, Wu B, Lin C. Methyltransferase-like 3 modulates visceral hypersensitivity through regulating the nuclear export of circKcnk9 in YTHDC1-dependent manner. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221144540. [PMID: 36443649 PMCID: PMC9730012 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221144540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence shows that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modulators contribute to the process of chronic pain. However, the exact mechanisms of m6A writers involved in visceral hypersensitivity of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remain unclear. This article aimed to reveal a new mechanism for the progression of IBS. Methods: The IBS-like model was established by neonatal colorectal distention (CRD). The relationship between m6A and circKcnk9 was analyzed by bioinformatics, immunofluorescence and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays. Visceral hypersensitivity was assessed based on the electromyography (EMG) response of the abdominal external oblique muscle to CRD. In vivo and in vitro studies (including EMG stereotactic infusion, Western blot and qRT-PCR) were utilized to explore the biological functions of related indicators. The bioinformatics, RIP experiments and RNA pull-down assays were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. Results: We identified that neonatal CRD increased the level of the m6A via methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in the hippocampal neurons. Subsequently, knockdown of METTL3 could alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-like rats. By contrast, overexpression of METTL3 could induce visceral hypersensitivity and activate hippocampal neurons in control rats. Moreover, YTHDC1, the only m6A-associated protein predicted by bioinformatics to bind to circKcnk9, modulated visceral hypersensitivity through regulating the nuclear export of circKcnk9 in an m6A-dependent manner. Notably, FISH data suggested that the increased nuclear staining of circKcnk9 caused by siYTHDC1 could be recovered by overexpression of YTHDC1 wild type (WT) but not YTHDC1 negative control (NC) in PC12 cells. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a new regulatory mechanism in progress of IBS, that is, METTL3 modulates visceral hypersensitivity through regulating the nuclear export of circKcnk9 in YTHDC1-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lin
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Cancer Research Center Nantong, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yifei Zhou
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mengying Lin
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Congxu Liu
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Ying Tang, Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Bin Wu, Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China.
| | - Chun Lin
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Chun Lin, Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.
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20
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Zhang K, Li P, Jia Y, Liu M, Jiang J. Non-coding RNA and n6-methyladenosine modification play crucial roles in neuropathic pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1002018. [PMID: 36466810 PMCID: PMC9716653 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1002018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
After peripheral nerve injury, pain signals are transmitted from primary sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) to the central nervous system. Epigenetic modification affects neuropathic pain through alterations in the gene expression in pain-related areas and glial cell activation. Recent studies have shown that non-coding RNA and n6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification play pivotal regulatory roles in the occurrence and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Dysregulation of the RNA m6A level via dynamic changes in methyltransferase and demethylase after central or peripheral nerve injury commonly regulates pain-associated genes, contributing to the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain. The dynamic process has significant implications for the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. However, the underlying mechanisms by which non-coding RNA and m6A RNA modification regulate neuropathic pain are not well-characterized. This article elucidates the multiple mechanisms of non-coding RNA and m6A methylation in the context of neuropathic pain, and summarizes its potential functions as well as recent advances.
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21
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Liu D, Fan B, Li J, Sun T, Ma J, Zhou X, Feng S. N6-methyladenosine modification: A potential regulatory mechanism in spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:989637. [PMID: 36212687 PMCID: PMC9539101 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.989637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an essential post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotes, is closely related to the development of pathological processes in neurological diseases. Notably, spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious traumatic disease of the central nervous system, with a complex pathological mechanism which is still not completely understood. Recent studies have found that m6A modification levels are changed after SCI, and m6A-related regulators are involved in the changes of the local spinal cord microenvironment after injury. However, research on the role of m6A modification in SCI is still in the early stages. This review discusses the latest progress in the dynamic regulation of m6A modification, including methyltransferases (“writers”), demethylases (“erasers”) and m6A -binding proteins (“readers”). And then analyses the pathological mechanism relationship between m6A and the microenvironment after SCI. The biological processes involved included cell death, axon regeneration, and scar formation, which provides new insight for future research on the role of m6A modification in SCI and the clinical transformation of strategies for promoting recovery of spinal cord function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Baoyou Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinze Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianhu Zhou
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Xianhu Zhou,
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Shiqing Feng,
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22
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Bai X, Huang Y, Huang W, Zhang Y, Zhang K, Li Y, Ouyang H. Wnt3a/YTHDF1 Regulated Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain Via TNF-α/IL-18 Expression in the Spinal Cord. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2022; 43:1583-1594. [PMID: 35939138 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01267-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Oxaliplatin is widely used in cancer treatment, however, many patients will suffer from neuropathic pain (NP) induced by it at the same time. Therefore exploring the mechanism and founding novel target for this problem are needed. In this study, YTHDF1 showed upregulation in oxaliplatin treated mice. As m6A is known as conserved and it widely functions in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Therefore, we focused on exploring the molecular mechanism of whether and how YTHDF1 functions in NP induced by oxaliplatin. IHC and western blotting were conducted to measure proteins. Intrathecal injection for corresponding siRNAs in C57/BL6 mice or spinal microinjection for virus in YTHDF1flox/flox mice were applied to specially knockdown the expression of molecular. Von Frey, acetone test and ethyl chloride (EC) test were applied to evaluate NP behavior. YTHDF1, Wnt3a, TNF-α and IL-18 were increased in oxaliplatin treated mice, restricted the molecular mentioned above respectively can significantly attenuate oxaliplatin-induced NP, including the mechanical allodynia and cold allodynia. Silencing YTHDF1 and inhibiting Wnt3a and Wnt signaling pathways can reduce the enhancement of TNF-α and IL-18, and the decreasing of the upregulation of YTHDF1 can be found when inhibiting Wnt3a and Wnts signaling pathways in oxaliplatin treated mice. Our study indicated a novel pathway that can contribute to oxaliplatin-induced NP, the Wnt3a/YTHDF1 to cytokine pathway, which upregulating YTHDF1 functioned as the downstream of Wnt3a signal and promoted the translation of TNF-α and IL-18 in oxaliplatin treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongtian Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wan Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingjun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Handong Ouyang
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, China.
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23
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Li Y, Kang J, Xu Y, Li N, Jiao Y, Wang C, Wang C, Wang G, Yu Y, Yuan J, Zhang L. Artesunate Alleviates Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice by Decreasing Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Activity and Neuroinflammation in Primary Sensory Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:902572. [PMID: 35694442 PMCID: PMC9184756 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.902572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies on the pathogenetic process of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain (PINP) have been initially carried out, but PINP still has no effective therapy. Recently reported studies have highlighted the involvement of glutamate receptors and neuroinflammation in peripheral and central nociceptive transmission in PINP. Artesunate is a first-line antimalarial drug with established efficacy in alleviating pain in a variety of pathologies. The current work assessed whether artesunate inhibits PINP by modulating metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) and neuroinflammation in mice. The anti-hyperalgesic effect of artesunate was verified by assessing mechanical frequency and thermal latency in the paw withdrawal test as well as spontaneous pain. The expression levels of mGluR5, pain-related receptors and neuroinflammatory markers in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were examined. In addition, treatment with CHPG and 2-methyl-6-(phenyl ethynyl) pyridine (MPEP) (mGluR5 agonist and antagonist, respectively) was performed to determine mGluR5’s role in the anti-hyperalgesic properties of artesunate. We demonstrated artesunate prevented PINP in a dose-dependent manner, while exerting a clear anti-hyperalgesic effect on already existing PINP. Artesunate normalized paclitaxel-related expression changes in DRG mGluR5, NR1, and GluA2, as well as six paclitaxel related neuroinflammation markers. Intrathecal application of MPEP treated PINP by reversing NR1 and GluA2 expression changes but had no effects on chemokines and inflammatory factors. Furthermore, artesunate treatment reversed acute pain following CHPG application. In conclusion, this study revealed that artesunate alleviates paclitaxel-induced hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain by decreasing DRG mGluR5 expression and neuroinflammation in the mouse model of PINP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yize Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiamin Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenxu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guolin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingjing Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jingjing Yuan,
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Linlin Zhang,
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24
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Xu T, Liu CC, Xin WJ. The Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in Chronic Pain in Rodents: A Mini- Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1011-1021. [PMID: 34561983 PMCID: PMC9886825 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210924104757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a common distressing neurological disorder and about 30% of the global population suffers from it. In addition to being highly prevalent, chronic pain causes a heavy economic and social burden. Although substantial progress has been achieved to dissect the underlying mechanism of chronic pain in the past few decades, the incidence and treatment of this neurological illness is yet not properly managed in clinical practice. While nerve injury-, chemotherapy- or inflammation-induced functional regulation of gene expression in the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord are extensively reported to be involved in the pathogenic process of chronic pain, the specific mechanism of these altered transcriptional profile still remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA/RNA methylation, histone modification and circular RNAs regulation, are involved in the occurrence and development of chronic pain. In this review, we provide a description of research on the role of epigenetic mechanism in chronic pain, summarize the latest clinical and preclinical advance in this field, and propose the potential directions for further research to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; ,These authors contributed equally.
| | - Cui-Cui Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China,These authors contributed equally.
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; ,Address correspondence to this author at the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, China; E-mail:
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25
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Wang XL, Wei X, Yuan JJ, Mao YY, Wang ZY, Xing N, Gu HW, Lin CH, Wang WT, Zhang W, Xing F. Downregulation of Fat Mass and Obesity-Related Protein in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex Participates in Anxiety- and Depression-Like Behaviors Induced by Neuropathic Pain. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:884296. [PMID: 35634463 PMCID: PMC9133794 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.884296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant methylation modification on mRNA in mammals. Fat mass and obesity-related protein (FTO) is the main RNA m6A demethylase. FTO is involved in the occurrence and maintenance of neuropathic pain (NP). NP often induces mental disorders. We found that NP downregulated the expression of FTO in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the ACC, maladjusted the brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor (proBDNF) and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) levels in the ACC, and induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice. Blocking the downregulation of FTO in the ACC induced by peripheral nerve injury could reverse the anxiety- and depression-like behaviors of mice. Contrarily, downregulation of simulated FTO induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice. After peripheral nerve injury, the binding of FTO to MMP-9 mRNA decreased and the enrichment of m6A on MMP-9 mRNA increased. In conclusion, downregulation of FTO in ACC by regulating MMP-9 mRNA methylation level contributes to the occurrence of anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in NP mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ling Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing-Jing Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Yu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Na Xing
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Han-Wen Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cai-Hong Lin
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen-Ting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, China
- Wei Zhang,
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Xing,
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26
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Zhang L, Zhao X, Wang J, Jin Y, Gong M, Ye Y, Li P. METTL3 suppresses neuropathic pain via modulating N6-methyladenosine-dependent primary miR-150 processing. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:80. [PMID: 35210391 PMCID: PMC8873433 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00880-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)-modulated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) was recently identified as an important epigenetic regulation type during RNA processing and contributes to multiple pathological processes. Neuropathic pain (NP) is induced by a lesion of the somatosensory nervous system, and the detailed pathways by which METTL3/m6A regulated to modulate gene dysregulation and enable NP have remained unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the function of METTL3-mediated m6A methylation on miRNA maturation, and investigated how this regulation contributes to NP progression. A rat model characterized with typical NP was established by a spared nerve-injury (SNI) method. By analyzing the expression levels of METTL3 and m6A methylation, we found that METTL3, along with m6A methylation, was dramatically downregulated in NP rats in contrast to the sham ones. Functionally, enhanced METTL3 promoted the m6A methylation in total RNAs and inhibited NP progression, whereas silencing METTL3 suppressed m6A methylation and increased NP severity. Mechanistically, METTL3 accelerated miR-150 maturation via mediating m6A methylation of primiR-150 at locus 498, cooperating with the “m6A reader” YTHDF2. Meanwhile, miR-150 could directly target brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA, and the METTL3/miR-150/BDNF regulatory pathway was finally established. Clinically, we proved that serum METTL3 mRNA was also downregulated in Shingles patients with NP, suggesting its diagnostic potential. In conclusion, we demonstrated an essential function of METTL3-regulated N6-methyladenosine during NP progression via modulating primiR-150 maturation. Serum METTL3 could effectively differentiate NP patients from healthy people, and is useful for dynamic monitoring of diseases after treatment. Therefore, the METTL3/miR-150/BDNF pathway may be a promising therapeutic target for NP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanwu Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Moxuan Gong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuyang Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong Province, China
| | - Peilong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong Province, China.
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27
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He L, Cao J, Jiang BC, Yang JJ, Tao YX, Ai Y. C/EBPβ Participates in Nerve Trauma-Induced TLR7 Upregulation in Primary Sensory Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2629-2641. [PMID: 35141864 PMCID: PMC9016012 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02763-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Nerve trauma-induced toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) expression level increases in primary sensory neurons in injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) avails to neuropathic pain, but the reason is still unknown. In the current study, we showed that unilateral lumbar 4 (L4) spinal nerve ligation (SNL) upregulated CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBPβ) expression in ipsilateral L4 DRG. Preventing this elevation attenuated the SNL-induced upregulation of TLR7 in the ipsilateral L4 DRG and inhibited cold/thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. In injected DRG, mimicking nerve trauma-induced C/EBPβ upregulation increased TLR7 levels, augmented responses to cold/thermal/mechanical stimuli, and caused ipsilateral spontaneous pain with no SNL. Mechanistically, SNL upregulated binding of increased C/EBPβ to Tlr7 promoter in ipsilateral L4 DRG. Accorded that C/EBPβ could trigger the activation of Tlr7 promoter and co-expressed with Tlr7 mRNA in individual DRG neurons, our findings strongly suggest the role of C/EBPβ in nerve trauma-mediated TLR7 upregulation in injured primary sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Bao-Chun Jiang
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Jun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yanqiu Ai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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28
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Mondal A, Bhattacharya A, Singh V, Pandita S, Bacolla A, Pandita RK, Tainer JA, Ramos KS, Pandita TK, Das C. Stress Responses as Master Keys to Epigenomic Changes in Transcriptome and Metabolome for Cancer Etiology and Therapeutics. Mol Cell Biol 2022; 42:e0048321. [PMID: 34748401 PMCID: PMC8773053 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00483-21] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
From initiation through progression, cancer cells are subjected to a magnitude of endogenous and exogenous stresses, which aid in their neoplastic transformation. Exposure to these classes of stress induces imbalance in cellular homeostasis and, in response, cancer cells employ informative adaptive mechanisms to rebalance biochemical processes that facilitate survival and maintain their existence. Different kinds of stress stimuli trigger epigenetic alterations in cancer cells, which leads to changes in their transcriptome and metabolome, ultimately resulting in suppression of growth inhibition or induction of apoptosis. Whether cancer cells show a protective response to stress or succumb to cell death depends on the type of stress and duration of exposure. A thorough understanding of epigenetic and molecular architecture of cancer cell stress response pathways can unveil a plethora of information required to develop novel anticancer therapeutics. The present view highlights current knowledge about alterations in epigenome and transcriptome of cancer cells as a consequence of exposure to different physicochemical stressful stimuli such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), hypoxia, radiation, hyperthermia, genotoxic agents, and nutrient deprivation. Currently, an anticancer treatment scenario involving the imposition of stress to target cancer cells is gaining traction to augment or even replace conventional therapeutic regimens. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of stress response pathways is crucial for devising and implementing novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atanu Mondal
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
- Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Apoorva Bhattacharya
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
| | - Vipin Singh
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
- Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Shruti Pandita
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Albino Bacolla
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Raj K. Pandita
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John A. Tainer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kenneth S. Ramos
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tej K. Pandita
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chandrima Das
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, India
- Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, India
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Jiang XW, Yu WH, Wang Y, Xiong ZL, Ma XL, Zhou C, Huo MH. Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid promotes sciatic nerve repair after injury: molecular mechanism. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2778-2784. [PMID: 35662229 PMCID: PMC9165397 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.339494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), the active ingredient in the natural Chinese medicine Boswellia, can stimulate sciatic nerve injury repair via promoting Schwann cell proliferation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we performed genomic sequencing in a rat model of sciatic nerve crush injury after gastric AKBA administration for 30 days. We found that the phagosome pathway was related to AKBA treatment, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the neurotrophic factor signaling pathway was also highly up-regulated. We further investigated gene and protein expression changes in the phagosome pathway and neurotrophic factor signaling pathway. Myeloperoxidase expression in the phagosome pathway was markedly decreased, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and nerve growth factor receptor expression levels in the neurotrophic factor signaling pathway were greatly increased. Additionally, expression levels of the inflammatory factors CD68, interleukin-1β, pro-interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α were also decreased. Myelin basic protein- and β3-tubulin-positive expression as well as the axon diameter-to-total nerve diameter ratio in the injured sciatic nerve were also increased. These findings suggest that, at the molecular level, AKBA can increase neurotrophic factor expression through inhibiting myeloperoxidase expression and reducing inflammatory reactions, which could promote myelin sheath and axon regeneration in the injured sciatic nerve.
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30
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Guo X, Zhang G, Cai W, Huang F, Qin J, Song X. Long non-coding RNA rhabdomyosarcoma 2-associated transcript contributes to neuropathic pain by recruiting HuR to stabilize DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha mRNA expression in dorsal root ganglion neuron. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1027063. [PMID: 36911851 PMCID: PMC9992530 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1027063] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as key regulators in multiple human diseases. In particular, the dysfunction of lncRNAs in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain (NP). Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of most lncRNAs in NP remain unclear. Methods Two classic chronic NP models, including L4 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model and chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, were performed. Mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia were used to evaluate neuropathic pain. DRG microinjection was used to deliver agents into DRG. qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, western blotting, siRNA transfection, AAV transduction were performed to investigate the phenotypes and molecular basis. Results Here, we discovered that Rmst as a lncRNA was specifically expressed in Atf3 + injured DRG neurons and significantly upregulated following peripheral nerve damage. Rmst overexpression by direct DRG injection of AAV5-Rmst causes neuropathic symptoms in the absence of nerve damage. Conversely, blocking Rmst expression in injured DRGs alleviated nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities and downregulated Dnmt3a expression. Furthermore, we found peripheral nerve damage induced Rmst increase could interact with RNA-binding protein HuR to stabilize the Dnmt3a mRNA. Conclusion Our findings reveal a crucial role of Rmst in damaged DRG neurons under NP condition and provide a novel target for drug development against NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaolong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Cai
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fa Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingrong Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, China
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31
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Dubey PK, Patil M, Singh S, Dubey S, Ahuja P, Verma SK, Krishnamurthy P. Increased m6A-RNA methylation and FTO suppression is associated with myocardial inflammation and dysfunction during endotoxemia in mice. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:129-141. [PMID: 34581943 PMCID: PMC8758538 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Endotoxemia triggers life-threatening immune and cardiovascular response that leads to tissue damage, multi-organ failure, and death. The understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms is still evolving. N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-RNA modification plays key regulatory role in numerous biological processes. However, it remains unclear whether endotoxemia alters RNA methylation in the myocardium. In the current study, we investigated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia on m6A-RNA methylation and its implications on myocardial inflammation and left ventricular (LV) function. Following LPS administration, mice showed increases in m6A-RNA methylation in the myocardium with a corresponding decrease in the expression of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO, an m6A eraser/demethylase). The changes were associated with a significant increase in expression of myocardial inflammatory cytokine genes, such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and reduced LV function. Moreover, rat cardiomyoblasts (H9c2) exposed to LPS showed similar changes (with increase in m6A-RNA methylation and inflammatory cytokine genes, whereas downregulation of FTO). Furthermore, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay showed hypermethylation and increase in the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α genes in LPS-treated H9c2 cells as compared to untreated cells. Interestingly, FTO knockdown in cardiomyocytes mimicked the above effects. Taken together, these data suggest that endotoxemia-induced m6A methylation might play a critical role in expression of cardiac proinflammatory cytokines, and modulation of m6A methylation might limit myocardial inflammation and dysfunction during endotoxemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen K Dubey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Mallikarjun Patil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Sarojini Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Shubham Dubey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Paras Ahuja
- Science and Technology Honors College, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Suresh Kumar Verma
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Prasanna Krishnamurthy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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32
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Li X, Tao YX. Intrathecal administration of the fat-mass and obesity-associated protein inhibitor mitigates neuropathic pain in female rats. TRANSLATIONAL PERIOPERATIVE AND PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 9:478-487. [PMID: 36545239 PMCID: PMC9764434 DOI: 10.31480/2330-4871/163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Several intracellular signals are involved in the sexual dimorphism of chronic pain. Our previous studies demonstrated that the fat-mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), a demethylase of RNA N6-methyladenosine, in the injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributed to the development and maintenance of nerve injury-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity in male rats and male mice. However, whether these effects of DRG FTO are in a sex-dependent manner is still unknown. The present study sought to investigate the effect of intrathecal administration of a specific FTO inhibitor, meclofenamic acid (MA), on chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity in female rats. Intrathecal injection of MA attenuated the CCI-induced mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, and cold hyperalgesia in both the induction and maintenance periods, without changing acute/basal pain and locomotor function, in female rats. Intrathecal MA also blocked the CCI-induced hyperactivations of neurons and astrocytes in the ipsilateral L4 and L5 dorsal horns of female rats. Mechanistically, intrathecal MA prevented the CCI-induced increase in the histone methyltransferase G9a expression and reversed the G9a-controlled downregulation of mu-opioid receptor and Kv1.2 proteins in the ipsilateral L4 and L5 DRGs of female rats. These findings indicate that the effects of the FTO inhibitor on nerve injury-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity in female rats are similar to those in male rats reported previously. Our data also further confirm the role of DRG FTO in neuropathic pain and suggest potential clinical application of the FTO inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of this disorder in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ07103, USA,Departments of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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33
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Ma L, Yu L, Jiang BC, Wang J, Guo X, Huang Y, Ren J, Sun N, Gao DS, Ding H, Lu J, Zhou H, Zou L, Gao Y, Wang L, Sun K, Ming Y, Meng Z, Tao YX, Yan M. ZNF382 controls mouse neuropathic pain via silencer-based epigenetic inhibition of Cxcl13 in DRG neurons. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20210920. [PMID: 34762123 PMCID: PMC8590274 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20210920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve injury-induced changes of gene expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) are critical for neuropathic pain genesis. However, how these changes occur remains elusive. Here we report the down-regulation of zinc finger protein 382 (ZNF382) in injured DRG neurons after nerve injury. Rescuing this down-regulation attenuates nociceptive hypersensitivity. Conversely, mimicking this down-regulation produces neuropathic pain symptoms, which are alleviated by C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13) knockdown or its receptor CXCR5 knockout. Mechanistically, an identified cis-acting silencer at distal upstream of the Cxcl13 promoter suppresses Cxcl13 transcription via binding to ZNF382. Blocking this binding or genetically deleting this silencer abolishes the ZNF382 suppression on Cxcl13 transcription and impairs ZNF382-induced antinociception. Moreover, ZNF382 down-regulation disrupts the repressive epigenetic complex containing histone deacetylase 1 and SET domain bifurcated 1 at the silencer-promoter loop, resulting in Cxcl13 transcriptional activation. Thus, ZNF382 down-regulation is required for neuropathic pain likely through silencer-based epigenetic disinhibition of CXCL13, a key neuropathic pain player, in DRG neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bao-Chun Jiang
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingkai Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinying Guo
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yangyuxin Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinxuan Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Na Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dave Schwinn Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianan Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lijing Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lieju Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Ming
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhipeng Meng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - Min Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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34
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common symptom in many diseases of the somatosensory
nervous system, which severely affects the patient’s quality of life.
Epigenetics are heritable alterations in gene expression that do not cause
permanent changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications can affect gene
expression and function and can also mediate crosstalk between genes and the
environment. Increasing evidence shows that epigenetic modifications, including
DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, and RNA modification, are
involved in the development and maintenance of NP. In this review, we focus on
the current knowledge of epigenetic modifications in the development and
maintenance of NP. Then, we illustrate different facets of epigenetic
modifications that regulate gene expression and their crosstalk. Finally, we
discuss the burgeoning evidence supporting the potential of emerging epigenetic
therapies, which has been valuable in understanding mechanisms and offers novel
and potent targets for NP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danzhi Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of
Foshan, Foshan, China
- Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun
Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of
Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Simin Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuhu Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guiling Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinshu Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Jun Zhou, Department of Anesthesiology, The
Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630,
China.
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Sun N, Yu L, Gao Y, Ma L, Ren J, Liu Y, Gao DS, Xie C, Wu Y, Wang L, Hong J, Yan M. MeCP2 Epigenetic Silencing of Oprm1 Gene in Primary Sensory Neurons Under Neuropathic Pain Conditions. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:743207. [PMID: 34803588 PMCID: PMC8602696 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.743207] [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: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are the last option for the pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain, but their antinociceptive effects are limited. Decreased mu opioid receptor (MOR) expression in the peripheral nervous system may contribute to this. Here, we showed that nerve injury induced hypermethylation of the Oprm1 gene promoter and an increased expression of methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) in injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The downregulation of MOR in the DRG is closely related to the augmentation of MeCP2, an epigenetic repressor, which could recruit HDAC1 and bind to the methylated regions of the Oprm1 gene promoter. MeCP2 knockdown restored the expression of MOR in injured DRG and enhanced the analgesic effect of morphine, while the mimicking of this increase via the intrathecal infusion of viral vector-mediated MeCP2 was sufficient to reduce MOR in the DRG. Moreover, HDAC1 inhibition with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, an HDAC inhibitor, also prevented MOR reduction in the DRG of neuropathic pain mice, contributing to the augmentation of morphine analgesia effects. Mechanistically, upregulated MeCP2 promotes the binding of a high level of HDCA1 to hypermethylated regions of the Oprm1 gene promoter, reduces the acetylation of histone H3 (acH3) levels of the Oprm1 gene promoter, and attenuates Oprm1 transcription in injured DRG. Thus, upregulated MeCP2 and HDAC1 in Oprm1 gene promoter sites, negatively regulates MOR expression in injured DRG, mitigating the analgesic effect of the opioids. Targeting MeCP2/HDAC1 may thus provide a new solution for improving the therapeutic effect of opioids in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longfei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinxuan Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dave Schwinn Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lieju Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juncong Hong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yuhang First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Li L, Bai L, Yang K, Zhang J, Gao Y, Jiang M, Yang Y, Zhang X, Wang L, Wang X, Qiao Y, Xu JT. KDM6B epigenetically regulated-interleukin-6 expression in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal dorsal horn contributes to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury in male rats. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 98:265-282. [PMID: 34464689 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.08.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The lysine specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B) has been implicated as a coregulator in the expression of proinflammatory mediators, and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and arthritic pain. However, the role of KDM6B in neuropathic pain has yet to be studied. In the current study, the neuropathic pain was determined by assessing the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) following lumbar 5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in male rats. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR assays were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that SNL led to a significant increase in KDM6B mRNA and protein in the ipsilateral L4/5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal dorsal horn; and this increase correlated a markedly reduction in the level of H3K27me3 methylation in the same tissue. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that the KDM6B expressed in myelinated A- and unmyelinated C-fibers in the DRG; and located in neuronal cells, astrocytes, and microglia in the dorsal horn. Behavioral data showed that SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were impaired by the treatment of prior to i.t. injection of GSK-J4, a specific inhibitor of KDM6B, or KDM6B siRNA. Both microinjection of AAV2-EGFP-KDM6B shRNA in the lumbar 5 dorsal horn and sciatic nerve, separately, alleviated the neuropathic pain following SNL. The established neuropathic pain was also partially attenuated by repeat i.t. injections of GSK-J4 or KDM6B siRNA, started on day 7 after SNL. SNL also resulted in a remarkable increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the DRG and dorsal horn. But this increase was dramatically inhibited by i.t. injection of GSK-J4 and KDM6B siRNA; and suppressed by prior to microinjection of AAV2-EGFP-KDM6B shRNA in the dorsal horn and sciatic nerve. Results of ChIP-PCR assay showed that SNL-induced enhanced binding of STAT3 with IL-6 promoter was inhibited by prior to i.t. injection of GSK-J4. Meanwhile, the level of H3K27me3 methylation was also decreased by the treatment. Together, our results indicate that SNL-induced upregulation of KDM6B via demethylating H3K27me3 facilitates the binding of STAT3 with IL-6 promoter, and subsequently mediated-increase in the expression of IL-6 in the DRG and dorsal horn contributes to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Targeting KDM6B might a promising therapeutic strategy to treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liren Li
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Liying Bai
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Kangli Yang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mingjun Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yin Yang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xueli Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yiming Qiao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ji-Tian Xu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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Wei W, Liu W, Du S, Govindarajalu G, Irungu A, Bekker A, Tao YX. A Compound Mitigates Cancer Pain and Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain by Dually Targeting nNOS-PSD-95 Interaction and GABA A Receptor. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2436-2448. [PMID: 34796458 PMCID: PMC8804143 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01158-8] [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] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic bone pain and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain are the most common clinical symptoms in cancer patients. The current clinical management of these two disorders is ineffective and/or produces severe side effects. The present study employed a dual-target compound named as ZL006-05 and examined the effect of systemic administration of ZL006-05 on RM-1-induced bone cancer pain and paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Intravenous injection of ZL006-05 dose-dependently alleviated RM-1-induced mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, cold hyperalgesia, and spontaneously ongoing nociceptive responses during both induction and maintenance periods, without analgesic tolerance, affecting basal/acute pain and locomotor function. Similar behavioral results were observed in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. This injection also decreased neuronal and astrocyte hyperactivities in the lumbar dorsal horn after RM-1 tibial inoculation or paclitaxel intraperitoneal injection. Mechanistically, intravenous injection of ZL006-05 potentiated the GABAA receptor agonist-evoked currents in the neurons of the dorsal horn and anterior cingulate cortex and also blocked the paclitaxel-induced increase in postsynaptic density-95-neuronal nitric oxide synthase interaction in dorsal horn. Our findings strongly suggest that ZL006-05 may be a new candidate for the management of cancer pain and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Weili Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Gokulapriya Govindarajalu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Antony Irungu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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Zhang L, Hao D, Ma P, Ma B, Qin J, Tian G, Liu Z, Zhou X. Epitranscriptomic Analysis of m6A Methylome After Peripheral Nerve Injury. Front Genet 2021; 12:686000. [PMID: 34306026 PMCID: PMC8301379 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.686000] [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: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most plentiful internal RNA modifications, especially in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), which plays pivotal roles in the regulation of mRNA life cycle and nerve development. However, the mRNA m6A methylation pattern in peripheral nervous injury (PNI) has not been investigated. In this study, sciatic nerve samples were collected from 7 days after sciatic nerve injury (SNI) and control rats. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that m6A-related methyltransferase/demethylase genes were remarkably upregulated in SNI group compared with control group. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) was performed to reveal the m6A methylation landscape. The results showed that 4,014 m6A peaks were significantly altered, including 2,144 upregulated and 1,870 downregulated m6A peaks, which were corresponded to 1,858 genes. Moreover, 919 differentially expressed genes were identified by the conjoint analysis of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq. GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed to determine the biological functions and signaling pathways of the m6A-modified genes. Notably, these genes were mainly related to the immune system process, cell activation, and nervous system development in GO analysis. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that these genes were involved in the cell cycle, B cell receptor signaling pathway, axon guidance pathway, and calcium signaling pathway. Furthermore, the m6A methylation and protein expression levels of autophagy-related gene (Atg7) were increased, together with the activation of autophagy. These findings shed some light on the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, which may provide a new opinion to promote functional recovery after PNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dingyu Hao
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Pengyi Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Boyuan Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Qin
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangyuan Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zihao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianhu Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Pan Z, Du S, Wang K, Guo X, Mao Q, Feng X, Huang L, Wu S, Hou B, Chang Y, Liu T, Chen T, Li H, Bachmann T, Bekker A, Hu H, Tao Y. Downregulation of a Dorsal Root Ganglion-Specifically Enriched Long Noncoding RNA is Required for Neuropathic Pain by Negatively Regulating RALY-Triggered Ehmt2 Expression. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2004515. [PMID: 34383386 PMCID: PMC8356248 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Nerve injury-induced maladaptive changes of gene expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons contribute to neuropathic pain. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators of gene expression. Here, a conserved lncRNA is reported, named DRG-specifically enriched lncRNA (DS-lncRNA) for its high expression in DRG neurons. Peripheral nerve injury downregulates DS-lncRNA in injured DRG due, in part, to silencing of POU domain, class 4, transcription factor 3, a transcription factor that interacts with the DS-lncRNA gene promoter. Rescuing DS-lncRNA downregulation blocks nerve injury-induced increases in the transcriptional cofactor RALY-triggered DRG Ehmt2 mRNA and its encoding G9a protein, reverses the G9a-controlled downregulation of opioid receptors and Kcna2 in injured DRG, and attenuates nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities in male mice. Conversely, DS-lncRNA downregulation increases RALY-triggered Ehmt2/G9a expression and correspondingly decreases opioid receptor and Kcna2 expression in DRG, leading to neuropathic pain symptoms in male mice in the absence of nerve injury. Mechanistically, downregulated DS-lncRNA promotes more binding of increased RALY to RNA polymerase II and the Ehmt2 gene promoter and enhances Ehmt2 transcription in injured DRG. Thus, downregulation of DS-lncRNA likely contributes to neuropathic pain by negatively regulating the expression of RALY-triggered Ehmt2/G9a, a key neuropathic pain player, in DRG neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Pan
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Qingxiang Mao
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Xiaozhou Feng
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Lina Huang
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Bailing Hou
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Yun‐Juan Chang
- The Office of Advanced Research ComputingRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Tong Liu
- Center for Advanced Proteomics ResearchDepartments of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Tong Chen
- Center for Advanced Proteomics ResearchDepartments of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Advanced Proteomics ResearchDepartments of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Thomas Bachmann
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Huijuan Hu
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Yuan‐Xiang Tao
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular MedicineNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
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Zheng BX, Guo X, Albik S, Eloy J, Tao YX. Effect of Pharmacological Inhibition of Fat-Mass and Obesity-Associated Protein on Nerve Trauma-Induced Pain Hypersensitivities. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1995-2007. [PMID: 33829413 PMCID: PMC8608999 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01053-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic knockout or knockdown of fat-mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), a demethylase that participates in RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG), has been demonstrated to alleviate nerve trauma-induced nociceptive hypersensitivities. However, these genetic strategies are still impractical in clinical neuropathic pain management. The present study sought to examine the effect of intrathecal administration of two specific FTO inhibitors, meclofenamic acid (MA) and N-CDPCB, on the development and maintenance of nociceptive hypersensitivities caused by unilateral L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats. Intrathecal injection of either MA or N-CDPCB diminished dose-dependently the SNL-induced mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, cold hyperalgesia, and spontaneous ongoing nociceptive responses in both development and maintenance periods, without altering acute/basal pain and locomotor function. Intrathecal MA also reduced the SNL-induced neuronal and astrocyte hyperactivities in the ipsilateral L5 dorsal horn. Mechanistically, intrathecal injection of these two inhibitors blocked the SNL-induced increase in the histone methyltransferase G9a expression and rescued the G9a-controlled downregulation of mu opioid receptor and Kv1.2 proteins in the ipsilateral L5 DRG. These findings further indicate the role of DRG FTO in neuropathic pain and suggest potential clinical application of the FTO inhibitors for management of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Xin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Sfian Albik
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jean Eloy
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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Albik S, Tao YX. Emerging role of RNA m6A modification in chronic pain. Pain 2021; 162:1897-1898. [PMID: 33675633 PMCID: PMC8205953 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sfian Albik
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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Methyltransferase-like 3 contributes to inflammatory pain by targeting TET1 in YTHDF2-dependent manner. Pain 2021; 162:1960-1976. [PMID: 34130310 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The methyltransferase-like 3 (Mettl3) is a key component of the large N6-adenosine-methyltransferase complex in mammalian responsible for RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, which plays an important role in gene post-transcription modulation. Although RNA m6A is enriched in mammalian neurons, its regulatory function in nociceptive information processing remains elusive. Here, we reported that Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain significantly decreased global m6A level and m6A writer Mettl3 in the spinal cord. Mimicking this decease by knocking down or conditionally deleting spinal Mettl3 elevated the levels of m6A in ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases 1 (Tet1) mRNA and TET1 protein in the spinal cord, leading to production of pain hypersensitivity. By contrast, overexpressing Mettl3 reversed a loss of m6A in Tet1 mRNA and blocked the CFA-induced increase of TET1 in the spinal cord, resulting in the attenuation of pain behavior. Furthermore, the decreased level of spinal YT521-B homology domain family protein 2 (YTHDF2), an RNA m6A reader, stabilized upregulation of spinal TET1 because of the reduction of Tet1 mRNA decay by the binding to m6A in Tet1 mRNA in the spinal cord after CFA. This study reveals a novel mechanism for downregulated spinal cord METTL3 coordinating with YTHDF2 contributes to the modulation of inflammatory pain through stabilizing upregulation of TET1 in spinal neurons.
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Fu G, Du S, Huang T, Cao M, Feng X, Wu S, Albik S, Bekker A, Tao YX. FTO (Fat-Mass and Obesity-Associated Protein) Participates in Hemorrhage-Induced Thalamic Pain by Stabilizing Toll-Like Receptor 4 Expression in Thalamic Neurons. Stroke 2021; 52:2393-2403. [PMID: 34102854 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.034173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganglan Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.F., S.D., T.H., M.C., X.F., S.W., S.A., A.B., Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark.,Now with Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China (G.F., M.C.)
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.F., S.D., T.H., M.C., X.F., S.W., S.A., A.B., Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark
| | - Tianfeng Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.F., S.D., T.H., M.C., X.F., S.W., S.A., A.B., Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark
| | - Minghui Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.F., S.D., T.H., M.C., X.F., S.W., S.A., A.B., Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark.,Now with Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China (G.F., M.C.)
| | - Xiaozhou Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.F., S.D., T.H., M.C., X.F., S.W., S.A., A.B., Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.F., S.D., T.H., M.C., X.F., S.W., S.A., A.B., Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark
| | - Sfian Albik
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.F., S.D., T.H., M.C., X.F., S.W., S.A., A.B., Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.F., S.D., T.H., M.C., X.F., S.W., S.A., A.B., Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.F., S.D., T.H., M.C., X.F., S.W., S.A., A.B., Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark.,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience (Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark.,Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine (Y.X.T.), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark
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Yu J, She Y, Ji SJ. m 6A Modification in Mammalian Nervous System Development, Functions, Disorders, and Injuries. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:679662. [PMID: 34113622 PMCID: PMC8185210 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.679662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, as the most prevalent internal modification on mRNA, has been implicated in many biological processes through regulating mRNA metabolism. Given that m6A modification is highly enriched in the mammalian brain, this dynamic modification provides a crucial new layer of epitranscriptomic regulation of the nervous system. Here, in this review, we summarize the recent progress on studies of m6A modification in the mammalian nervous system ranging from neuronal development to basic and advanced brain functions. We also highlight the detailed underlying mechanisms in each process mediated by m6A writers, erasers, and readers. Besides, the involvement of dysregulated m6A modification in neurological disorders and injuries is discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Brain Research Center, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,SUSTech-HKU Joint Ph.D. Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanchu She
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Brain Research Center, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng-Jian Ji
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Brain Research Center, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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Deng SY, Tang XC, Chang YC, Xu ZZ, Chen QY, Cao N, Kong LJY, Wang Y, Ma KT, Li L, Si JQ. Improving NKCC1 Function Increases the Excitability of DRG Neurons Exacerbating Pain Induced After TRPV1 Activation of Primary Sensory Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:665596. [PMID: 34113239 PMCID: PMC8185156 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.665596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Our aim was to investigate the effects of the protein expression and the function of sodium, potassium, and chloride co-transporter (NKCC1) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1) in capsaicin-induced acute inflammatory pain and the possible mechanism of action. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, capsaicin, and inhibitor groups. The expression and distribution of TRPV1 and NKCC1 in rat DRG were observed by immunofluorescence. Thermal radiation and acetone test were used to detect the pain threshold of heat and cold noxious stimulation in each group. The expressions of NKCC1 mRNA, NKCC1 protein, and p-NKCC1 in the DRG were detected by PCR and western blotting (WB). Patch clamp and chloride fluorescent probe were used to observe the changes of GABA activation current and intracellular chloride concentration. After intrathecal injection of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (GF109203X) or MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor (U0126), the behavioral changes and the expression of NKCC1 and p-ERK protein in L4–6 DRG were observed. Result: TRPV1 and NKCC1 were co-expressed in the DRG. Compared with the control group, the immunofluorescence intensity of NKCC1 and p-NKCC1 in the capsaicin group was significantly higher, and the expression of NKCC1 in the nuclear membrane was significantly higher than that in the control group. The expression of NKCC1 mRNA and protein of NKCC1 and p-NKCC1 in the capsaicin group were higher than those in the control group. After capsaicin injection, GF109203X inhibited the protein expression of NKCC1 and p-ERK, while U0126 inhibited the protein expression of NKCC1. In the capsaicin group, paw withdrawal thermal latency (WTL) was decreased, while cold withdrawal latency (CWL) was prolonged. Bumetanide, GF109203X, or U0126 could reverse the effect. GABA activation current significantly increased in the DRG cells of the capsaicin group, which could be reversed by bumetanide. The concentration of chloride in the DRG cells of the capsaicin group increased, but decreased after bumetanide, GF109203X, and U0126 were administered. Conclusion Activation of TRPV1 by exogenous agonists can increase the expression and function of NKCC1 protein in DRG, which is mediated by activation of PKC/p-ERK signaling pathway. These results suggest that DRG NKCC1 may participate in the inflammatory pain induced by TRPV1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yu Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Xue-Chun Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yue-Chen Chang
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Medical Teaching Experimental Center, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin-Yi Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang Central Hospital, China
| | - Nan Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Liang-Jing-Yuan Kong
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Ke-Tao Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Li Li
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Physiology, Medical College of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jun-Qiang Si
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
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Ma L, Huang Y, Zhang F, Gao DS, Sun N, Ren J, Xia S, Li J, Peng X, Yu L, Jiang BC, Yan M. MMP24 Contributes to Neuropathic Pain in an FTO-Dependent Manner in the Spinal Cord Neurons. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:673831. [PMID: 33995105 PMCID: PMC8118694 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.673831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve injury-induced gene expression change in the spinal cord is critical for neuropathic pain genesis. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification represents an additional layer of gene regulation. We showed that spinal nerve ligation (SNL) upregulated the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 24 (MMP24) protein, but not Mmp24 mRNA, in the spinal cord neurons. Blocking the SNL-induced upregulation of spinal MMP24 attenuated local neuron sensitization, neuropathic pain development and maintenance. Conversely, mimicking MMP24 increase promoted the spinal ERK activation and produced evoked nociceptive hypersensitivity. Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay indicated the decreased m6A enrichment in the Mmp24 mRNA under neuropathic pain condition. Moreover, fat-mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) was colocalized with MMP24 in spinal neurons and shown increased binding to the Mmp24 mRNA in the spinal cord after SNL. Overexpression or suppression of FTO correlates with promotion or inhibition of MMP24 expression in cultured spinal cord neurons. In conclusion, SNL promoted the m6A eraser FTO binding to the Mmp24 mRNA, which subsequently facilitated the translation of MMP24 in the spinal cord, and ultimately contributed to neuropathic pain genesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yangyuxin Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengjiang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dave Schwinn Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Na Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinxuan Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Suyun Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bao-Chun Jiang
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Min Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Su S, Li M, Wu D, Cao J, Ren X, Tao YX, Zang W. Gene Transcript Alterations in the Spinal Cord, Anterior Cingulate Cortex, and Amygdala in Mice Following Peripheral Nerve Injury. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:634810. [PMID: 33898422 PMCID: PMC8059771 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.634810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage is a most common clinical symptom, often accompanied by anxiety- and depression-like symptoms. Current treatments are very limited at least in part due to incompletely understanding mechanisms underlying this disorder. Changes in gene expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) have been acknowledged to implicate in neuropathic pain genesis, but how peripheral nerve injury alters the gene expression in other pain-associated regions remains elusive. The present study carried out strand-specific next-generation RNA sequencing with a higher sequencing depth and observed the changes in whole transcriptomes in the spinal cord (SC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and amygdala (AMY) following unilateral fourth lumbar spinal nerve ligation (SNL). In addition to providing novel transcriptome profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs, we identified pain- and emotion-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and revealed that numbers of these DEGs displayed a high correlation to neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Consistently, functional analyses showed that the most significant enriched biological processes of the upregulated mRNAs were involved in the immune system process, apoptotic process, defense response, inflammation response, and sensory perception of pain across three regions. Moreover, the comparisons of pain-, anxiety-, and depression-related DEGs among three regions present a particular molecular map among the spinal cord and supraspinal structures and indicate the region-dependent and region-independent alterations of gene expression after nerve injury. Our study provides a resource for gene transcript expression patterns in three distinct pain-related regions after peripheral nerve injury. Our findings suggest that neuroinflammation and apoptosis are important pathogenic mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain and that some DEGs might be promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songxue Su
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiuhua Ren
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
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TRPM3 Channels Play Roles in Heat Hypersensitivity and Spontaneous Pain after Nerve Injury. J Neurosci 2021; 41:2457-2474. [PMID: 33478988 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1551-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3) is a heat-activated ion channel in primary sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Pharmacological and genetic studies implicated TRPM3 in various pain modalities, but TRPM3 inhibitors were not validated in TRPM3-/- mice. Here we tested two inhibitors of TRPM3 in male and female wild-type and TRPM3-/- mice in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. We found that intraperitoneal injection of either isosakuranetin or primidone reduced heat hypersensitivity induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in wild-type, but not in TRPM3-/- mice. Primidone was also effective when injected locally in the hindpaw or intrathecally. Consistently, intrathecal injection of the TRPM3 agonist CIM0216 reduced paw withdrawal latency to radiant heat in wild-type, but not in TRPM3-/- mice. Intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg, but not 0.5 mg/kg isosakuranetin, inhibited cold and mechanical hypersensitivity in CCI, both in wild-type and TRPM3-/- mice, indicating a dose-dependent off-target effect. Primidone had no effect on cold sensitivity, and only a marginal effect on mechanical hypersensitivity. Genetic deletion or inhibitors of TRPM3 reduced the increase in the levels of the early genes c-Fos and pERK in the spinal cord and DRGs in CCI mice, suggesting spontaneous activity of the channel. Intraperitoneal isosakuranetin also inhibited spontaneous pain related behavior in CCI in the conditioned place preference assay, and this effect was eliminated in TRPM3-/- mice. Overall, our data indicate a role of TRPM3 in heat hypersensitivity and in spontaneous pain after nerve injury.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuropathic pain is a major unsolved medical problem. The heat-activated TRPM3 ion channel is a potential target for novel pain medications, but the pain modalities in which it plays a role are not clear. Here we used a combination of genetic and pharmacological tools to assess the role of this channel in spontaneous pain, heat, cold, and mechanical hypersensitivity in a nerve injury model of neuropathic pain in mice. Our findings indicate a role for TRPM3 in heat hyperalgesia, and spontaneous pain, but not in cold and mechanical hypersensitivity. We also find that not only TRPM3 located in the peripheral nerve termini, but also TRPM3 in the spinal cord or proximal segments of DRG neurons are important for heat hypersensitivity.
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Zheng BX, Malik A, Xiong M, Bekker A, Tao YX. Nerve trauma-caused downregulation of opioid receptors in primary afferent neurons: Molecular mechanisms and potential managements. Exp Neurol 2020; 337:113572. [PMID: 33340498 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is the most common clinical disorder destroying the quality of patient life and leading to a marked economic and social burden. Opioids are still last option for pharmacological treatment of this disorder, but their antinociceptive effects are limited in part due to the downregulation of opioid receptors in the primary afferent neurons after peripheral nerve trauma. How this downregulation occurs is not completely understood, but recent studies have demonstrated that peripheral nerve trauma drives the alterations in epigenetic modifications (including DNA methylation, histone methylation and mciroRNAs), expression of transcription factors, post-transcriptional modifications (e.g., RNA methylation) and protein translation initiation in the neurons of nerve trauma-related dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and that these alternations may be associated with nerve trauma-caused downregulation of DRG opioid receptors. This review presents how opioid receptors are downregulated in the DRG after peripheral nerve trauma, specifically focusing on distinct molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional and translational processes. This review also discusses how this downregulation contributes to the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain. A deeper understanding of these molecular mechanisms likely provides a novel avenue for prevention and/or treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Xin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Ayma Malik
- Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Ming Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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50
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Zhang Z, Zheng B, Du S, Han G, Zhao H, Wu S, Jia S, Bachmann T, Bekker A, Tao YX. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4 gamma 2 contributes to neuropathic pain through down-regulation of Kv1.2 and the mu opioid receptor in mouse primary sensory neurones. Br J Anaesth 2020; 126:706-719. [PMID: 33303185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nerve injury-induced changes in gene expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contribute to neuropathic pain genesis. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (eIF4G2) is a general repressor of cap-dependent mRNA translation. Whether DRG eIF4G2 participates in nerve injury-induced alternations in gene expression and nociceptive hypersensitivity is unknown. METHODS The expression and distribution of eIF4G2 mRNA and protein in mouse DRG after spinal nerve ligation (SNL) were assessed. Effects of eIF4G2 siRNA microinjected through a glass micropipette into the injured DRG on the SNL-induced DRG mu opioid receptor (MOR) and Kv1.2 downregulation and nociceptive hypersensitivity were examined. In addition, effects of DRG microinjection of adeno-associated virus 5-expressing eIF4G2 (AAV5-eIF4G2) on basal DRG MOR and Kv1.2 expression and nociceptive thresholds were analysed. RESULTS eIF4G2 protein co-expressed with Kv1.2 and MOR in DRG neurones. Levels of eIF4G2 mRNA (1.7 [0.24] to 2.3 [0.14]-fold of sham, P<0.01) and protein (1.6 [0.14] to 2.5 [0.22]-fold of sham, P<0.01) in injured DRG were time-dependently increased on days 3-14 after SNL. Blocking increased eIF4G2 through microinjection of eIF4G2 siRNA into the injured DRG attenuated SNL-induced downregulation of DRG MOR and Kv1.2 and development and maintenance of nociceptive hypersensitivities. DRG microinjection of AAV5-eIF4G2 reduced DRG MOR and Kv1.2 expression and elicited hypersensitivities to mechanical, heat and cold stimuli in naïve mice. CONCLUSIONS eIF4G2 contributes to neuropathic pain through participation in downregulation of Kv1.2 and MOR in injured DRG and is a potential target for treatment of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Bixin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Guang Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Shushan Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Thomas Bachmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA; Departments of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine and Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.
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