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Limerick G, Uniyal A, Ford N, He S, Grenald SA, Zhang C, Cui X, Sivanesan E, Dong X, Guan Y, Raja SN. Peripherally restricted cannabinoid and mu-opioid receptor agonists synergistically attenuate neuropathic mechanical hypersensitivity in mice. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00615. [PMID: 38815196 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Many medications commonly used to treat neuropathic pain are associated with significant, dose-limiting adverse effects, including sedation, dizziness, and fatigue. These adverse effects are due to the activity of these medications within the central nervous system. The objective of this work was to investigate the interactions between peripherally restricted cannabinoid receptor and mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists on ongoing and evoked neuropathic pain behaviors in mouse models. RNAscope analysis of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) and MOR mRNA demonstrated that the mRNA of both receptors is colocalized in both mouse and human dorsal root ganglion. Single-cell RNAseq of dorsal root ganglion from chronic constriction injury mice showed that the mRNA of both receptors (Cnr1 and Oprm1) is coexpressed across different neuron clusters. Myc-CB1R and FLAG-MOR were cotransfected into immortalized HEK-293T cells and were found to interact at a subcellular level. We also find that CB-13 (a peripherally restricted dual CB1R and cannabinoid receptor type 2 agonist) and DALDA (a peripherally restricted MOR agonist) both attenuate mechanical hypersensitivity in a murine model of neuropathic pain. Using isobolographic analysis, we demonstrate that when coadministered, these agents synergistically attenuate mechanical hypersensitivity. Importantly, combination dosing of these agents does not cause any detectable preferential behaviors or motor impairment. However, repeated dosing of these agents is associated with the development of tolerance to these drugs. Collectively, these findings suggest that leveraging synergistic pain inhibition between cannabinoid receptor and MOR agonists in peripheral sensory neurons may be worth examining in patients with neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ankit Uniyal
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Neil Ford
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | - ShaoQiu He
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | | | - Chi Zhang
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Xiang Cui
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | | | - Xinzhong Dong
- Neuroscience
- Neurology and Neurosurgery and
- Dermatology, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yun Guan
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
- Neurology and Neurosurgery and
| | - Srinivasa N Raja
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
- Neurology and Neurosurgery and
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Yeh CM, Lai CY, Peng HY, Lin TB, Chou D, Wang HH, Yang PS, Cheng JK, Peng YC, Hsieh MC. Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 Contributes to Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain by Activating Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Epigenetic Modification in Dorsal Root Ganglion. Anesth Analg 2024; 138:1107-1119. [PMID: 37390022 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paclitaxel (PTX), which is a first-line chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancers, exhibits peripheral neuropathy as a common side effect that is difficult to treat. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT 5) is a key regulator of the chemotherapy response, as chemotherapy drugs induce PRMT5 expression. However, little is known about the PRMT5-mediated epigenetic mechanisms involved in PTX-induced neuropathic allodynia. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally given PTX to induce neuropathic pain. Biochemical analyses were conducted to measure the protein expression levels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of the animals. The von Frey test and hot plate test were used to evaluate nociceptive behaviors. RESULTS PTX increased the PRMT5 (mean difference [MD]: 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.48; P < .001 for vehicle)-mediated deposition of histone H3R2 dimethyl symmetric (H3R2me2s) at the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ( Trpv1 ) promoter in the DRG. PRMT5-induced H3R2me2s recruited WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5) to increase trimethylation of lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4me3) at Trpv1 promoters, thus resulting in TRPV1 transcriptional activation (MD: 0.65, 95% CI, 0.82-0.49; P < .001 for vehicle) in DRG in PTX-induced neuropathic pain. Moreover, PTX increased the activity of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) (MD: 0.66, 95% CI, 0.81-0.51; P < .001 for vehicle), PRMT5-induced H3R2me2s, and WDR5-mediated H3K4me3 in the DRG in PTX-induced neuropathic pain. Pharmacological antagonism and the selective knockdown of PRMT5 in DRG neurons completely blocked PRMT5-mediated H3R2me2s, WDR5-mediated H3K4me3, or TRPV1 expression and neuropathic pain development after PTX injection. Remarkably, NOX4 inhibition not only attenuated allodynia behavior and reversed the above-mentioned signaling but also reversed NOX4 upregulation via PTX. CONCLUSIONS Thus, the NOX4/PRMT5-associated epigenetic mechanism in DRG has a dominant function in the transcriptional activation of TRPV1 in PTX-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Ming Yeh
- From the Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Health, Taichung Hospital, Executive Yuan, Taichung, Taiwan
- Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Hsien-Yu Peng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzer-Bin Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Institute of New Drug Development, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Dylan Chou
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Hsiao Wang
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Sheng Yang
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Departments of Surgery
| | - Jen-Kun Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Anesthesiology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chih Peng
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chun Hsieh
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
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Kataria S, Patel U, Yabut K, Patel J, Patel R, Patel S, Wijaya JH, Maniyar P, Karki Y, Makrani MP, Viswanath O, Kaye AD. Recent Advances in Management of Neuropathic, Nociceptive, and Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review with Focus on Nanomedicine, Gene Therapy, Stem Cell Therapy, and Newer Therapeutic Options. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:321-333. [PMID: 38386244 PMCID: PMC11126447 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01227-5] [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: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This manuscript summarizes novel clinical and interventional approaches in the management of chronic, nociceptive, and neuropathic pain. RECENT FINDINGS Pain can be defined as a feeling of physical or emotional distress caused by an external stimulus. Pain can be grouped into distinct types according to characteristics including neuropathic pain, which is a pain caused by disease or lesion in the sensory nervous system; nociceptive pain, which is pain that can be sharp, aching, or throbbing and is caused by injury to bodily tissues; and chronic pain, which is long lasting or persisting beyond 6 months. With improved understanding of different signaling systems for pain in recent years, there has been an upscale of methods of analgesia to counteract these pathological processes. Novel treatment methods such as use of cannabinoids, stem cells, gene therapy, nanoparticles, monoclonal antibodies, and platelet-rich plasma have played a significant role in improved strategies for therapeutic interventions. Although many management options appear to be promising, extensive additional clinical research is warranted to determine best practice strategies in the future for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Kataria
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
- LSU Health Science Center at Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71104, USA.
| | | | - Kevin Yabut
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Jayshil Patel
- Benchmark Physical Therapy, Upstream Rehabilitation, Knoxville, TN, 37920, USA
| | - Rajkumar Patel
- GMERS Medical College, Gotri, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390021, India
| | - Savan Patel
- Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, 388325, India
| | | | - Pankti Maniyar
- GMERS Medical College, Gotri, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390021, India
| | - Yukti Karki
- Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Moinulhaq P Makrani
- Department of Pharmacology, Parul Institute of Medical Science and Research, Waghodia, Gujarat, 291760, India
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Department of Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
- Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
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Ghosh K, Zhou JJ, Shao JY, Chen SR, Pan HL. DNA demethylation in the hypothalamus promotes transcription of Agtr1a and Slc12a2 and hypertension development. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105597. [PMID: 38160798 PMCID: PMC10830874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105597] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of angiotensin II AT1A receptor (encoded by Agtr1a) and Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter-1 (NKCC1, encoded by Slc12a2) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) contributes to hypertension development. However, little is known about their transcriptional control in the PVN in hypertension. DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression. Here, we determined whether transcriptional activation of Agtr1a and Slc12a2 results from altered DNA methylation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methylated DNA immunoprecipitation and bisulfite sequencing-PCR showed that CpG methylation at Agtr1a and Slc12a2 promoters in the PVN was progressively diminished in SHR compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR revealed that enrichment of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and DNMT3A) and methyl-CpG binding protein 2, a DNA methylation reader protein, at Agtr1a and Slc12a2 promoters in the PVN was profoundly reduced in SHR compared with WKY. By contrast, the abundance of ten-eleven translocation enzymes (TET1-3) at Agtr1a and Slc12a2 promoters in the PVN was much greater in SHR than in WKY. Furthermore, microinjecting of RG108, a selective DNMT inhibitor, into the PVN of WKY increased arterial blood pressure and correspondingly potentiated Agtr1a and Slc12a2 mRNA levels in the PVN. Conversely, microinjection of C35, a specific TET inhibitor, into the PVN of SHR markedly reduced arterial blood pressure, accompanied by a decrease in Agtr1a and Slc12a2 mRNA levels in the PVN. Collectively, our findings suggest that DNA hypomethylation resulting from the DNMT/TET switch at gene promoters in the PVN promotes transcription of Agtr1a and Slc12a2 and hypertension development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Ghosh
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jing-Jing Zhou
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jian-Ying Shao
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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5
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Li L, Li T, Qu X, Sun G, Fu Q, Han G. Stress/cell death pathways, neuroinflammation, and neuropathic pain. Immunol Rev 2024; 321:33-51. [PMID: 37688390 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a common and debilitating modality of chronic pain induced by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. Albeit the elucidation of numerous pathophysiological mechanisms and the development of potential treatment compounds, safe and reliable therapies of neuropathic pain remain poor. Multiple stress/cell death pathways have been shown to be implicated in neuroinflammation during neuropathic pain. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of stress/cell death pathways and present an overview of the roles and molecular mechanisms of stress/cell death pathways in neuroinflammation during neuropathic pain, covering intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, autophagy, mitophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and phagoptosis. Small molecule compounds that modulate stress/cell death pathways in alleviating neuropathic pain are discussed mainly based on preclinical neuropathic pain models. These findings will contribute to in-depth understanding of the pathological processes during neuropathic pain as well as bridge the gap between basic and translational research to uncover new neuroprotective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinyu Qu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Guangwei Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Qi Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Guang Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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6
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Pethő G, Kántás B, Horváth Á, Pintér E. The Epigenetics of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Update. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17143. [PMID: 38138971 PMCID: PMC10743356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417143] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics deals with alterations to the gene expression that occur without change in the nucleotide sequence in the DNA. Various covalent modifications of the DNA and/or the surrounding histone proteins have been revealed, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and methylation, which can either stimulate or inhibit protein expression at the transcriptional level. In the past decade, an exponentially increasing amount of data has been published on the association between epigenetic changes and the pathomechanism of pain, including its most challenging form, neuropathic pain. Epigenetic regulation of the chromatin by writer, reader, and eraser proteins has been revealed for diverse protein targets involved in the pathomechanism of neuropathic pain. They include receptors, ion channels, transporters, enzymes, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, inflammasome proteins, etc. Most work has been invested in clarifying the epigenetic downregulation of mu opioid receptors and various K+ channels, two types of structures mediating neuronal inhibition. Conversely, epigenetic upregulation has been revealed for glutamate receptors, growth factors, and lymphokines involved in neuronal excitation. All these data cannot only help better understand the development of neuropathic pain but outline epigenetic writers, readers, and erasers whose pharmacological inhibition may represent a novel option in the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Pethő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Boglárka Kántás
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Édesanyák Str. 17., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Horváth
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
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7
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Uniyal A, Tiwari V, Tsukamoto T, Dong X, Guan Y, Raja SN. Targeting sensory neuron GPCRs for peripheral neuropathic pain. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:1009-1027. [PMID: 37977131 PMCID: PMC10657387 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of peripheral neuropathic pain (NP) conditions and significant progress in understanding its underlying mechanisms, the management of peripheral NP remains inadequate. Existing pharmacotherapies for NP act primarily on the central nervous system (CNS) and are often associated with CNS-related adverse effects, limiting their clinical effectiveness. Mounting preclinical evidence indicates that reducing the heightened activity in primary sensory neurons by targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), without activating these receptors in the CNS, relieves pain without central adverse effects. In this review, we focus on recent advancements in GPCR-mediated peripheral pain relief and discuss strategies to advance the development of more effective and safer therapies for peripheral NP by shifting from traditional CNS modulatory approaches toward selective targeting of GPCRs on primary sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Uniyal
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (B.H.U), Varanasi, India
| | - Takashi Tsukamoto
- Department of Neurology and Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yun Guan
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Srinivasa N Raja
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neurology and Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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8
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Gambacorta N, Gasperi V, Guzzo T, Di Leva FS, Ciriaco F, Sánchez C, Tullio V, Rozzi D, Marinelli L, Topai A, Nicolotti O, Maccarrone M. Exploring the 1,3-benzoxazine chemotype for cannabinoid receptor 2 as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115647. [PMID: 37478557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of selective agonists of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is strongly pursued to successfully tuning endocannabinoid signaling for therapeutic purposes. However, the design of selective CB2 agonists is still challenging because of the high homology with the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and for the yet unclear molecular basis of the agonist/antagonist switch. Here, the 1,3-benzoxazine scaffold is presented as a versatile chemotype for the design of CB2 agonists from which 25 derivatives were synthesized. Among these, compound 7b5 (CB2 EC50 = 110 nM, CB1 EC50 > 10 μM) demonstrated to impair proliferation of triple negative breast cancer BT549 cells and to attenuate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a CB2-dependent manner. Furthermore, 7b5 abrogated the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, a key pro-inflammatory and oncogenic enzyme. Finally, molecular dynamics studies suggested a new rationale for the in vitro measured selectivity and for the observed agonist behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Gambacorta
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Valeria Gasperi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tatiana Guzzo
- C4T S.r.l Colosseum Combinatorial Chemistry Centre for Technology, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica Snc, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Ciriaco
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Cristina Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Complutense University, C/ José Antonio Nováis, 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Tullio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Rozzi
- C4T S.r.l Colosseum Combinatorial Chemistry Centre for Technology, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica Snc, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Topai
- C4T S.r.l Colosseum Combinatorial Chemistry Centre for Technology, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica Snc, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of the Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy; European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
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9
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Guenther KG, Xu Z, Romero J, Hillard CJ, Mackie K, Hohmann AG. Conditional deletion of CB2 cannabinoid receptors from peripheral sensory neurons eliminates CB2-mediated antinociceptive efficacy in a mouse model of carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain. Neuropharmacology 2023; 237:109601. [PMID: 37286073 PMCID: PMC10409300 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109601] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonists suppress pathological pain in animal models and lack unwanted side effects commonly associated with direct activation of CB1 receptors. However, the types of pain most responsive to CB2 agonists are incompletely understood and cell types which underlie CB2-mediated therapeutic efficacy remain largely unknown. We previously reported that the CB2 receptor agonist LY2828360 reduced neuropathic nociception induced by toxic challenge with chemotherapeutic and anti-retroviral agents in mice. Whether these findings generalize to models of inflammatory pain is not known. Here we show that LY2828360 (10 mg/kg i.p.) reversed the maintenance of carrageenan-induced mechanical allodynia in female mice. Anti-allodynic efficacy was fully preserved in global CB1 knock out (KO) mice but absent in CB2 KO mice. The anti-allodynic efficacy of LY2828360 was absent in conditional KO (cKO) mice lacking CB2 receptors in peripheral sensory neurons (AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f) and preserved in cKO mice lacking CB2 receptors in microglia/macrophages expressing C-X3-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 1 (CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/f). Intraplantar administration of LY2828360 (30 μg i.pl.) reversed carrageenan-induced mechanical allodynia in CB2f/f but not AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f mice of both sexes. Thus, CB2 receptors in peripheral sensory neurons likely underlie the therapeutic effects of LY2828360 injection in the paw. Lastly, qRT-PCR analyses revealed that LY2828360 reduced carrageenan-induced increases in IL-1β and IL-10 mRNA in paw skin. Our results suggest that LY2828360 suppresses inflammatory nociception in mice through a neuronal CB2-dependent mechanism that requires peripheral sensory neuron CB2 receptors and suggest that the clinical applications of LY2828360 as an anti-hyperalgesic agent should be re-evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey G Guenther
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Zhili Xu
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Med. Col. of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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10
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Martinez-Torres S, Mesquida-Veny F, Del Rio JA, Hervera A. Injury-induced activation of the endocannabinoid system promotes axon regeneration. iScience 2023; 26:106814. [PMID: 37235048 PMCID: PMC10205787 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106814] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration after a peripheral nerve injury still remains a challenge, due to the limited regenerative potential of axons after injury. While the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been widely studied for its neuroprotective and analgesic effects, its role in axonal regeneration and during the conditioning lesion remains unexplored. In this study, we observed that a peripheral nerve injury induces axonal regeneration through an increase in the endocannabinoid tone. We also enhanced the regenerative capacity of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons through the inhibition of endocannabinoid degradative enzyme MAGL or a CB1R agonist. Our results suggest that the ECS, via CB1R and PI3K-pAkt pathway activation, plays an important role in promoting the intrinsic regenerative capacity of sensory neurons after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Martinez-Torres
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francina Mesquida-Veny
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Antonio Del Rio
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnau Hervera
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Network Centre of Biomedical Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Group, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEM-CAT), Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Borgonetti V, Mugnaini C, Corelli F, Galeotti N. The Selective CB2 Agonist COR167 Reduced Symptoms in a Mice Model of Trauma-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy through HDAC-1 Inhibition. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1546. [PMID: 37371642 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a chronic disabling condition with a 7-10% of prevalence in the general population that is largely undertreated. Available analgesic therapies are poorly effective and are often accompanied by numerous side effects. Growing evidence indicates cannabinoids are a valuable treatment opportunity for neuropathic pain. The endocannabinoid system is an important regulator of pain perception through the CB1 receptors, but CB1 agonists, while largely effective, are not always satisfactory pain-relieving agents in clinics because of their serious adverse effects. Recently, several CB2 agonists have shown analgesic, anti-hyperalgesic, and anti-allodynic activity in the absence of CB1-induced psychostimulant effects, offering promise in neuropathic pain management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-neuropathic activity of a novel selective CB2 agonist, COR167, in a preclinical model of peripheral neuropathy, the spared nerve injury (SNI). Oral COR167, in a dose-dependent manner, attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia after acute and repeated administration, showing the absence of tolerance induction. At anti-neuropathic doses, COR167 did not show any alteration in the locomotor behavior. SNI mice showed increased microglial levels of HDAC1 protein in the ipsilateral side of the spinal cord, along with NF-kB activation. COR167 treatment prevented the HDAC1 overexpression and the NF-kB activation and increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 through a CB2-mediated mechanism. Oral administration of COR167 shows promising therapeutic potential in the management of neuropathic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Borgonetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Galeotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
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12
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Huang Y, Chen H, Chen SR, Pan HL. Duloxetine and Amitriptyline Reduce Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting Primary Sensory Input to Spinal Dorsal Horn Neurons via α1- and α2-Adrenergic Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1261-1277. [PMID: 36930958 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antidepressants, such as duloxetine and amitriptyline, are effective for treating patients with chronic neuropathic pain. Inhibiting norepinephrine and serotonin transporters at presynaptic terminals raises extracellular concentrations of norepinephrine. The α1- and α2-adrenergic receptor agonists inhibit glutamatergic input from primary afferent nerves to the spinal dorsal horn. However, the contribution of spinal α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors to the analgesic effect of antidepressants and associated synaptic plasticity remains uncertain. In this study, we showed that systemic administration of duloxetine or amitriptyline acutely reduced tactile allodynia and mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia caused by spinal nerve ligation in rats. In contrast, duloxetine or amitriptyline had no effect on nociception in sham rats. Blocking α1-adrenergic receptors with WB-4101 or α2-adrenergic receptors with yohimbine at the spinal level diminished the analgesic effect of systemically administered duloxetine and amitriptyline. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of duloxetine or amitriptyline similarly attenuated pain hypersensitivity in nerve-injured rats; the analgesic effect was abolished by intrathecal pretreatment with both WB-4101 and yohimbine. In addition, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in spinal cord slices showed that duloxetine or amitriptyline rapidly inhibited dorsal root-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents in dorsal horn neurons in nerve-injured rats but had no such effect in sham rats. The inhibitory effect of duloxetine and amitriptyline was abolished by the WB-4101 and yohimbine combination. Therefore, antidepressants attenuate neuropathic pain predominantly by inhibiting primary afferent input to the spinal cord via activating both α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors. This information helps the design of new strategies to improve the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Huang
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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13
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Blanton H, Reddy PH, Benamar K. Chronic pain in Alzheimer's disease: Endocannabinoid system. Exp Neurol 2023; 360:114287. [PMID: 36455638 PMCID: PMC9789196 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114287] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain, one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care, has been linked to restrictions in mobility and daily activities, dependence on opioids, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and reduced quality of life. Alzheimer's disease (AD), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder (characterized by a progressive impairment of cognitive functions) in the elderly, is often co-morbid with chronic pain. AD is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders in the aged population. The reported prevalence of chronic pain is 45.8% of the 50 million people with AD. As the population ages, the number of older people who experience AD and chronic pain will also increase. The current treatment options for chronic pain are limited, often ineffective, and have associated side effects. This review summarizes the role of the endocannabinoid system in pain, its potential role in chronic pain in AD, and addresses gaps and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Blanton
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Internal Medicine Department, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Khalid Benamar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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14
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Zhang J, Chen SR, Zhou MH, Jin D, Chen H, Wang L, DePinho RA, Pan HL. HDAC2 in Primary Sensory Neurons Constitutively Restrains Chronic Pain by Repressing α2δ-1 Expression and Associated NMDA Receptor Activity. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8918-8935. [PMID: 36257688 PMCID: PMC9732832 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0735-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
α2δ-1 (encoded by the Cacna2d1 gene) is a newly discovered NMDA receptor-interacting protein and is the therapeutic target of gabapentinoids (e.g., gabapentin and pregabalin) frequently used for treating patients with neuropathic pain. Nerve injury causes sustained α2δ-1 upregulation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which promotes NMDA receptor synaptic trafficking and activation in the spinal dorsal horn, a hallmark of chronic neuropathic pain. However, little is known about how nerve injury initiates and maintains the high expression level of α2δ-1 to sustain chronic pain. Here, we show that nerve injury caused histone hyperacetylation and diminished enrichment of histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC2), but not HDAC3, at the Cacna2d1 promoter in the DRG. Strikingly, Hdac2 knockdown or conditional knockout in DRG neurons in male and female mice consistently induced long-lasting mechanical pain hypersensitivity, which was readily reversed by blocking NMDA receptors, inhibiting α2δ-1 with gabapentin or disrupting the α2δ-1-NMDA receptor interaction at the spinal cord level. Hdac2 deletion in DRG neurons increased histone acetylation levels at the Cacna2d1 promoter, upregulated α2δ-1 in the DRG, and potentiated α2δ-1-dependent NMDA receptor activity at primary afferent central terminals in the spinal dorsal horn. Correspondingly, Hdac2 knockdown-induced pain hypersensitivity was blunted in Cacna2d1 knockout mice. Thus, our findings reveal that HDAC2 functions as a pivotal transcriptional repressor of neuropathic pain via constitutively suppressing α2δ-1 expression and ensuing presynaptic NMDA receptor activity in the spinal cord. HDAC2 enrichment levels at the Cacna2d1 promoter in DRG neurons constitute a unique epigenetic mechanism that governs acute-to-chronic pain transition.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Excess α2δ-1 proteins produced after nerve injury directly interact with glutamate NMDA receptors to potentiate synaptic NMDA receptor activity in the spinal cord, a prominent mechanism of nerve pain. Because α2δ-1 upregulation after nerve injury is long lasting, gabapentinoids relieve pain symptoms only temporarily. Our study demonstrates for the first time the unexpected role of intrinsic HDAC2 activity at the α2δ-1 gene promoter in limiting α2δ-1 gene transcription, NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity, and chronic pain development after nerve injury. These findings challenge the prevailing view about the role of general HDAC activity in promoting chronic pain. Restoring the repressive HDAC2 function and/or reducing histone acetylation at the α2δ-1 gene promoter in primary sensory neurons could lead to long-lasting relief of nerve pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixiang Zhang
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Meng-Hua Zhou
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Daozhong Jin
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Li Wang
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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15
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Basavarajappa BS, Subbanna S. Molecular Insights into Epigenetics and Cannabinoid Receptors. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1560. [PMID: 36358910 PMCID: PMC9687363 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The actions of cannabis are mediated by G protein-coupled receptors that are part of an endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). ECS consists of the naturally occurring ligands N-arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Epigenetics are heritable changes that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, transducing external stimuli in stable alterations of the DNA or chromatin structure. Cannabinoid receptors are crucial candidates for exploring their functions through epigenetic approaches due to their significant roles in health and diseases. Epigenetic changes usually promote alterations in the expression of genes and proteins that can be evaluated by various transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Despite the exponential growth of new evidence on the critical functions of cannabinoid receptors, much is still unknown regarding the contribution of various genetic and epigenetic factors that regulate cannabinoid receptor gene expression. Recent studies have identified several immediate and long-lasting epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, DNA-associated histone proteins, and RNA regulatory networks, in cannabinoid receptor function. Thus, they can offer solutions to many cellular, molecular, and behavioral impairments found after modulation of cannabinoid receptor activities. In this review, we discuss the significant research advances in different epigenetic factors contributing to the regulation of cannabinoid receptors and their functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing our understanding of the epigenetics of cannabinoid receptors will significantly advance our knowledge and could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies for diseases associated with altered cannabinoid receptor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S. Basavarajappa
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
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16
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Jiang F, Xia M, Zhang Y, Chang J, Cao J, Zhang Z, Qian Z, Yang L. Cannabinoid receptor-2 attenuates neuroinflammation by promoting autophagy-mediated degradation of the NLRP3 inflammasome post spinal cord injury. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993168. [PMID: 36238284 PMCID: PMC9553321 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroinflammation following spinal cord injury (SCI) results in prolonged neurological damage and locomotor dysfunction. Polarization of microglia is vital to regulation of neuroinflammation, although the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Endocannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2R) is reported to ameliorate neurodegeneration via immunomodulation activities. However, the underlying machinery in the context of SCI remains unclear. Methods A lipopolysaccharide-induced microglia inflammation model and a mouse model of SCI were employed to investigate the regulatory role of CB2R in the polarization of microglia in response to excess neuroinflammation. Markers of inflammation and autophagy were measured by Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Histological staining with hematoxylin and eosin, Nissl, and Luxol® fast blue was conducted using commercial kits. The locomotor function of the hindlimbs of the experimental mice was evaluated with the Basso Mouse Scale, Louisville Swim Scale, and footprint assay. Results The results showed that CB2R promoted M2 differentiation, increased interleukin (IL)-10 expression, and inhibited M1 differentiation with decreased expression of IL-1β and IL-6. CB2R activation also increased ubiquitination of the NLRP3 inflammasome and interacted with the autophagy-related proteins p62 and microtubule-associated proteins 1B light chain 3. Treatment with the CB2R activator JWH-133 reduced loss of myelin, apoptosis of neurons, and glial scarring, leading to improved functional recovery of the hindlimbs, while the CB2R antagonist AM630 produced opposite results. Conclusion Taken together, these results suggested that CB2R activation attenuated neuroinflammation targeting microglial polarization by promoting NLRP3 clearance, thereby facilitating functional recovery post-SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Mingjie Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
- Postgraduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jie Chang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated First Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiang Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated First Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongkai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Yang, ; Zhanyang Qian, ; Zhongkai Zhang,
| | - Zhanyang Qian
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Yang, ; Zhanyang Qian, ; Zhongkai Zhang,
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
- School of Bioinformatics Engineering, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Yang, ; Zhanyang Qian, ; Zhongkai Zhang,
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