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Xian H, Guo H, Liu YY, Zhang JL, Hu WC, Yu MJ, Zhao R, Xie RG, Zhang H, Cong R. Peripheral BDNF Regulates Somatosensory-Sympathetic Coupling in Brachial Plexus Avulsion-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1789-1806. [PMID: 37335428 PMCID: PMC10661543 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01075-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) is a combined injury involving the central and peripheral nervous systems. Patients with BPA often experience severe neuropathic pain (NP) in the affected limb. NP is insensitive to the existing treatments, which makes it a challenge to researchers and clinicians. Accumulated evidence shows that a BPA-induced pain state is often accompanied by sympathetic nervous dysfunction, which suggests that the excitation state of the sympathetic nervous system is correlated with the existence of NP. However, the mechanism of how somatosensory neural crosstalk with the sympathetic nerve at the peripheral level remains unclear. In this study, through using a novel BPA C7 root avulsion mouse model, we found that the expression of BDNF and its receptor TrκB in the DRGs of the BPA mice increased, and the markers of sympathetic nervous system activity including α1 and α2 adrenergic receptors (α1-AR and α2-AR) also increased after BPA. The phenomenon of superexcitation of the sympathetic nervous system, including hypothermia and edema of the affected extremity, was also observed in BPA mice by using CatWalk gait analysis, an infrared thermometer, and an edema evaluation. Genetic knockdown of BDNF in DRGs not only reversed the mechanical allodynia but also alleviated the hypothermia and edema of the affected extremity in BPA mice. Further, intraperitoneal injection of adrenergic receptor inhibitors decreased neuronal excitability in patch clamp recording and reversed the mechanical allodynia of BPA mice. In another branch experiment, we also found the elevated expression of BDNF, TrκB, TH, α1-AR, and α2-AR in DRG tissues from BPA patients compared with normal human DRGs through western blot and immunohistochemistry. Our results revealed that peripheral BDNF is a key molecule in the regulation of somatosensory-sympathetic coupling in BPA-induced NP. This study also opens a novel analgesic target (BDNF) in the treatment of this pain with fewer complications, which has great potential for clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Xian
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Huan Guo
- Pain and Related Diseases Research Laboratory, Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou, 515041, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yuan-Ying Liu
- School of Life Science and Research Center for Resource Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering and Technological Research Center for Conversation and Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jian-Lei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Wen-Chao Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- The Sixth Regiment, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ming-Jun Yu
- The Tenth Squadron of the Third Regiment, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Rou-Gang Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Rui Cong
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Wang TZ, Wang F, Tian ZC, Li ZZ, Liu WN, Ding H, Xie TT, Cao ZX, Li HT, Sun ZC, Xie RG, Wu SX, Pan ZX, Luo C. Cingulate cGMP-dependent protein kinase I facilitates chronic pain and pain-related anxiety and depression. Pain 2023; 164:2447-2462. [PMID: 37326662 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Patients with chronic pain often experience exaggerated pain response and aversive emotion, such as anxiety and depression. Central plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is assumed to be a critical interface for pain perception and emotion, which has been reported to involve activation of NMDA receptors. Numerous studies have documented the key significance of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKG-I) as a crucial downstream target for the NMDA receptor-NO-cGMP signaling cascade in regulating neuronal plasticity and pain hypersensitivity in specific regions of pain pathway, ie, dorsal root ganglion or spinal dorsal horn. Despite this, whether and how PKG-I in the ACC contributes to cingulate plasticity and comorbidity of chronic pain and aversive emotion has remained elusive. Here, we uncovered a crucial role of cingulate PKG-I in chronic pain and comorbid anxiety and depression. Chronic pain caused by tissue inflammation or nerve injury led to upregulation of PKG-I expression at both mRNA and protein levels in the ACC. Knockdown of ACC-PKG-I relieved pain hypersensitivity as well as pain-associated anxiety and depression. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that PKG-I might act to phosphorylate TRPC3 and TRPC6, leading to enhancement of calcium influx and neuronal hyperexcitability as well as synaptic potentiation, which results in the exaggerated pain response and comorbid anxiety and depression. We believe this study sheds new light on the functional capability of ACC-PKG-I in modulating chronic pain as well as pain-associated anxiety and depression. Hence, cingulate PKG-I may represent a new therapeutic target against chronic pain and pain-related anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Zhi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Tian
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wan-Neng Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting-Ting Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Cao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- The Twenty-second Squadron of the Sixth Regiment, School of Basal Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hai-Tao Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- The Fourteenth Squadron of the Fourth Regiment, School of Basal Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi-Chuan Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xi'an Daxing Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Rou-Gang Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sheng-Xi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen-Xiang Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ceng Luo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Li L, Liu Y, Hu W, Yang J, Ma S, Tian Z, Cao Z, Pan K, Jiang M, Liu X, Wu S, Luo C, Xie RG. Peripheral CCL2 induces inflammatory pain via regulation of Ih currents in small diameter DRG neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1144614. [PMID: 37860084 PMCID: PMC10582564 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1144614] [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: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) has been implicated in chronic pain, but its exact mechanism of peripheral sensitization is unknown. In this study, we aimed to clarify the mechanism of CCL2 regulation of ion channels. Our behavioral experiments revealed that ZD7288, a blocker of Ih current, can inhibit CFA and CCL2-mediated mechanical and thermal nociceptive sensitization. Furthermore, patch clamp studies demonstrated that CFA-induced peripheral sensitization primarily affects the excitability of small-diameter DRG neurons. Further studies revealed that inflammatory pain caused by CFA or incubation of DRG with CCL2 mainly affected Ih currents in small-diameter DRG neurons, which were blocked by co-incubation CCR2 antagonist INCB3344 or adenylate cyclase inhibitor SQ22536. Immunohistochemical staining showed that both intraplantar injection of CFA as well as DRG injection of CCL2 resulted in significant upregulation of CCR2+/HCN2+ expression. In conclusion, we suggest in the inflammatory pain state, CCL2 can act on small-diameter DRG neurons, leading to upregulation of HCN2 expression and consequently Ih, which in turn leads to neuronal hyperexcitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- School of Life Sciences & Research Center for Resource Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Center for Conversation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yan’an University, Yan’an, China
| | - Yuanying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- School of Life Sciences & Research Center for Resource Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Center for Conversation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yan’an University, Yan’an, China
| | - Wenchao Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Heart Hospital, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Suibin Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhicheng Tian
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zixuan Cao
- No.6 Cadet Regiment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kunqing Pan
- No.19 Cadet Regiment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- School of Life Sciences & Research Center for Resource Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Center for Conversation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yan’an University, Yan’an, China
| | - Xia Liu
- School of Life Sciences & Research Center for Resource Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Center for Conversation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yan’an University, Yan’an, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ceng Luo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Rou-Gang Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Fang XX, Zhai MN, Zhu M, He C, Wang H, Wang J, Zhang ZJ. Inflammation in pathogenesis of chronic pain: Foe and friend. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231178176. [PMID: 37220667 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231178176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a refractory health disease worldwide causing an enormous economic burden on individuals and society. Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) is the major factor in the pathogenesis of chronic pain. The inflammation in the early- and late phase may have distinctive effects on the initiation and resolution of pain, which can be viewed as friend or foe. On the one hand, painful injuries lead to the activation of glial cells and immune cells in the PNS, releasing pro-inflammatory mediators, which contribute to the sensitization of nociceptors, leading to chronic pain; neuroinflammation in the CNS drives central sensitization and promotes the development of chronic pain. On the other hand, macrophages and glial cells of PNS and CNS promote pain resolution via anti-inflammatory mediators and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of inflammation in the deterioration and resolution of pain. Further, we summarize a number of novel strategies that can be used to prevent and treat chronic pain by controlling inflammation. This comprehensive view of the relationship between inflammation and chronic pain and its specific mechanism will provide novel targets for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xia Fang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Meng-Nan Zhai
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Meixuan Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Cheng He
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Liu X, Zhao C, Han Y, Feng R, Cui X, Zhou Y, Li Z, Bai Q. RNA sequencing profiling of mRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs in Trigeminal Ganglion following Temporomandibular Joint inflammation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:945793. [PMID: 36051440 PMCID: PMC9424726 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.945793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) have high levels of inflammatory pain-related disability, which seriously affects their physical and mental health. However, an effective treatment is yet to be developed. Both circular RNAs (circRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to regulating pain conduction. In our current study, we report the expression profiles of circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) associated with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced TMD inflammation pain. The collected TGs from the experimental (CFA) and control (saline) groups were processed for deep RNA sequencing. Overall, 1078,909,068 clean reads were obtained. A total of 15,657 novel lncRNAs were identified, where 281 lncRNAs were differentially expressed on CFA3D and 350 lncRNAs were differentially expressed on CFA6D. In addition, a total of 55,441 mRNAs and 27,805 circRNAs were identified, where 3,914 mRNAs and 91 circRNAs were found differentially expressed, between the CFA3D and saline groups, while 4,232 mRNAs and 98 DE circRNAs were differentially expressed between the CFA6D and saline groups. Based on functional analyses, we found that the most significant enriched biological processes of the upregulated mRNAs were involved in the immunity, neuron projection, inflammatory response, MAPK signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, and inflammatory response in TG. Further analyses of Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway suggest the involvement of dysregulated genes in the pain occurrence mechanism. Our findings provide a resource for expression patterns of gene transcripts in regions related to pain. These results suggest that apoptosis and neuroinflammation are important pathogenic mechanisms underlying TMD pain. Some of the reported differentially expressed genes might be considered promising therapeutic targets. The current research study revealed the expression profiles of circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs during TMD inflammation pain and sheds light on the roles of circRNAs and lncRNAs underlying the pain pathway in the trigeminal system of TMD inflammation pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yupeng Han
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruixia Feng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaona Cui
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhisong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhisong Li, ; Qian Bai,
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhisong Li, ; Qian Bai,
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Structures of tweety homolog proteins TTYH2 and TTYH3 reveal a Ca 2+-dependent switch from intra- to intermembrane dimerization. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6913. [PMID: 34824283 PMCID: PMC8617170 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27283-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tweety homologs (TTYHs) comprise a conserved family of transmembrane proteins found in eukaryotes with three members (TTYH1-3) in vertebrates. They are widely expressed in mammals including at high levels in the nervous system and have been implicated in cancers and other diseases including epilepsy, chronic pain, and viral infections. TTYHs have been reported to form Ca2+- and cell volume-regulated anion channels structurally distinct from any characterized protein family with potential roles in cell adhesion, migration, and developmental signaling. To provide insight into TTYH family structure and function, we determined cryo-EM structures of Mus musculus TTYH2 and TTYH3 in lipid nanodiscs. TTYH2 and TTYH3 adopt a previously unobserved fold which includes an extended extracellular domain with a partially solvent exposed pocket that may be an interaction site for hydrophobic molecules. In the presence of Ca2+, TTYH2 and TTYH3 form homomeric cis-dimers bridged by extracellularly coordinated Ca2+. Strikingly, in the absence of Ca2+, TTYH2 forms trans-dimers that span opposing membranes across a ~130 Å intermembrane space as well as a monomeric state. All TTYH structures lack ion conducting pathways and we do not observe TTYH2-dependent channel activity in cells. We conclude TTYHs are not pore forming subunits of anion channels and their function may involve Ca2+-dependent changes in quaternary structure, interactions with hydrophobic molecules near the extracellular membrane surface, and/or association with additional protein partners.
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Cao Y, Wu HN, Cao XL, Yue KY, Han WJ, Cao ZP, Zhang YF, Gao XY, Luo C, Jiang XF, Han H, Zheng MH. Transmembrane Protein Ttyh1 Maintains the Quiescence of Neural Stem Cells Through Ca 2+/NFATc3 Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:779373. [PMID: 34869383 PMCID: PMC8635056 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.779373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The quiescence, activation, and subsequent neurogenesis of neural stem cells (NSCs) play essential roles in the physiological homeostasis and pathological repair of the central nervous system. Previous studies indicate that transmembrane protein Ttyh1 is required for the stemness of NSCs, whereas the exact functions in vivo and precise mechanisms are still waiting to be elucidated. By constructing Ttyh1-promoter driven reporter mice, we determined the specific expression of Ttyh1 in quiescent NSCs and niche astrocytes. Further evaluations on Ttyh1 knockout mice revealed that Ttyh1 ablation leads to activated neurogenesis and enhanced spatial learning and memory in adult mice (6-8 weeks). Correspondingly, Ttyh1 deficiency results in accelerated exhaustion of NSC pool and impaired neurogenesis in aged mice (12 months). By RNA-sequencing, bioinformatics and molecular biological analysis, we found that Ttyh1 is involved in the regulation of calcium signaling in NSCs, and transcription factor NFATc3 is a critical effector in quiescence versus cell cycle entry regulated by Ttyh1. Our research uncovered new endogenous mechanisms that regulate quiescence versus activation of NSCs, therefore provide novel targets for the intervention to activate quiescent NSCs to participate in injury repair during pathology and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hai-ning Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiu-li Cao
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kang-yi Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wen-juan Han
- Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zi-peng Cao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yu-fei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiang-yu Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ceng Luo
- Department of Neurobiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiao-fan Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Min-hua Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Nalamalapu RR, Yue M, Stone AR, Murphy S, Saha MS. The tweety Gene Family: From Embryo to Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:672511. [PMID: 34262434 PMCID: PMC8273234 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.672511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The tweety genes encode gated chloride channels that are found in animals, plants, and even simple eukaryotes, signifying their deep evolutionary origin. In vertebrates, the tweety gene family is highly conserved and consists of three members—ttyh1, ttyh2, and ttyh3—that are important for the regulation of cell volume. While research has elucidated potential physiological functions of ttyh1 in neural stem cell maintenance, proliferation, and filopodia formation during neural development, the roles of ttyh2 and ttyh3 are less characterized, though their expression patterns during embryonic and fetal development suggest potential roles in the development of a wide range of tissues including a role in the immune system in response to pathogen-associated molecules. Additionally, members of the tweety gene family have been implicated in various pathologies including cancers, particularly pediatric brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Here, we review the current state of research using information from published articles and open-source databases on the tweety gene family with regard to its structure, evolution, expression during development and adulthood, biochemical and cellular functions, and role in human disease. We also identify promising areas for further research to advance our understanding of this important, yet still understudied, family of genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rithvik R Nalamalapu
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Michelle Yue
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Aaron R Stone
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Samantha Murphy
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
| | - Margaret S Saha
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, United States
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