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Smith PR, Campbell ZT. RNA-binding proteins in pain. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1843. [PMID: 38576117 PMCID: PMC11003723 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
RNAs are meticulously controlled by proteins. Through direct and indirect associations, every facet in the brief life of an mRNA is subject to regulation. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) permeate biology. Here, we focus on their roles in pain. Chronic pain is among the largest challenges facing medicine and requires new strategies. Mounting pharmacologic and genetic evidence obtained in pre-clinical models suggests fundamental roles for a broad array of RBPs. We describe their diverse roles that span RNA modification, splicing, stability, translation, and decay. Finally, we highlight opportunities to expand our understanding of regulatory interactions that contribute to pain signaling. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications Translation > Regulation RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R. Smith
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
| | - Zachary T. Campbell
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
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2
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Nelson TS, Khanna R. The Emerging Translational Potential of MNK Inhibitors for the Treatment of Chronic Pain. Neuroscience 2023; 515:93-95. [PMID: 36922084 PMCID: PMC11213276 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler S Nelson
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, 433 First Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10010, USA; NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, 433 First Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10010, USA; NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA.
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3
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Shiers S, Sahn JJ, Price TJ. MNK1 and MNK2 Expression in the Human Dorsal Root and Trigeminal Ganglion. Neuroscience 2023; 515:96-107. [PMID: 36764601 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen activated protein kinase interacting kinases (MNK) 1 and 2 are serine/threonine protein kinases that play an important role in translation of mRNAs through their phosphorylation of the RNA 5'-cap binding protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4E. These kinases are downstream targets for mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular activity regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38. MNKs have been implicated in the sensitization of peripheral nociceptors of the dorsal root and trigeminal ganglion (DRG and TG) using transgenic mouse lines and through the use of specific inhibitors of MNK1 and MNK2. While specific knockout of the Mknk1 gene suggests that it is the key isoform for regulation of nociceptor excitability and nociceptive behaviors in mice, both MKNK1 and MKNK2 genes are expressed in the DRG and TG of mice and humans based on RNA sequencing experiments. Single cell sequencing in mice suggests that Mknk1 and Mknk2 may be expressed in different populations of nociceptors. We sought to characterize mRNA expression in human DRG and TG (N = 3 ganglia for both DRG and TG) for both MNK1 and MNK2. Our results show that both genes are expressed by nearly all neurons in both human ganglia with expression in other cell types as well. Our findings provide evidence that MNK1 and MNK2 are expressed by human nociceptors of males and females and suggest that efforts to pharmacologically target MNKs for pain would likely be translatable due its conserved expression in both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Shiers
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | | | - Theodore J Price
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
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4
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Dos Santos NL, Lenert ME, Castillo ZW, Mody PH, Thompson LT, Burton MD. Age and sex drive differential behavioral and neuroimmune phenotypes during postoperative pain. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 123:129-144. [PMID: 36577640 PMCID: PMC9892227 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.09.008] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Surgical procedures in the geriatric population are steadily increasing, driven by improved healthcare technologies and longer lifespans. However, effective postoperative pain treatments are lacking, and this diminishes quality of life and recovery. Here we present one of the first preclinical studies to pursue sex- and age-specific differences in postoperative neuroimmune phenotypes and pain. We found that aged males, but not females, had a delayed onset of mechanical hypersensitivity post-surgery and faster resolution than young counterparts. This sex-specific age effect was accompanied by decreased paw innervation and increased local inflammation. Additionally, we find evidence of an age-dependent decrease in hyperalgesic priming and perioperative changes in nociceptor populations and spinal microglia in the aged. These findings suggest that impaired neuronal function and maladaptive inflammatory mechanisms influence postoperative pain development in advanced age. Elucidation of these neuroimmune phenotypes across age and sex enables the development of novel therapies that can be tailored for improved pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia L Dos Santos
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA
| | - Melissa E Lenert
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA
| | - Zachary W Castillo
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA
| | - Prapti H Mody
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA
| | - Lucien T Thompson
- Aging and Memory Research Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA
| | - Michael D Burton
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson TX, USA.
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5
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Shiers S, Sahn JJ, Price TJ. MNK1 and MNK2 expression in the human dorsal root and trigeminal ganglion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.04.522773. [PMID: 36711529 PMCID: PMC9881964 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.04.522773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen activated protein kinase interacting kinases (MNK) 1 and 2 are serine/threonine protein kinases that play an important role in translation of mRNAs through their phosphorylation of the RNA 5’-cap binding protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4E. These kinases are downstream targets for mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular activity regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38. MNKs have been implicated in the sensitization of peripheral nociceptors of the dorsal root and trigeminal ganglion (DRG and TG) using transgenic mouse lines and through the use of specific inhibitors of MNK1 and MNK2. While specific knockout of the Mknk1 gene suggests that it is the key isoform for regulation of nociceptor excitability and nociceptive behaviors in mice, both MKNK1 and MKNK2 genes are expressed in the DRG and TG of mice and humans based on RNA sequencing experiments. Single cell sequencing in mice suggests that Mknk1 and Mknk2 may be expressed in different populations of nociceptors. We sought to characterize mRNA expression in human DRG and TG for both MNK1 and MNK2. Our results show that both genes are expressed by nearly all neurons in both human ganglia with expression in other cell types as well. Our findings provide evidence that MNK1 and MNK2 are expressed by human nociceptors and suggest that efforts to pharmacologically target MNKs for pain would likely be translatable due its conserved expression in both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Shiers
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | | | - Theodore J. Price
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
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6
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Singh SP, Guindon J, Mody PH, Ashworth G, Kopel J, Chilakapati S, Adogwa O, Neugebauer V, Burton MD. Pain and aging: A unique challenge in neuroinflammation and behavior. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231203090. [PMID: 37684099 PMCID: PMC10552461 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231203090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is one of the most common, costly, and potentially debilitating health issues facing older adults, with attributable costs exceeding $600 billion annually. The prevalence of pain in humans increases with advancing age. Yet, the contributions of sex differences, age-related chronic inflammation, and changes in neuroplasticity to the overall experience of pain are less clear, given that opposing processes in aging interact. This review article examines and summarizes pre-clinical research and clinical data on chronic pain among older adults to identify knowledge gaps and provide the base for future research and clinical practice. We provide evidence to suggest that neurodegenerative conditions engender a loss of neural plasticity involved in pain response, whereas low-grade inflammation in aging increases CNS sensitization but decreases PNS sensitivity. Insights from preclinical studies are needed to answer mechanistic questions. However, the selection of appropriate aging models presents a challenge that has resulted in conflicting data regarding pain processing and behavioral outcomes that are difficult to translate to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishu Pal Singh
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Josee Guindon
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Prapti H Mody
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Gabriela Ashworth
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Sai Chilakapati
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Owoicho Adogwa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Michael D Burton
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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7
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Amodeo G, Franchi S, Galimberti G, Comi L, D’Agnelli S, Baciarello M, Bignami EG, Sacerdote P. Osteoarthritis Pain in Old Mice Aggravates Neuroinflammation and Frailty: The Positive Effect of Morphine Treatment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2847. [PMID: 36359375 PMCID: PMC9687902 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain and disability in old subjects. Pain may predispose to the development of frailty. Studies on mechanisms underlying pain in osteoarthritis models during aging are lacking. In this work, we used the monosodium iodoacetate model of osteoarthritis in adult (11-week-old) and old (20-month-old) C57BL/6J mice to compare hypersensitivity, locomotion, neuroinflammation, and the effects of morphine treatment. After osteoarthritis induction in adult and old mice, weight-bearing asymmetry, mechanical allodynia, and thermal hyperalgesia similarly developed, while locomotion and frailty were more affected in old than in adult animals. When behavioral deficits were present, the animals were treated for 7 days with morphine. This opioid counteracts the behavioral alterations and the frailty index worsening both in adult and old mice. To address the mechanisms that underlie pain, we evaluated neuroinflammatory markers and proinflammatory cytokine expression in the sciatic nerve, DRGs, and spinal cord. Overexpression of cytokines and glia markers were present in osteoarthritis adult and old mice, but the activation was qualitatively and quantitatively more evident in aged mice. Morphine was able to counteract neuroinflammation in both age groups. We demonstrate that old mice are more vulnerable to pain's detrimental effects, but prompt treatment is successful at mitigating these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Amodeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Franchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Galimberti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Comi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy
| | - Simona D’Agnelli
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Division, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Baciarello
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Division, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Elena Giovanna Bignami
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Division, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Sacerdote
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, 20129 Milano, Italy
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8
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Neuroinflammation in Tinnitus. CURRENT OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40136-022-00411-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
The current review aims to explore recent studies that have illustrated a link between neuroinflammation and tinnitus and the consequential effect on neuronal functioning. We explore parallels amongst pain and tinnitus pathologies and a novel treatment option.
Recent Findings
Genetic and pharmacological blockage of pro-inflammatory cytokines mitigates the physiological and behavioral tinnitus phenotype in acute rodent models. In addition, recent pain studies target a signaling pathway to prevent the transition from acute to chronic neuropathic pain, which could translate to tinnitus.
Summary
Neuroinflammation likely mediates hyperexcitability of the auditory pathway, driving the development of acute tinnitus. In chronic tinnitus, we believe translational regulation plays a role in maintaining persistent tinnitus signaling. We therefore propose this pathway as a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Nikolenko VN, Shelomentseva EM, Tsvetkova MM, Abdeeva EI, Giller DB, Babayeva JV, Achkasov EE, Gavryushova LV, Sinelnikov MY. Nociceptors: Their Role in Body’s Defenses, Tissue Specific Variations and Anatomical Update. J Pain Res 2022; 15:867-877. [PMID: 35392632 PMCID: PMC8982820 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s348324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The human body is constantly under the influence of numerous pathological factors: both external and internal. These factors can be potentially harmful and are perceived as such with a specialized nervous system subunit: the nociceptive system. The functional unit of the nociceptive system is the nociceptor. Recent studies have shown that nociceptors play a crucial role in maintaining of defensive homeostasis (responsive, immune, behavioral). Nociceptors respond to potentially harmful stimuli within viscera, bones, muscles, skin and specialized sensory organs. They function as complex predictors of harm through formation of pain stimulus. Their function and structures vary within different tissues. This variability reflects the anatomical and pathological peculiarities of varying tissues. Nociceptors play a significant role in adaptive, protective and behavioral reactions. Their functional capabilities and vast spread throughout the body make them the main units of the body’s defense system, allowing us to interact with the inner and outer environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Nikolenko
- First Moscow State Medical University Named After I.M. Sechenov (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | | | | | - Elina I Abdeeva
- First Moscow State Medical University Named After I.M. Sechenov (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitriy B Giller
- First Moscow State Medical University Named After I.M. Sechenov (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Juliya V Babayeva
- First Moscow State Medical University Named After I.M. Sechenov (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Evgeny E Achkasov
- First Moscow State Medical University Named After I.M. Sechenov (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | | | - Mikhail Y Sinelnikov
- First Moscow State Medical University Named After I.M. Sechenov (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, 119901, Russian Federation
- Correspondence: Mikhail Y Sinelnikov, Sechenov University, Trubetskaya 8, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation, Tel/Fax +7 89199688587, Email
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Agalave NM, Mody PH, Szabo-Pardi TA, Jeong HS, Burton MD. Neuroimmune Consequences of eIF4E Phosphorylation on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:642420. [PMID: 33912169 PMCID: PMC8071873 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.642420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major dose-limiting side effect that occurs in up to 63% of patients and has no known effective treatment. A majority of studies do not effectively assess sex differences in the onset and persistence of CIPN. Here we investigated the onset of CIPN, a point of therapeutic intervention where we may limit, or even prevent the development of CIPN. We hypothesized that cap-dependent translation mechanisms are important in early CIPN development and the bi-directional crosstalk between immune cells and nociceptors plays a complementary role to CIPN establishment and sex differences observed. In this study, we used wild type and eIF4E-mutant mice of both sexes to investigate the role of cap-dependent translation and the contribution of immune cells and nociceptors in the periphery and glia in the spinal cord during paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. We found that systemically administered paclitaxel induces pain-like behaviors in both sexes, increases helper T-lymphocytes, downregulates cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and increases mitochondrial dysfunction in dorsal root ganglia neurons; all of which is eIF4E-dependent in both sexes. We identified a robust paclitaxel-induced, eIF4E-dependent increase in spinal astrocyte immunoreactivity in males, but not females. Taken together, our data reveals that cap-dependent translation may be a key pathway that presents relevant therapeutic targets during the early phase of CIPN. By targeting the eIF4E complex, we may reduce or reverse the negative effects associated with chemotherapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh M Agalave
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Prapti H Mody
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Thomas A Szabo-Pardi
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Han S Jeong
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Michael D Burton
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
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Abstract
The alteration of mRNA translation has a crucial role in defining the changes in cellular proteome. The phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E by mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinases (Mnks) leads to the release and translation of mRNAs of specific oncogenic proteins. In recent years, the efforts made by the pharmaceutical industry to develop novel chemical skeletons to create potent and selective Mnk inhibitors have been fruitful. The pyridone-aminal scaffold has been utilized to generate several series of Mnk inhibitors presented in multiple patent applications and research articles. Tomivosertib (eFT508) is one of the molecules with such scaffold. It is one of the first two Mnk inhibitors that entered clinical trials, and has displayed momentous activity against several solid and hematological cancers. The present compilation provides a succinct review of the current state of development of pyridone-aminal-derived Mnk inhibitors through the analysis of relevant patent applications filed in the last 5 years.
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12
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Yousuf MS, Shiers SI, Sahn JJ, Price TJ. Pharmacological Manipulation of Translation as a Therapeutic Target for Chronic Pain. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:59-88. [PMID: 33203717 PMCID: PMC7736833 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction in regulation of mRNA translation is an increasingly recognized characteristic of many diseases and disorders, including cancer, diabetes, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, and chronic pain. Approximately 50 million adults in the United States experience chronic pain. This economic burden is greater than annual costs associated with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. Treatment options for chronic pain are inadequately efficacious and riddled with adverse side effects. There is thus an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to treating chronic pain. Sensitization of neurons along the nociceptive pathway causes chronic pain states driving symptoms that include spontaneous pain and mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. More than a decade of preclinical research demonstrates that translational mechanisms regulate the changes in gene expression that are required for ongoing sensitization of nociceptive sensory neurons. This review will describe how key translation regulation signaling pathways, including the integrated stress response, mammalian target of rapamycin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinases, impact the translation of different subsets of mRNAs. We then place these mechanisms of translation regulation in the context of chronic pain states, evaluate currently available therapies, and examine the potential for developing novel drugs. Considering the large body of evidence now published in this area, we propose that pharmacologically manipulating specific aspects of the translational machinery may reverse key neuronal phenotypic changes causing different chronic pain conditions. Therapeutics targeting these pathways could eventually be first-line drugs used to treat chronic pain disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Translational mechanisms regulating protein synthesis underlie phenotypic changes in the sensory nervous system that drive chronic pain states. This review highlights regulatory mechanisms that control translation initiation and how to exploit them in treating persistent pain conditions. We explore the role of mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinase inhibitors and AMPK activators in alleviating pain hypersensitivity. Modulation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α phosphorylation is also discussed as a potential therapy. Targeting specific translation regulation mechanisms may reverse changes in neuronal hyperexcitability associated with painful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saad Yousuf
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
| | - Stephanie I Shiers
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
| | - James J Sahn
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
| | - Theodore J Price
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas (M.S.Y., S.I.S., T.J.P.) and 4E Therapeutics Inc, Austin, Texas (J.J.S.)
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13
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McFarland AJ, Yousuf MS, Shiers S, Price TJ. Neurobiology of SARS-CoV-2 interactions with the peripheral nervous system: implications for COVID-19 and pain. Pain Rep 2021; 6:e885. [PMID: 33458558 PMCID: PMC7803673 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that infects cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, aided by proteases that prime the spike protein of the virus to enhance cellular entry. Neuropilin 1 and 2 (NRP1 and NRP2) act as additional viral entry factors. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes COVID-19 disease. There is now strong evidence for neurological impacts of COVID-19, with pain as an important symptom, both in the acute phase of the disease and at later stages that are colloquially referred to as "long COVID." In this narrative review, we discuss how COVID-19 may interact with the peripheral nervous system to cause pain in the early and late stages of the disease. We begin with a review of the state of the science on how viruses cause pain through direct and indirect interactions with nociceptors. We then cover what we currently know about how the unique cytokine profiles of moderate and severe COVID-19 may drive plasticity in nociceptors to promote pain and worsen existing pain states. Finally, we review evidence for direct infection of nociceptors by SARS-CoV-2 and the implications of this potential neurotropism. The state of the science points to multiple potential mechanisms through which COVID-19 could induce changes in nociceptor excitability that would be expected to promote pain, induce neuropathies, and worsen existing pain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia J. McFarland
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad S. Yousuf
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Shiers
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Theodore J. Price
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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Mody PH, Lucia Dos Santos N, Lenert ME, Barron LR, Nottingham BA, Burton MD. The role of cap-dependent translation in aged-related changes in neuroimmunity and affective behaviors. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 98:173-184. [PMID: 33302179 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Translation regulation in the context of aged-associated inflammation and behavioral impairments is not well characterized. Aged individuals experience lower life quality due to behavioral impairments. In this study, we used young and aged transgenic mice that are unable to activate the cap-binding protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) to examine the role of protein translation control in aging, memory, depression, and anxiety. To determine how products of cap-dependent translation play a permissive role in aged-associated inflammation, we assessed levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in various brain regions involved in the above-mentioned behaviors. We found that functional eIF4E is not necessary for age-related deficits in spatial and short-term memory but is important for depressive and anxiety-like behavior and this is correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines in discrete brain regions. Thus, we have begun to elucidate a role for eIF4E phosphorylation in the context of aged-related behavioral impairments and chronic low-grade inflammation that may help identify novel immune modulators for therapeutic targets and decrease the burden of self-care among the geriatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapti H Mody
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Natalia Lucia Dos Santos
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Melissa E Lenert
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Luz R Barron
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Bethany A Nottingham
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Michael D Burton
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
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Leroux LP, Chaparro V, Jaramillo M. Infection by the Protozoan Parasite Toxoplasma gondii Inhibits Host MNK1/2-eIF4E Axis to Promote Its Survival. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:488. [PMID: 33014898 PMCID: PMC7509071 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii reprograms host gene expression through multiple mechanisms that promote infection, including the up-regulation of mTOR-dependent host mRNA translation. In addition to the mTOR-4E-BP1/2 axis, MAPK-interacting kinases 1 and 2 (MNK1/2) control the activity of the mRNA cap-binding protein eIF4E. Herein, we show that T. gondii inhibits the phosphorylation of MNK1/2 and their downstream target eIF4E in murine and human macrophages. Exposure to soluble T. gondii antigens (STAg) failed to fully recapitulate this phenotype indicating the requirement of live infection. Treatment with okadaic acid, a potent phosphatase inhibitor, restored phosphorylation of MNK1/2 and eIF4E regardless of infection. T. gondii replication was higher in macrophages isolated from mice mutated at the residue where eIF4E is phosphorylated (eIF4E S209A knock-in) than in wild-type (WT) control cells despite no differences in infection rates. Similarly, parasitemia in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen, as well as brain cyst burden were significantly augmented in infected eIF4E S209A knock-in mice compared to their WT counterparts. Of note, mutant mice were more susceptible to acute toxoplasmosis and displayed exacerbated levels of IFNγ. In all, these data suggest that the MNK1/2-eIF4E axis is required to control T. gondii infection and that its inactivation represents a strategy exploited by the parasite to promote its survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Leroux
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie (CAFSB), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Visnu Chaparro
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie (CAFSB), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Maritza Jaramillo
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie (CAFSB), Laval, QC, Canada
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