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Xie MX, Rao JH, Tian XY, Liu JK, Li X, Chen ZY, Cao Y, Chen AN, Shu HH, Zhang XL. ATF4 inhibits TRPV4 function and controls itch perception in rodents and nonhuman primates. Pain 2024; 165:1840-1859. [PMID: 38422489 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Acute and chronic itch are prevalent and incapacitating, yet the neural mechanisms underlying both acute and chronic itch are just starting to be unraveled. Activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4) belongs to the ATF/CREB transcription factor family and primarily participates in the regulation of gene transcription. Our previous study has demonstrated that ATF4 is expressed in sensory neurons. Nevertheless, the role of ATF4 in itch sensation remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that ATF4 plays a significant role in regulating itch sensation. The absence of ATF4 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons enhances the itch sensitivity of mice. Overexpression of ATF4 in sensory neurons significantly alleviates the acute and chronic pruritus in mice. Furthermore, ATF4 interacts with the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) and inhibits its function without altering the expression or membrane trafficking of TRPV4 in sensory neurons. In addition, interference with ATF4 increases the itch sensitivity in nonhuman primates and enhances TRPV4 currents in nonhuman primates DRG neurons; ATF4 and TRPV4 also co-expresses in human sensory neurons. Our data demonstrate that ATF4 controls pruritus by regulating TRPV4 signaling through a nontranscriptional mechanism and identifies a potential new strategy for the treatment of pathological pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Xiu Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Hua Rao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Tian
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Kun Liu
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Zi-Yi Chen
- Zhongshan School of Medicine of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Cao
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - An-Nan Chen
- Zhongshan School of Medicine of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Hua Shu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Long Zhang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Inclan-Rico JM, Napuri CM, Lin C, Hung LY, Ferguson AA, Wu Q, Pastore CF, Stephenson A, Femoe UM, Rossi HL, Reed DR, Luo W, Abdus-Saboor I, Herbert DR. "MrgprA3 neurons selectively control myeloid-derived cytokines for IL-17 dependent cutaneous immunity". RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3644984. [PMID: 38076920 PMCID: PMC10705600 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3644984/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Skin employs interdependent cellular networks to facilitate barrier integrity and host immunity through ill-defined mechanisms. This study demonstrates that manipulation of itch-sensing neurons bearing the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor A3 (MrgprA3) drives IL-17+ γδ T cell expansion, epidermal thickening, and resistance to the human pathogen Schistosoma mansoni through mechanisms that require myeloid antigen presenting cells (APC). Activated MrgprA3 neurons instruct myeloid APCs to downregulate interleukin 33 (IL-33) and up-regulate TNFα partially through the neuropeptide calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP). Strikingly, cell-intrinsic deletion of IL-33 in myeloid APC basally alters chromatin accessibility at inflammatory cytokine loci and promotes IL-17/23-dependent epidermal thickening, keratinocyte hyperplasia, and resistance to helminth infection. Our findings reveal a previously undescribed mechanism of intercellular cross-talk wherein "itch" neuron activation reshapes myeloid cytokine expression patterns to alter skin composition for cutaneous immunity against invasive pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M. Inclan-Rico
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Camila M. Napuri
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cailu Lin
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Li-Yin Hung
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Annabel A. Ferguson
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qinxue Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christopher F. Pastore
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Adriana Stephenson
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ulrich M. Femoe
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Heather L. Rossi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Wenqin Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ishmail Abdus-Saboor
- Department of Biological Sciences, Zuckerman Mind, Brain, Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - De’Broski R. Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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3
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West PW, Tontini C, Atmoko H, Kiss O, Garner T, Bahri R, Warren RB, Griffiths CEM, Stevens A, Bulfone-Paus S. Human Mast Cells Upregulate Cathepsin B, a Novel Marker of Itch in Psoriasis. Cells 2023; 12:2177. [PMID: 37681909 PMCID: PMC10486964 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172177] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) contribute to skin inflammation. In psoriasis, the activation of cutaneous neuroimmune networks commonly leads to itch. To dissect the unique contribution of MCs to the cutaneous neuroinflammatory response in psoriasis, we examined their density, distribution, relation to nerve fibres and disease severity, and molecular signature by comparing RNA-seq analysis of MCs isolated from the skin of psoriasis patients and healthy volunteers. In involved psoriasis skin, MCs and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)-positive nerve fibres were spatially associated, and the increase of both MC and nerve fibre density correlated with disease severity. Gene set enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes in involved psoriasis skin showed significant representation of neuron-related pathways (i.e., regulation of neuron projection along with dendrite and dendritic spine morphogenesis), indicating MC engagement in neuronal development and supporting the evidence of close MC-nerve fibre interaction. Furthermore, the analysis of 208 identified itch-associated genes revealed that CTSB, TLR4, and TACR1 were upregulated in MCs in involved skin. In both whole-skin published datasets and isolated MCs, CTSB was found to be a reliable indicator of the psoriasis condition. Furthermore, cathepsin B+ cells were increased in psoriasis skin and cathepsin B+ MC density correlated with disease severity. Therefore, our study provides evidence that cathepsin B could serve as a common indicator of the MC-dependent itch signature in psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W. West
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.W.W.); (C.T.); (O.K.); (R.B.); (R.B.W.); (C.E.M.G.)
| | - Chiara Tontini
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.W.W.); (C.T.); (O.K.); (R.B.); (R.B.W.); (C.E.M.G.)
| | - Haris Atmoko
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.W.W.); (C.T.); (O.K.); (R.B.); (R.B.W.); (C.E.M.G.)
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.W.W.); (C.T.); (O.K.); (R.B.); (R.B.W.); (C.E.M.G.)
| | - Terence Garner
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (T.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Rajia Bahri
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.W.W.); (C.T.); (O.K.); (R.B.); (R.B.W.); (C.E.M.G.)
| | - Richard B. Warren
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.W.W.); (C.T.); (O.K.); (R.B.); (R.B.W.); (C.E.M.G.)
- Centre for Dermatology Research, The University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Christopher E. M. Griffiths
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.W.W.); (C.T.); (O.K.); (R.B.); (R.B.W.); (C.E.M.G.)
- Centre for Dermatology Research, The University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Adam Stevens
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (T.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Silvia Bulfone-Paus
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.W.W.); (C.T.); (O.K.); (R.B.); (R.B.W.); (C.E.M.G.)
- Centre for Dermatology Research, The University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
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4
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Jin J, Li L, Wang Y, Li K, Qian A, Li W, Liu Q, Wen C, Liu Q, Yan G, Xue F. Estrogen alleviates acute and chronic itch in mice. Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:255. [PMID: 37153887 PMCID: PMC10155243 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Itching is associated with various skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and allergic dermatitis, and leads to repeated scratching behavior and unpleasant sensation. Although clinical and laboratory research data have shown that estrogen is involved in regulating itch, the molecular and cellular basis of estrogen in itch sensation remains elusive. In the present study, it was found that estrogen-treated mice exhibited reduced scratching bouts when challenged with histamine, chloroquine, the proteinase-activated receptor-2 activating peptide SLIGRL-NH2 (SLIGRL), compound 48/80, and 5-hydroxytryptamine when compared with mice in the placebo group. Moreover, estrogen also suppressed scratching bouts in the mouse model of chronic itch induced by acetone-ether-water treatment. Notably, consistent with the behavioral tests, the present RNA-seq analysis showed that estrogen treatment caused significantly reduced expression levels of itch-related molecules such as Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member A3, neuromedin B and natriuretic polypeptide b. In addition, estradiol attenuated histamine-induced and chloroquine-induced calcium influx in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Collectively, the data of the present study suggested that estrogen modulates the expression of itch-related molecules and suppresses both acute and chronic itch in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Anatomy, Yanbian University of Medicine, Yanji, Jilin 133002, P.R. China
| | - Yuhui Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, P.R. China
| | - Keyan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, P.R. China
| | - Aihua Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Weiou Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, P.R. China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, P.R. China
| | - Chao Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, P.R. China
| | - Quanle Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, P.R. China
| | - Guanghai Yan
- Department of Anatomy, Yanbian University of Medicine, Yanji, Jilin 133002, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Fushan Xue, Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-An Road, Xi-Cheng, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Fushan Xue
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Fushan Xue, Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-An Road, Xi-Cheng, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
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5
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Wang K, Cai B, Song Y, Chen Y, Zhang X. Somatosensory neuron types and their neural networks as revealed via single-cell transcriptomics. Trends Neurosci 2023:S0166-2236(23)00130-3. [PMID: 37268541 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has allowed profiling cell types of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and their transcriptional states in physiology and chronic pain. However, the evaluation criteria used in previous studies to classify DRG neurons varied, which presents difficulties in determining the various types of DRG neurons. In this review, we aim to integrate findings from previous transcriptomic studies of the DRG. We first briefly introduce the history of DRG-neuron cell-type profiling, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different scRNA-seq methods. We then examine the classification of DRG neurons based on single-cell profiling under physiological and pathological conditions. Finally, we propose further studies on the somatosensory system at the molecular, cellular, and neural network levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaikai Wang
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin 519031, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China; Research Unit of Pain Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hengqin, Zhuhai, China
| | - Bing Cai
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin 519031, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China; Research Unit of Pain Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hengqin, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yurang Song
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin 519031, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China; Research Unit of Pain Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hengqin, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin 519031, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China; Research Unit of Pain Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hengqin, Zhuhai, China; Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin 519031, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China; SIMR Joint Lab of Drug Innovation, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China; Research Unit of Pain Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hengqin, Zhuhai, China; Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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6
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Liu AW, Gillis JE, Sumpter TL, Kaplan DH. Neuroimmune interactions in atopic and allergic contact dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:1169-1177. [PMID: 37149370 PMCID: PMC10167546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The skin is a barrier organ populated by many types of skin-resident immune cells and sensory neurons. It has become increasingly appreciated that neuroimmune interactions are an important component of inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Neuropeptides secreted from nerve terminals play an important role in mediating cutaneous immune cell function, and soluble mediators derived from immune cells interact with neurons to induce itch. In this review article, we will explore emerging research describing neuronal effector functions on skin immune cells in mouse models of atopic and contact dermatitis. We will also discuss the contributions of both specific neuronal subsets and secreted immune factors to itch induction and the associated inflammatory processes. Finally, we will explore how treatment strategies have emerged around these findings and discuss the relationship between scratching and dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Liu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Jacob E Gillis
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Tina L Sumpter
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Daniel H Kaplan
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.
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7
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Lu P, Zhao Y, Xie Z, Zhou H, Dong X, Wu GF, Kim BS, Feng J, Hu H. MrgprA3-expressing pruriceptors drive pruritogen-induced alloknesis through mechanosensitive Piezo2 channel. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112283. [PMID: 36961815 PMCID: PMC10514240 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112283] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Although touch and itch are coded by distinct neuronal populations, light touch also provokes itch in the presence of exogenous pruritogens, resulting in a phenomenon called alloknesis. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation of pruritogen-induced mechanical itch sensitization are poorly understood. Here, we show that intradermal injections of histamine or chloroquine (CQ) provoke alloknesis through activation of TRPV1- and MrgprA3-expressing prurioceptors, and functional ablation of these neurons reverses pruritogen-induced alloknesis. Moreover, genetic ablation of mechanosensitive Piezo2 channel function from MrgprA3-expressing prurioceptors also dampens pruritogen-induced alloknesis. Mechanistically, histamine and CQ sensitize Piezo2 channel function, at least in part, through activation of the phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C-δ (PKCδ) signaling. Collectively, our data find a TRPV1+/MrgprA3+ prurioceptor-Piezo2 signaling axis in the initiation of pruritogen-induced mechanical itch sensitization in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Center for the Study of Itch & Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Center for the Study of Itch & Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zili Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Center for the Study of Itch & Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Huan Zhou
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gregory F Wu
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Brian S Kim
- Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jing Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Center for the Study of Itch & Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongzhen Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Center for the Study of Itch & Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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8
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Mießner H, Seidel J, Smith ESJ. In vitro models for investigating itch. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:984126. [PMID: 36385768 PMCID: PMC9644192 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.984126] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Itch (pruritus) is a sensation that drives a desire to scratch, a behavior observed in many animals. Although generally short-lasting and not causing harm, there are several pathological conditions where chronic itch is a hallmark symptom and in which prolonged scratching can induce damage. Finding medications to counteract the sensation of chronic itch has proven difficult due to the molecular complexity that involves a multitude of triggers, receptors and signaling pathways between skin, immune and nerve cells. While much has been learned about pruritus from in vivo animal models, they have limitations that corroborate the necessity for a transition to more human disease-like models. Also, reducing animal use should be encouraged in research. However, conducting human in vivo experiments can also be ethically challenging. Thus, there is a clear need for surrogate models to be used in pre-clinical investigation of the mechanisms of itch. Most in vitro models used for itch research focus on the use of known pruritogens. For this, sensory neurons and different types of skin and/or immune cells are stimulated in 2D or 3D co-culture, and factors such as neurotransmitter or cytokine release can be measured. There are however limitations of such simplistic in vitro models. For example, not all naturally occurring cell types are present and there is also no connection to the itch-sensing organ, the central nervous system (CNS). Nevertheless, in vitro models offer a chance to investigate otherwise inaccessible specific cell–cell interactions and molecular pathways. In recent years, stem cell-based approaches and human primary cells have emerged as viable alternatives to standard cell lines or animal tissue. As in vitro models have increased in their complexity, further opportunities for more elaborated means of investigating itch have been developed. In this review, we introduce the latest concepts of itch and discuss the advantages and limitations of current in vitro models, which provide valuable contributions to pruritus research and might help to meet the unmet clinical need for more refined anti-pruritic substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Mießner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Dermatological Skin Care, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Judith Seidel
- Dermatological Skin Care, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ewan St. John Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Ewan St. John Smith,
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9
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Latragna A, Sabaté San José A, Tsimpos P, Vermeiren S, Gualdani R, Chakrabarti S, Callejo G, Desiderio S, Shomroni O, Sitte M, Kricha S, Luypaert M, Vanhollebeke B, Laumet G, Salinas G, Smith ESJ, Ris L, Bellefroid EJ. Prdm12 modulates pain-related behavior by remodeling gene expression in mature nociceptors. Pain 2022; 163:e927-e941. [PMID: 34961757 PMCID: PMC9341233 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Prdm12 is a conserved epigenetic transcriptional regulator that displays restricted expression in nociceptors of the developing peripheral nervous system. In mice, Prdm12 is required for the development of the entire nociceptive lineage. In humans, PRDM12 mutations cause congenital insensitivity to pain, likely because of the loss of nociceptors. Prdm12 expression is maintained in mature nociceptors suggesting a yet-to-be explored functional role in adults. Using Prdm12 inducible conditional knockout mouse models, we report that in adult nociceptors Prdm12 is no longer required for cell survival but continues to play a role in the transcriptional control of a network of genes, many of them encoding ion channels and receptors. We found that disruption of Prdm12 alters the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons in culture. Phenotypically, we observed that mice lacking Prdm12 exhibit normal responses to thermal and mechanical nociceptive stimuli but a reduced response to capsaicin and hypersensitivity to formalin-induced inflammatory pain. Together, our data indicate that Prdm12 regulates pain-related behavior in a complex way by modulating gene expression in adult nociceptors and controlling their excitability. The results encourage further studies to assess the potential of Prdm12 as a target for analgesic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Latragna
- ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, UMONS Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Alba Sabaté San José
- ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Panagiotis Tsimpos
- ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Simon Vermeiren
- ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Roberta Gualdani
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, UMONS Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | | | - Gerard Callejo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Desiderio
- ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Orr Shomroni
- NGS Integrative Genomics, Department of Human Genetics at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maren Sitte
- NGS Integrative Genomics, Department of Human Genetics at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sadia Kricha
- ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Maëlle Luypaert
- ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Benoit Vanhollebeke
- ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Geoffroy Laumet
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- NGS Integrative Genomics, Department of Human Genetics at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ewan St. John Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence Ris
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, UMONS Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Eric J. Bellefroid
- ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
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10
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Liu Q, Mai L, Yang S, Jia S, Chu Y, He H, Fan W, Huang F. Transcriptional Alterations of Mouse Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons Following Orofacial Inflammation Revealed by Single-Cell Analysis. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:885569. [PMID: 35722619 PMCID: PMC9200971 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.885569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Orofacial inflammation leads to transcriptional alterations in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. However, diverse alterations and regulatory mechanisms following orofacial inflammatory pain in different types of TG neurons remain unclear. Here, orofacial inflammation was induced by injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) in mice. After 7 days, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing on TG cells of mice from control and treatment groups. We identified primary sensory neurons, Schwann cells, satellite glial cells, oligodendrocyte-like cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells in TG tissue. After principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering, we identified six TG neuronal subpopulations: peptidergic nociceptors (PEP1 and PEP2), non-peptidergic nociceptors (NP1 and NP2), C-fiber low-threshold mechanoreceptors (cLTMR) and myelinated neurons (Nefh-positive neurons, NF) based on annotated marker gene expression. We also performed differential gene expression analysis among TG neuronal subtypes, identifying several differential genes involved in the inflammatory response, neuronal excitability, neuroprotection, and metabolic processes. Notably, we identified several potential novel targets associated with pain modulation, including Arl6ip1, Gsk3b, Scn7a, and Zbtb20 in PEP1, Rgs7bp in PEP2, and Bhlha9 in cLTMR. The established protein–protein interaction network identified some hub genes, implying their critical involvement in regulating orofacial inflammatory pain. Our study revealed the heterogeneity of TG neurons and their diverse neuronal transcriptomic responses to orofacial inflammation, providing a basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for orofacial inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijia Mai
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengyan Yang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shilin Jia
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhao Chu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwen He
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenguo Fan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wenguo Fan,
| | - Fang Huang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China
- Fang Huang,
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11
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Li F, Wang C, Hu D, Zhang X, Shen R, Zhou Y, Yang Y, Zhu C, Tang Z, Yu G. mMrgprA3
/
mMrgprC11
/
hMrgprX1
: potential therapeutic targets for allergic contact dermatitis induced pruritus in mice and human. Contact Dermatitis 2022; 86:286-294. [DOI: 10.1111/cod.14051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fengxian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University Guangzhou Guangdong China
| | - Changming Wang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Danyou Hu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Ran Shen
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Yan Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Chan Zhu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Zongxiang Tang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Guang Yu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing Jiangsu China
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12
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Tseng PY, Hoon MA. Interactions of the Neuro‒Immune‒Stromal Triad in Itch. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:42-46. [PMID: 34662564 PMCID: PMC8688333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.08.443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the mechanisms involved in itch signaling in the skin and how these new findings fit into the wider picture of the expression of itch mediators and their receptors in the dermal layer. Because at present studies mostly concentrate on single cellular compartments (e.g., neural alone), we suggest that they may miss important interactions with other compartments. Therefore, to fully appreciate pruritus, we propose that studies should consider (e.g., using transcriptomic information) signal transmission within the entire neuro‒immune‒stromal triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pang-Yen Tseng
- Molecular Genetics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/NIH, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark A. Hoon
- Molecular Genetics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/NIH, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,To whom correspondence should be addressed,
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13
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Tseng PY, Hoon MA. Specific β-Defensins Stimulate Pruritus through Activation of Sensory Neurons. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:594-602. [PMID: 34480893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.07.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pruritus is a common symptom of dermatological disorders and has a major negative impact on QOL. Previously, it was suggested that human β-defensin peptides elicit itch through the activation of mast cells. In this study, we investigated in more detail the mechanisms by which β-defensins induce itch by defining the receptors activated by these peptides in humans and mice, by establishing their action in vivo, and by examining their expression in inflammatory dermal diseases. We found that elevated expression of DEFB103 is highly correlated with skin lesions in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. We showed that the peptide encoded by this gene and related genes activate Mas-related G protein-coupled receptors with different potencies that are related to their charge density. Furthermore, we establish that although these peptides can activate mast cells, they also activate sensory neurons, with the former cells being dispensable for itch reactions in mice. Together, our studies highlight that specific β-defensins are likely endogenous pruritogens that can directly stimulate sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pang-Yen Tseng
- Molecular Genetics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark A Hoon
- Molecular Genetics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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14
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Roy S, Chompunud Na Ayudhya C, Thapaliya M, Deepak V, Ali H. Multifaceted MRGPRX2: New insight into the role of mast cells in health and disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 148:293-308. [PMID: 33957166 PMCID: PMC8355064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous mast cells (MCs) express Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor-X2 (MRGPRX2; mouse ortholog MrgprB2), which is activated by an ever-increasing number of cationic ligands. Antimicrobial host defense peptides (HDPs) generated by keratinocytes contribute to host defense likely by 2 mechanisms, one involving direct killing of microbes and the other via MC activation through MRGPRX2. However, its inappropriate activation may cause pseudoallergy and likely contribute to the pathogenesis of rosacea, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, urticaria, and mastocytosis. Gain- and loss-of-function missense single nucleotide polymorphisms in MRGPRX2 have been identified. The ability of certain ligands to serve as balanced or G protein-biased agonists has been defined. Small-molecule HDP mimetics that display both direct antimicrobial activity and activate MCs via MRGPRX2 have been developed. In addition, antibodies and reagents that modulate MRGPRX2 expression and signaling have been generated. In this article, we provide a comprehensive update on MrgprB2 and MRGPRX2 biology. We propose that harnessing MRGPRX2's host defense function by small-molecule HDP mimetics may provide a novel approach for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant cutaneous infections. In contrast, MRGPRX2-specific antibodies and inhibitors could be used for the modulation of allergic and inflammatory diseases that are mediated via this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptarshi Roy
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Chalatip Chompunud Na Ayudhya
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Monica Thapaliya
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Vishwa Deepak
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Hydar Ali
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa.
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15
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Verzele NAJ, Chua BY, Law CW, Zhang A, Ritchie ME, Wightman O, Edwards IN, Hulme KD, Bloxham CJ, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Trewella MW, Moe AAK, Chew KY, Mazzone SB, Short KR, McGovern AE. The impact of influenza pulmonary infection and inflammation on vagal bronchopulmonary sensory neurons. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21320. [PMID: 33660333 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001509r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) is rapidly detected in the airways by the immune system, with resident parenchymal cells and leukocytes orchestrating viral sensing and the induction of antiviral inflammatory responses. The airways are innervated by heterogeneous populations of vagal sensory neurons which also play an important role in pulmonary defense. How these neurons respond to IAV respiratory infection remains unclear. Here, we use a murine model to provide the first evidence that vagal sensory neurons undergo significant transcriptional changes following a respiratory IAV infection. RNA sequencing on vagal sensory ganglia showed that IAV infection induced the expression of many genes associated with an antiviral and pro-inflammatory response and this was accompanied by a significant increase in inflammatory cell recruitment into the vagal ganglia. Assessment of gene expression in single-vagal sensory neurons confirmed that IAV infection induced a neuronal inflammatory phenotype, which was most prominent in bronchopulmonary neurons, and also evident in some neurons innervating other organs. The altered transcriptome could be mimicked by intranasal treatment with cytokines and the lung homogenates of infected mice, in the absence of infectious virus. These data argue that IAV pulmonary infection and subsequent inflammation induces vagal sensory ganglia neuroinflammation and this may have important implications for IAV-induced morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie A J Verzele
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Brendon Y Chua
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Charity W Law
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Albert Zhang
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew E Ritchie
- Epigenetics and Development Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Oliver Wightman
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Isaac N Edwards
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Katina D Hulme
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Conor J Bloxham
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew W Trewella
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Aung Aung Kywe Moe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Keng Yih Chew
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Stuart B Mazzone
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kirsty R Short
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Alice E McGovern
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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16
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Steele HR, Han L. The signaling pathway and polymorphisms of Mrgprs. Neurosci Lett 2020; 744:135562. [PMID: 33388356 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley R Steele
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Liang Han
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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17
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Xing Y, Steele HR, Hilley HB, Zhu Y, Lawson K, Niehoff T, Han L. Visualizing the Itch-Sensing Skin Arbors. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:1308-1316. [PMID: 33091423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diverse sensory neurons exhibit distinct neuronal morphologies with a variety of axon terminal arborizations subserving their functions. Because of its clinical significance, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of itch are being intensely studied. However, a complete analysis of itch-sensing terminal arborization is missing. Using an MrgprC11CreERT2 transgenic mouse line, we labeled a small subset of itch-sensing neurons that express multiple itch-related molecules including MrgprA3, MrgprC11, histamine receptor H1, IL-31 receptor, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1F, natriuretic precursor peptide B, and neuromedin B. By combining sparse genetic labeling and whole-mount placental alkaline phosphatase histochemistry, we found that itch-sensing skin arbors exhibit free endings with extensive axonal branching in the superficial epidermis and large receptive fields. These results revealed the unique morphological characteristics of itch-sensing neurons and provide intriguing insights into the basic mechanisms of itch transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Xing
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Haley R Steele
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Henry B Hilley
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yuyan Zhu
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katy Lawson
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Taylor Niehoff
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Liang Han
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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18
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Babina M, Wang Z, Roy S, Guhl S, Franke K, Artuc M, Ali H, Zuberbier T. MRGPRX2 Is the Codeine Receptor of Human Skin Mast Cells: Desensitization through β-Arrestin and Lack of Correlation with the FcεRI Pathway. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:1286-1296.e4. [PMID: 33058860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Codeine stimulates skin mast cells and is therefore used in skin tests and as an inducer of experimental itch. MRGPRX2 responds to various drugs, including opioids, to elicit pseudoallergic reactions, but whether it represents the main opiate receptor of skin mast cells remains unknown. By combining a number of approaches, including the silencing of MRGPRX2, we now report that MRGPRX2 is indeed the dominant codeine receptor of dermal mast cells. Activation by codeine displayed profound subject variability and correlated with secretion elicited by compound 48/80 or substance P but not by FcεRI aggregation. Degranulation by codeine was attenuated by stem cell factor, whereas the opposite was found for FcεRI. Compound 48/80 or codeine alone was able to achieve maximum MRGPRX2 activation. MRGPRX2 was rapidly internalized on codeine binding in a β-arrestin-1‒dependent manner. Codeine-triggered β-arrestin activation was also established by the Tango assay. Prestimulation with MRGPRX2 agonists (but not C3a or FcεRI aggregation) resulted in refractoriness to further stimulation by the same or another MRGPRX2 ligand (cross desensitization). This was duplicated in a cell line (RBL-MRGPRX2). Collectively, codeine degranulates skin mast cells through MRGPRX2, at which it acts as a balanced ligand. It has yet to be determined whether codeine-induced refractoriness could be exploited to desensitize MRGPRX2 to prevent severe pseudoallergic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Babina
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergy Center Charité, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergy Center Charité, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Saptarshi Roy
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sven Guhl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergy Center Charité, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Franke
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergy Center Charité, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Metin Artuc
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergy Center Charité, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hydar Ali
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Torsten Zuberbier
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergy Center Charité, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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19
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Meixiong J, Dong X, Weng HJ. Neuropathic Itch. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102263. [PMID: 33050211 PMCID: PMC7601786 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurologic insults as varied as inflammation, stroke, and fibromyalgia elicit neuropathic pain and itch. Noxious sensation results when aberrantly increased afferent signaling reaches percept-forming cortical neurons and can occur due to increased sensory signaling, decreased inhibitory signaling, or a combination of both processes. To treat these symptoms, detailed knowledge of sensory transmission, from innervated end organ to cortex, is required. Molecular, genetic, and behavioral dissection of itch in animals and patients has improved understanding of the receptors, cells, and circuits involved. In this review, we will discuss neuropathic itch with a focus on the itch-specific circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Meixiong
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Department of Dermatology, and Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hao-Jui Weng
- Department of Dermatology, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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