Effects of the mas-related gene (Mrg) C receptor agonist BAM6-22 on nociceptive reflex activity in naive, monoarthritic and mononeuropathic rats after intraplantar and intrathecal administration

The signaling pathway and polymorphisms of Mrgprs

Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors (Mrgprs) are a family of receptors implicated in a diverse array of human diseases. Since their discovery in 2001, great progress has been made in determining their relation to human disease. Vital for Mrgprs therapeutic efforts across all disease disciplines is a thorough understanding of Mrgprs signal transduction pathways and polymorphisms, as these offer insights into new drug candidates, existing discrepancies in drug response, and differences in disease susceptibility. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding Mrgprs signaling pathways and polymorphisms.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms driving neuropathic pain: recent advancements and challenges

INTRODUCTION

Current pharmacotherapeutics for neuropathic pain offer only symptomatic relief without treating the underlying pathophysiology. Additionally, they are associated with various dose-limiting side effects. Pain research in the past few decades has revolved around the role of oxidative-nitrosative stress, protein kinases, glial cell activation, and inflammatory signaling cascades but has failed to produce specific and effective therapies. Areas covered: This review focuses on recent advances in cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuropathic pain that may be translated into future therapies. We discuss emerging targets such as WNT signaling mechanisms, the tetrahydrobiopterin pathway, Mrg receptors, endogenous lipid mediators, micro-RNAs and their roles in pain regulation. Recent evidence is also presented regarding genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of pain modulation. Expert opinion: During chronic neuropathic pain, maladaptation occurs in the peripheral and central nervous systems, including a shift in microglial phenotype from a surveillance state to an activated state. Microglial activation leads to an altered expression of cell surface proteins, growth factors, and intracellular signaling molecules that contribute to development of a neuroinflammatory cascade and chronic pain sensitization. Specific targeting of these cellular and molecular mechanisms may provide the key to development of effective neuropathic pain therapies that have minimal side effects.