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Pereira A, Diwakar J, Masserdotti G, Beşkardeş S, Simon T, So Y, Martín-Loarte L, Bergemann F, Vasan L, Schauer T, Danese A, Bocchi R, Colomé-Tatché M, Schuurmans C, Philpott A, Straub T, Bonev B, Götz M. Direct neuronal reprogramming of mouse astrocytes is associated with multiscale epigenome remodeling and requires Yy1. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1260-1273. [PMID: 38956165 PMCID: PMC11239498 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01677-5] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming is a promising approach to regenerate neurons from local glial cells. However, mechanisms of epigenome remodeling and co-factors facilitating this process are unclear. In this study, we combined single-cell multiomics with genome-wide profiling of three-dimensional nuclear architecture and DNA methylation in mouse astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming mediated by Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) and its phosphorylation-resistant form (PmutNgn2), respectively. We show that Ngn2 drives multilayered chromatin remodeling at dynamic enhancer-gene interaction sites. PmutNgn2 leads to higher reprogramming efficiency and enhances epigenetic remodeling associated with neuronal maturation. However, the differences in binding sites or downstream gene activation cannot fully explain this effect. Instead, we identified Yy1, a transcriptional co-factor recruited by direct interaction with Ngn2 to its target sites. Upon deletion of Yy1, activation of neuronal enhancers, genes and ultimately reprogramming are impaired without affecting Ngn2 binding. Thus, our work highlights the key role of interactors of proneural factors in direct neuronal reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allwyn Pereira
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, TaRGeT - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, UMR 1089, Nantes, France
| | - Jeisimhan Diwakar
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Giacomo Masserdotti
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Sude Beşkardeş
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tatiana Simon
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Younju So
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Lucía Martín-Loarte
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Franziska Bergemann
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Biological Science Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tamas Schauer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Bioinformatic Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cells and Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anna Danese
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Riccardo Bocchi
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Colomé-Tatché
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Biological Science Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Philpott
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tobias Straub
- Biological Science Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Boyan Bonev
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany.
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Physiological Genomics, LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany.
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, BMC LMU Munich, Planegg, Germany.
- Excellence Cluster of Systems Neurology (SYNERGY), Munich, Germany.
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Avilés EC, Wang SK, Patel S, Shi S, Lin L, Kefalov VJ, Goodrich LV, Cepko CL, Xue Y. High temporal frequency light response in mouse retina requires FAT3 signaling in bipolar cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.02.565326. [PMID: 37961274 PMCID: PMC10635074 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.02.565326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Vision is initiated by the reception of light by photoreceptors and subsequent processing via downstream retinal neurons. Proper cellular organization depends on the multi-functional tissue polarity protein FAT3, which is required for amacrine cell connectivity and retinal lamination. Here we investigated the retinal function of Fat3 mutant mice and found decreases in physiological and perceptual responses to high frequency flashes. These defects did not correlate with abnormal amacrine cell wiring, pointing instead to a role in bipolar cell subtypes that also express FAT3. The role of FAT3 in the response to high temporal frequency flashes depends upon its ability to transduce an intracellular signal. Mechanistically, FAT3 binds to the synaptic protein PTPσ, intracellularly, and is required to localize GRIK1 to OFF-cone bipolar cell synapses with cone photoreceptors. These findings expand the repertoire of FAT3's functions and reveal its importance in bipolar cells for high frequency light response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn C Avilés
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sean K Wang
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Sarina Patel
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Shuxiang Shi
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China, 200031
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China, 201210
| | - Lucas Lin
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Vladimir J Kefalov
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute & Center for Translational Vision Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Lisa V Goodrich
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Constance L Cepko
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yunlu Xue
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China, 200031
- Lead contact
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Mahmoud RH, Brooks SG, Yosipovitch G. Current and emerging drugs for the treatment of pruritus: an update of the literature. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:655-672. [PMID: 38682595 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2349193] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pruritus, particularly in its chronic form, often imposes significant suffering and reductions in patients' quality of life. The pathophysiology of itch is varied depending on disease context, creating opportunities for unique drug development and multimodal therapy. AREAS COVERED The purpose of this article is to provide an update of the literature regarding current and emerging therapeutics in itch. We review the multitudes of drug targets available and corresponding drugs that have shown efficacy in clinical trials, with a particular emphasis on phase 2 and 3 trials and beyond. Broadly, these targets include therapies directed against type 2 inflammation (i.e. Th2 cytokines, JAK/STAT, lipid mediators, T-cell mediators, and other enzymes and receptors) and neural receptors and targets (i.e. PARs, TRP channels, opioid receptors, MRGPRs, GABA receptors, and cannabinoid receptors). EXPERT OPINION Therapeutics for itch are emerging at a remarkable pace, and we are entering an era with more and more specialized therapies. Increasingly, these treatments are able to relieve itch beyond their effect on inflammation by directly targeting the neurosensory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami H Mahmoud
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Sarah G Brooks
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Gil Yosipovitch
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Itch Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Serafin EK, Yoo JJ, Li J, Dong X, Baccei ML. Development and characterization of a Gucy2d-cre mouse to selectively manipulate a subset of inhibitory spinal dorsal horn interneurons. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300282. [PMID: 38483883 PMCID: PMC10939219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent transcriptomic studies identified Gucy2d (encoding guanylate cyclase D) as a highly enriched gene within inhibitory dynorphin interneurons in the mouse spinal dorsal horn. To facilitate investigations into the role of the Gucy2d+ population in somatosensation, Gucy2d-cre transgenic mice were created to permit chemogenetic or optogenetic manipulation of this subset of spinal neurons. Gucy2d-cre mice created via CRISPR/Cas9 genomic knock-in were bred to mice expressing a cre-dependent reporter (either tdTomato or Sun1.GFP fusion protein), and the resulting offspring were characterized. Surprisingly, a much wider population of spinal neurons was labeled by cre-dependent reporter expression than previous mRNA-based studies would suggest. Although the cre-dependent reporter expression faithfully labeled ~75% of cells expressing Gucy2d mRNA in the adult dorsal horn, it also labeled a substantial number of additional inhibitory neurons in which no Gucy2d or Pdyn mRNA was detected. Moreover, cre-dependent reporter was also expressed in various regions of the brain, including the spinal trigeminal nucleus, cerebellum, thalamus, somatosensory cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. Injection of AAV-CAG-FLEX-tdTomato viral vector into adult Gucy2d-cre mice produced a similar pattern of cre-dependent reporter expression in the spinal cord and brain, which excludes the possibility that the unexpected reporter-labeling of cells in the deep dorsal horn and brain was due to transient Gucy2d expression during early stages of development. Collectively, these results suggest that Gucy2d is expressed in a wider population of cells than previously thought, albeit at levels low enough to avoid detection with commonly used mRNA-based assays. Therefore, it is unlikely that these Gucy2d-cre mice will permit selective manipulation of inhibitory signaling mediated by spinal dynorphin interneurons, but this novel cre driver line may nevertheless be useful to target a broader population of inhibitory spinal dorsal horn neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K. Serafin
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Judy J. Yoo
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jie Li
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- Departments of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery and Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark L. Baccei
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Kaneko T, Oura A, Imai Y, Kusumoto-Yoshida I, Kanekura T, Okuno H, Kuwaki T, Kashiwadani H. Orexin neurons play contrasting roles in itch and pain neural processing via projecting to the periaqueductal gray. Commun Biol 2024; 7:290. [PMID: 38459114 PMCID: PMC10923787 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05997-x] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain and itch are recognized as antagonistically regulated sensations; pain suppresses itch, whilst pain inhibition enhances itch. The neural mechanisms at the central nervous system (CNS) underlying these pain-itch interactions still need to be explored. Here, we revealed the contrasting role of orexin-producing neurons (ORX neurons) in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), which suppresses pain while enhancing itch neural processing, by applying optogenetics to the acute pruritus and pain model. We also revealed that the circuit of ORX neurons from LH to periaqueductal gray regions served in the contrasting modulation of itch and pain processing using optogenetic terminal inhibition techniques. Additionally, by using an atopic dermatitis model, we confirmed the involvement of ORX neurons in regulating chronic itch processing, which could lead to a novel therapeutic target for persistent pruritus in clinical settings. Our findings provide new insight into the mechanism of antagonistic regulation between pain and itch in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuroh Kaneko
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Asuka Oura
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Imai
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Ikue Kusumoto-Yoshida
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Takuro Kanekura
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okuno
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kuwaki
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hideki Kashiwadani
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
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Xu JF, Liu L, Liu Y, Lu KX, Zhang J, Zhu YJ, Fang F, Dou YN. Spinal Nmur2-positive Neurons Play a Crucial Role in Mechanical Itch. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104504. [PMID: 38442838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The dorsal spinal cord is crucial for the transmission and modulation of multiple somatosensory modalities, such as itch, pain, and touch. Despite being essential for the well-being and survival of an individual, itch and pain, in their chronic forms, have increasingly been recognized as clinical problems. Although considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the neurochemical processing of nociceptive and chemical itch sensations, the neural substrate that is crucial for mechanical itch processing is still unclear. Here, using genetic and functional manipulation, we identified a population of spinal neurons expressing neuromedin U receptor 2 (Nmur2+) as critical elements for mechanical itch. We found that spinal Nmur2+ neurons are predominantly excitatory neurons, and are enriched in the superficial laminae of the dorsal horn. Pharmacogenetic activation of cervical spinal Nmur2+ neurons evoked scratching behavior. Conversely, the ablation of these neurons using a caspase-3-based method decreased von Frey filament-induced scratching behavior without affecting responses to other somatosensory modalities. Similarly, suppressing the excitability of cervical spinal Nmur2+ neurons via the overexpression of functional Kir2.1 potassium channels reduced scratching in response to innocuous mechanical stimuli, but not to pruritogen application. At the lumbar level, pharmacogenetic activation of these neurons evoked licking and lifting behaviors. However, ablating these neurons did not affect the behavior associated with acute pain. Thus, these results revealed the crucial role of spinal Nmur2+ neurons in mechanical itch. Our study provides important insights into the neural basis of mechanical itch, paving the way for developing novel therapies for chronic itch. PERSPECTIVE: Excitatory Nmur2+ neurons in the superficial dorsal spinal cord are essential for mechanical but not chemical itch information processing. These spinal Nmur2+ neurons represent a potential cellular target for future therapeutic interventions against chronic itch. Spinal and supraspinal Nmur2+ neurons may play different roles in pain signal processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Feng Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Xing Lu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Jing Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Nong Dou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Okutani H, Lo Vecchio S, Arendt-Nielsen L. Mechanisms and treatment of opioid-induced pruritus: Peripheral and central pathways. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:214-230. [PMID: 37650457 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2180] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Pruritus (also known as itch) is defined as an unpleasant and irritating sensation of the skin that provokes an urge to scratch or rub. It is well known that opioid administration can cause pruritus, which is paradoxical as itch and pain share overlapping sensory pathways. Because opioids inhibit pain but can cause itching. Significant progress has been made to improve our understanding of the fundamental neurobiology of itch; however, much remains unknown about the mechanisms of opioid-induced pruritus. The prevention and treatment of opioid-induced pruritus remains a challenge in the field of pain management. The objective of this narrative review is to present and discuss the current body of literature and summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying opioid-induced pruritus, and its relationship to analgesia, and possible treatment options. RESULTS The incidence of opioid-induced pruritus differs with different opioids and routes of administration, and the various mechanisms can be broadly divided into peripheral and central. Especially central mechanisms are intricate, even at the level of the spinal dorsal horn. There is evidence that opioid receptor antagonists and mixed agonist and antagonists, especially μ-opioid antagonists and κ-opioid agonists, are effective in relieving opioid-induced pruritus. Various treatments have been used for opioid-induced pruritus; however, most of them are controversial and have conflicting results. CONCLUSION The use of a multimodal analgesic treatment regimen combined with a mixed antagonist and κ agonists, especially μ-opioid antagonists, and κ-opioid agonists, seems to be the current best treatment modality for the management of opioid-induced pruritus and pain. SIGNIFICANCE Opioids remain the gold standard for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain as well as cancer pain. It is well known that opioid-induced pruritus often does not respond to regular antipruritic treatment, thereby posing a challenge to clinicians in the field of pain management. We believe that our review makes a significant contribution to the literature, as studies on the mechanisms of opioid-induced pruritus and effective management strategies are crucial for the management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroai Okutani
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Silvia Lo Vecchio
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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Schwarzenauer M, Rukwied RM, Lampert A, Rolke R, Namer B. Electrical matrix stimulation suppresses acute itch independently of activation of sleeping nociceptors. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:285-296. [PMID: 37715607 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2177] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Itch can be reduced by pain. Activation of sleeping nociceptors (CMi) is a crucial mechanism for the peripheral component of intense and long-lasting pain. Thus, activation of CMi might be especially effective in itch reduction. Electrical stimulation using sinusoidal pulses activates CMi with tolerable pain intensity, whereas short rectangular pulses with low intensity do not. In humans, histaminergic itch is mediated by histamine-sensitive CMi, whereas other pruritogens activate polymodal nociceptors (CM). METHODS In a psychophysical approach in a balanced crossover repeated-measures design in healthy volunteers, we activated nociceptors by two different electrical stimulation paradigms via a matrix electrode: 4 Hz sinusoidal pulses that activate C-nociceptors including CMi or 4 Hz rectangular stimuli to activate nociceptors excluding CMi. After 5-min stimulation, itch was induced by either histamine iontophoresis or application of cowhage spicules. Itch ratings were assessed via a numerical rating scale (NRS). RESULTS Electrical 4 Hz sine wave stimulation (0.1 mA) with low pain ratings of 1.5 (NRS; 0-10) induced an axon reflex erythema (3 cm2 ), indicating activation of CMi, whereas rectangular 0.2 ms pulses (average 0.91 mA) with the same pain rating did not. Both electrical stimulation paradigms reduced itch magnitude over time evoked by either histamine or cowhage to a similar extent. Peak maximum itch evoked by histamine was reduced by both stimulation paradigms, but not cowhage maximum itch. DISCUSSION Since electrical stimulation with the rectangular pulse paradigm reduces itch to a similar extent as the sine wave stimulation paradigm, the input of CMi is not necessarily required for itch suppression. The input of A-fibres and polymodal nociceptors, similarly, as also achieved by scratching, seems to be sufficient for both forms of chemically evoked itch. SIGNIFICANCE Since activation of CMi does not provide additional benefit for itch suppression, spinal pain pathways transmitted via CM versus CMi have differential effects on itch-processing circuits. This is important knowledge for using electrical matrix stimulation as itch suppressor since activation of sleeping nociceptors either requires significantly painful stimulation paradigms or specialized stimulation paradigms as sinusoidal pulses. An alternative approach using half-sine wave pulses with low pain intensity activating specifically polymodal nociceptors to suppress itch via matrix electrode stimulation may be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schwarzenauer
- IZKF Research Group Neuroscience, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - R M Rukwied
- Department of Experimental Pain Research, Mannheim Center for Translation Neuroscience (MCTN), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Lampert
- Department for Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - R Rolke
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - B Namer
- IZKF Research Group Neuroscience, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department for Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Poddar S, Mondal H, Podder I. Aetiology, pathogenesis and management of neuropathic itch: A narrative review with recent updates. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2024; 90:5-18. [PMID: 37317726 DOI: 10.25259/ijdvl_846_2022] [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: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic itch is a relatively common yet under-reported cause of systemic pruritus. It is a debilitating condition often associated with pain, which impairs the patient's quality of life. Although much literature exists about renal and hepatic pruritus, there is a dearth of information and awareness about neuropathic itch. The pathogenesis of neuropathic itch is complex and can result from an insult at any point along the itch pathway, ranging from the peripheral receptors and nerves until the brain. There are several causes of neuropathic itch, many of which do not produce any skin lesions and are thus, often missed. A detailed history and clinical examination are necessary for the diagnosis, while laboratory and radiologic investigations may be needed in select cases. Several therapeutic strategies currently exist involving both non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures, the latter including topical, systemic, and invasive options. Further research is ongoing to clarify its pathogenesis and to design newer targeted therapies with minimal adverse effects. This narrative review highlights the current understanding of this condition, focusing on its causes, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management, along with newer investigational drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Poddar
- Department of Dermatology, Asansol District Hospital, Asansol, West Bengal, India
| | - Himel Mondal
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
| | - Indrashis Podder
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Fujiwara Y, Koga K, Nakamura NH, Maruo K, Tachibana T, Furue H. Optogenetic inhibition of spinal inhibitory neurons facilitates mechanical responses of spinal wide dynamic range neurons and causes mechanical hypersensitivity. Neuropharmacology 2024; 242:109763. [PMID: 37852319 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitory interneurons in the spinal dorsal horn (DH) play a major role in regulating innocuous and noxious information. Reduction in inhibitory synaptic transmission is thought to contribute to the development of touch-evoked pain (allodynia), a common symptom of neuropathic pain. However, it is not fully understood how inhibitory neurons in the DH regulate sensory responses in surrounding neurons and modulate sensory transmission. In this study, we established a novel experimental method to analyze temporal activity of DH neurons during the optogenetically induced disinhibition state by combining extracellular recording and optogenetics. We investigated how specific and temporally restricted dysfunction of DH inhibitory neurons affected spinal neuronal activities evoked by cutaneous mechanical stimulation. In behavioral experiments, the specific and temporally restricted spinal optogenetic suppression of DH inhibitory neurons induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Furthermore, this manipulation enhanced the mechanical responses of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons, which are important for pain transmission, in response to brush and von Frey stimulation but not in response to nociceptive pinch stimulation. In addition, we examined whether a neuropathic pain medication, mirogabalin, suppressed these optogenetically induced abnormal pain responses. We found that mirogabalin treatment attenuated the abnormal firing responses of WDR neurons and mechanical hypersensitivity. These results suggest that temporally restricted and specific reduction of spinal inhibitory neuronal activity facilitates the mechanical responses of WDR neurons, resulting in neuropathic-like mechanical allodynia which can be suppressed by mirogabalin. Our optogenetic methods could be useful for developing novel therapeutics for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Fujiwara
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Keisuke Koga
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Nozomu H Nakamura
- Department of Physiology, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1, Mukogawa, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Keishi Maruo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Toshiya Tachibana
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Hidemasa Furue
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan
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11
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Park SJ, Lei W, Pisano J, Orpia A, Minehart J, Pottackal J, Hanke-Gogokhia C, Zapadka TE, Clarkson-Paredes C, Popratiloff A, Ross SE, Singer JH, Demb JB. Molecular identification of wide-field amacrine cells in mouse retina that encode stimulus orientation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.28.573580. [PMID: 38234775 PMCID: PMC10793454 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.28.573580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Visual information processing is sculpted by a diverse group of inhibitory interneurons in the retina called amacrine cells. Yet, for most of the >60 amacrine cell types, molecular identities and specialized functional attributes remain elusive. Here, we developed an intersectional genetic strategy to target a group of wide-field amacrine cells (WACs) in mouse retina that co-express the transcription factor Bhlhe22 and the Kappa Opioid Receptor (KOR; B/K WACs). B/K WACs feature straight, unbranched dendrites spanning over 0.5 mm (∼15° visual angle) and produce non-spiking responses to either light increments or decrements. Two-photon dendritic population imaging reveals Ca 2+ signals tuned to the physical orientations of B/K WAC dendrites, signifying a robust structure-function alignment. B/K WACs establish divergent connections with multiple retinal neurons, including unexpected connections with non-orientation-tuned ganglion cells and bipolar cells. Our work sets the stage for future comprehensive investigations of the most enigmatic group of retinal neurons: WACs.
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12
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Blažetić S, Krajina V, Labak I, Viljetić B, Pavić V, Ivić V, Balog M, Schnaar RL, Heffer M. Sialyltransferase Mutations Alter the Expression of Calcium-Binding Interneurons in Mice Neocortex, Hippocampus and Striatum. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17218. [PMID: 38139047 PMCID: PMC10743413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417218] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gangliosides are major glycans on vertebrate nerve cells, and their metabolic disruption results in congenital disorders with marked cognitive and motor deficits. The sialyltransferase gene St3gal2 is responsible for terminal sialylation of two prominent brain gangliosides in mammals, GD1a and GT1b. In this study, we analyzed the expression of calcium-binding interneurons in primary sensory (somatic, visual, and auditory) and motor areas of the neocortex, hippocampus, and striatum of St3gal2-null mice as well as St3gal3-null and St3gal2/3-double null. Immunohistochemistry with highly specific primary antibodies for GABA, parvalbumin, calretinin, and calbindin were used for interneuron detection. St3gal2-null mice had decreased expression of all three analyzed types of calcium-binding interneurons in all analyzed regions of the neocortex. These results implicate gangliosides GD1a and GT1b in the process of interneuron migration and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senka Blažetić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Ulica cara Hadrijana 8A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (S.B.); (V.P.)
| | - Vinko Krajina
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (V.K.); (V.I.); (M.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Irena Labak
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Ulica cara Hadrijana 8A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (S.B.); (V.P.)
| | - Barbara Viljetić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Valentina Pavić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Ulica cara Hadrijana 8A, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (S.B.); (V.P.)
| | - Vedrana Ivić
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (V.K.); (V.I.); (M.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Marta Balog
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (V.K.); (V.I.); (M.B.); (M.H.)
| | - Ronald L. Schnaar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Marija Heffer
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (V.K.); (V.I.); (M.B.); (M.H.)
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13
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Yao J, Li X, Wu GY, Wu B, Long JH, Wang PJ, Liu SL, Gao J, Sui JF. The Anterior Insula and its Projection to the Prelimbic Cortex are Involved in the Regulation of 5-HT-Induced Itch. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1807-1822. [PMID: 37553505 PMCID: PMC10661608 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01093-y] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant sensation that urges people and animals to scratch. Neuroimaging studies on itch have yielded extensive correlations with diverse cortical and subcortical regions, including the insular lobe. However, the role and functional specificity of the insular cortex (IC) and its subdivisions in itch mediation remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and fiber photometry tests, that neurons in both the anterior insular cortex (AIC) and the posterior insular cortex (PIC) are activated during acute itch processes. Pharmacogenetic experiments revealed that nonselective inhibition of global AIC neurons, or selective inhibition of the activity of glutaminergic neurons in the AIC, reduced the scratching behaviors induced by intradermal injection of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), but not those induced by compound 48/80. However, both nonselective inhibition of global PIC neurons and selective inhibition of glutaminergic neurons in the PIC failed to affect the itching-scratching behaviors induced by either 5-HT or compound 48/80. In addition, pharmacogenetic inhibition of AIC glutaminergic neurons effectively blocked itch-associated conditioned place aversion behavior, and inhibition of AIC glutaminergic neurons projecting to the prelimbic cortex significantly suppressed 5-HT-evoked scratching. These findings provide preliminary evidence that the AIC is involved, at least partially via aversive emotion mediation, in the regulation of 5-HT-, but not compound 48/80-induced itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yao
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Guang-Yan Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Bing Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jun-Hui Long
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Pu-Jun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Shu-Lei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical Centre of the PLA, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| | - Jian-Feng Sui
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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14
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England SJ, Rusnock AK, Mujcic A, Kowalchuk A, de Jager S, Hilinski WC, Juárez-Morales JL, Smith ME, Grieb G, Banerjee S, Lewis KE. Molecular analyses of zebrafish V0v spinal interneurons and identification of transcriptional regulators downstream of Evx1 and Evx2 in these cells. Neural Dev 2023; 18:8. [PMID: 38017520 PMCID: PMC10683209 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-023-00176-w] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND V0v spinal interneurons are highly conserved, glutamatergic, commissural neurons that function in locomotor circuits. We have previously shown that Evx1 and Evx2 are required to specify the neurotransmitter phenotype of these cells. However, we still know very little about the gene regulatory networks that act downstream of these transcription factors in V0v cells. METHODS To identify candidate members of V0v gene regulatory networks, we FAC-sorted wild-type and evx1;evx2 double mutant zebrafish V0v spinal interneurons and expression-profiled them using microarrays and single cell RNA-seq. We also used in situ hybridization to compare expression of a subset of candidate genes in evx1;evx2 double mutants and wild-type siblings. RESULTS Our data reveal two molecularly distinct subtypes of zebrafish V0v spinal interneurons at 48 h and suggest that, by this stage of development, evx1;evx2 double mutant cells transfate into either inhibitory spinal interneurons, or motoneurons. Our results also identify 25 transcriptional regulator genes that require Evx1/2 for their expression in V0v interneurons, plus a further 11 transcriptional regulator genes that are repressed in V0v interneurons by Evx1/2. Two of the latter genes are hmx2 and hmx3a. Intriguingly, we show that Hmx2/3a, repress dI2 interneuron expression of skor1a and nefma, two genes that require Evx1/2 for their expression in V0v interneurons. This suggests that Evx1/2 might regulate skor1a and nefma expression in V0v interneurons by repressing Hmx2/3a expression. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies two molecularly distinct subsets of zebrafish V0v spinal interneurons, as well as multiple transcriptional regulators that are strong candidates for acting downstream of Evx1/2 to specify the essential functional characteristics of these cells. Our data further suggest that in the absence of both Evx1 and Evx2, V0v spinal interneurons initially change their neurotransmitter phenotypes from excitatory to inhibitory and then, later, start to express markers of distinct types of inhibitory spinal interneurons, or motoneurons. Taken together, our findings significantly increase our knowledge of V0v and spinal development and move us closer towards the essential goal of identifying the complete gene regulatory networks that specify this crucial cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amra Mujcic
- Biology Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | | | - Sarah de Jager
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - José L Juárez-Morales
- Biology Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Programa de IxM-CONAHCYT, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR), La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | | | - Ginny Grieb
- Biology Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Santanu Banerjee
- Biological Sciences Department, SUNY-Cortland, Cortland, NY, USA
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15
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Wilton DK, Mastro K, Heller MD, Gergits FW, Willing CR, Fahey JB, Frouin A, Daggett A, Gu X, Kim YA, Faull RLM, Jayadev S, Yednock T, Yang XW, Stevens B. Microglia and complement mediate early corticostriatal synapse loss and cognitive dysfunction in Huntington's disease. Nat Med 2023; 29:2866-2884. [PMID: 37814059 PMCID: PMC10667107 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating monogenic neurodegenerative disease characterized by early, selective pathology in the basal ganglia despite the ubiquitous expression of mutant huntingtin. The molecular mechanisms underlying this region-specific neuronal degeneration and how these relate to the development of early cognitive phenotypes are poorly understood. Here we show that there is selective loss of synaptic connections between the cortex and striatum in postmortem tissue from patients with HD that is associated with the increased activation and localization of complement proteins, innate immune molecules, to these synaptic elements. We also found that levels of these secreted innate immune molecules are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of premanifest HD patients and correlate with established measures of disease burden.In preclinical genetic models of HD, we show that complement proteins mediate the selective elimination of corticostriatal synapses at an early stage in disease pathogenesis, marking them for removal by microglia, the brain's resident macrophage population. This process requires mutant huntingtin to be expressed in both cortical and striatal neurons. Inhibition of this complement-dependent elimination mechanism through administration of a therapeutically relevant C1q function-blocking antibody or genetic ablation of a complement receptor on microglia prevented synapse loss, increased excitatory input to the striatum and rescued the early development of visual discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility deficits in these models. Together, our findings implicate microglia and the complement cascade in the selective, early degeneration of corticostriatal synapses and the development of cognitive deficits in presymptomatic HD; they also provide new preclinical data to support complement as a therapeutic target for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Wilton
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US.
| | - Kevin Mastro
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Molly D Heller
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Frederick W Gergits
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Carly Rose Willing
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Jaclyn B Fahey
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Arnaud Frouin
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Anthony Daggett
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Gu
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yejin A Kim
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Department of Anatomy with Radiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Suman Jayadev
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ted Yednock
- Annexon Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - X William Yang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Beth Stevens
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US.
- Stanley Center, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Yang YY, Du LX, Zhu JY, Yi T, Yang YC, Qiao Z, Maoying QL, Chu YX, Wang YQ, Mi WL. Antipruritic effects of geraniol on acute and chronic itch via modulating spinal GABA/GRPR signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 119:154969. [PMID: 37516088 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Itch (pruritus) is a common unpleasant feeling, often accompanied by the urge of scratching the skin. It is the main symptom of many systemic and skin diseases, which can seriously affect the patient's quality of life. Geraniol (GE; trans-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol) is a natural monoterpene with diverse effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-nociceptive, and anticancer properties. The study aims to examine the effects of GE on acute and chronic itch, and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Acute itch was investigated by using Chloroquine and compound 48/80 induced model, followed by manifestation of diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP)-induced allergic contact dermatitis and the acetone-ether-water (AEW)-induced dry skin model in mice. The scratching behavior, skin thickness, c-Fos expression, and GRPR protein expression in the spinal cord were subsequently monitored and evaluated by behavioral tests as well as pharmacological and pharmacogenetic technologies. RESULTS Dose-dependent intraperitoneal injection of GE alleviated the acute itch, induced by chloroquine and compound 48/80, as well as increased the spinal c-Fos expression. Intrathecal administration of GE suppressed the GABAA receptor inhibitor bicuculline-induced itch, GRP-induced itch, and the GABAergic neuron inhibition-induced itch. Furthermore, the subeffective dose of bicuculline blocked the anti-pruritic effect of GE on the chloroquine and compound 48/80 induced acute itch. GE also attenuated DCP and AEW-induced chronic itch, as well as the increase of spinal GRPR expression in DCP mice. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS GE alleviates both acute and chronic itch via modulating the spinal GABA/GRPR signaling in mice. Findings of this study reveal that GE may provide promising therapeutic options for itch management. Also, considering the pivotal role of essential oils in aromatherapy, GE has great application potential in aromatherapy for treating skin diseases, and especially the skin with severe pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yue Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li-Xia Du
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jian-Yu Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ting Yi
- Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ya-Chen Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zheng Qiao
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qi-Liang Maoying
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu-Xia Chu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan-Qing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wen-Li Mi
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science; Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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17
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England SJ, Woodard AK, Mujcic A, Kowalchuk A, de Jager S, Hilinski WC, Juárez-Morales JL, Smith ME, Grieb G, Banerjee S, Lewis KE. Molecular Analyses of V0v Spinal Interneurons and Identification of Transcriptional Regulators Downstream of Evx1 and Evx2 in these Cells. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3290462. [PMID: 37693471 PMCID: PMC10491344 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3290462/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Background V0v spinal interneurons are highly conserved, glutamatergic, commissural neurons that function in locomotor circuits. We have previously shown that Evx1 and Evx2 are required to specify the neurotransmitter phenotype of these cells. However, we still know very little about the gene regulatory networks that act downstream of these transcription factors in V0v cells. Methods To identify candidate members of V0v gene regulatory networks, we FAC-sorted WT and evx1;evx2 double mutant zebrafish V0v spinal interneurons and expression-profiled them using microarrays and single cell RNA-seq. We also used in situ hybridization to compare expression of a subset of candidate genes in evx1;evx2 double mutants and wild-type siblings. Results Our data reveal two molecularly distinct subtypes of V0v spinal interneurons at 48 h and suggest that, by this stage of development, evx1;evx2 double mutant cells transfate into either inhibitory spinal interneurons, or motoneurons. Our results also identify 25 transcriptional regulator genes that require Evx1/2 for their expression in V0v interneurons, plus a further 11 transcriptional regulator genes that are repressed in V0v interneurons by Evx1/2. Two of the latter genes are hmx2 and hmx3a. Intriguingly, we show that Hmx2/3a, repress dI2 interneuronal expression of skor1a and nefma, two genes that require Evx1/2 for their expression in V0v interneurons. This suggests that Evx1/2 might regulate skor1a and nefma expression in V0v interneurons by repressing Hmx2/3a expression. Conclusions This study identifies two molecularly distinct subsets of V0v spinal interneurons, as well as multiple transcriptional regulators that are strong candidates for acting downstream of Evx1/2 to specify the essential functional characteristics of these cells. Our data further suggest that in the absence of both Evx1 and Evx2, V0v spinal interneurons initially change their neurotransmitter phenotypes from excitatory to inhibitory and then, later, start to express markers of distinct types of inhibitory spinal interneurons, or motoneurons. Taken together, our findings significantly increase our knowledge of V0v and spinal development and move us closer towards the essential goal of identifying the complete gene regulatory networks that specify this crucial cell type.
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18
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Boyle KA, Polgar E, Gutierrez-Mecinas M, Dickie AC, Cooper AH, Bell AM, Jumolea E, Casas-Benito A, Watanabe M, Hughes DI, Weir GA, Riddell JS, Todd AJ. Neuropeptide Y-expressing dorsal horn inhibitory interneurons gate spinal pain and itch signalling. eLife 2023; 12:RP86633. [PMID: 37490401 PMCID: PMC10392120 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory information is processed by a complex network of interneurons in the spinal dorsal horn. It has been reported that inhibitory interneurons that express neuropeptide Y (NPY), either permanently or during development, suppress mechanical itch, with no effect on pain. Here, we investigate the role of interneurons that continue to express NPY (NPY-INs) in the adult mouse spinal cord. We find that chemogenetic activation of NPY-INs reduces behaviours associated with acute pain and pruritogen-evoked itch, whereas silencing them causes exaggerated itch responses that depend on cells expressing the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor. As predicted by our previous studies, silencing of another population of inhibitory interneurons (those expressing dynorphin) also increases itch, but to a lesser extent. Importantly, NPY-IN activation also reduces behavioural signs of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. These results demonstrate that NPY-INs gate pain and itch transmission at the spinal level, and therefore represent a potential treatment target for pathological pain and itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran A Boyle
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Erika Polgar
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Gutierrez-Mecinas
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Allen C Dickie
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew H Cooper
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M Bell
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Evelline Jumolea
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Casas-Benito
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - David I Hughes
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory A Weir
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - John S Riddell
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Todd
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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19
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Powell SK, Liao W, O’Shea C, Kammourh S, Ghorbani S, Rigat R, Elahi R, Deans PJM, Le DJ, Agarwal P, Seow WQ, Wang KC, Akbarian S, Brennand KJ. Schizophrenia Risk Mapping and Functional Engineering of the 3D Genome in Three Neuronal Subtypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.17.549339. [PMID: 37502907 PMCID: PMC10370055 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.17.549339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Common variants associated with schizophrenia are concentrated in non-coding regulatory sequences, but their precise target genes are context-dependent and impacted by cell-type-specific three-dimensional spatial chromatin organization. Here, we map long-range chromosomal conformations in isogenic human dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons to track developmentally programmed shifts in the regulatory activity of schizophrenia risk loci. Massive repressive compartmentalization, concomitant with the emergence of hundreds of neuron-specific multi-valent chromatin architectural stripes, occurs during neuronal differentiation, with genes interconnected to genetic risk loci through these long-range chromatin structures differing in their biological roles from genes more proximal to sequences conferring heritable risk. Chemically induced CRISPR-guided chromosomal loop-engineering for the proximal risk gene SNAP91 and distal risk gene BHLHE22 profoundly alters synaptic development and functional activity. Our findings highlight the large-scale cell-type-specific reorganization of chromosomal conformations at schizophrenia risk loci during neurodevelopment and establish a causal link between risk-associated gene-regulatory loop structures and neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K. Powell
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven CT, 06511
| | - Will Liao
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, 10029
| | - Callan O’Shea
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven CT, 06511
| | - Sarah Kammourh
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven CT, 06511
| | - Sadaf Ghorbani
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven CT, 06511
| | - Raymond Rigat
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven CT, 06511
| | - Rahat Elahi
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - PJ Michael Deans
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven CT, 06511
| | - Derek J. Le
- Department of Dermatology, Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, 94305, California, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, 94305, USA
| | - Poonam Agarwal
- Department of Dermatology, Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, 94305, California, USA
| | - Wei Qiang Seow
- Department of Dermatology, Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, 94305, California, USA
| | - Kevin C. Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, 94305, California, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, 94305, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, California, 94304, USA
| | - Schahram Akbarian
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Kristen J. Brennand
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genomics, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven CT, 06511
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20
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Misery L, Pierre O, Le Gall-Ianotto C, Lebonvallet N, Chernyshov PV, Le Garrec R, Talagas M. Basic mechanisms of itch. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:11-23. [PMID: 37201903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Pruritus (or itch) is an unpleasant sensation leading to a desire to scratch. In the epidermis, there are selective C or Aδ epidermal nerve endings that are pruriceptors. At their other ends, peripheral neurons form synapses with spinal neurons and interneurons. Many areas in the central nervous system are involved in itch processing. Although itch does not occur solely because of parasitic, allergic, or immunologic diseases, it is usually the consequence of neuroimmune interactions. Histamine is involved in a minority of itchy conditions, and many other mediators play a role: cytokines (eg, IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin), neurotransmitters (eg, substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide, neuropeptide Y, NBNP, endothelin 1, and gastrin-releasing peptide), and neurotrophins (eg, nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Moreover, ion channels such as voltage-gated sodium channels, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, transient receptor ankyrin, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M (melastatin) member 8 play a crucial role. The main markers of nonhistaminergic pruriceptors are PAR-2 and MrgprX2. A notable phenomenon is the sensitization to pruritus, in which regardless of the initial cause of pruritus, there is an increased responsiveness of peripheral and central pruriceptive neurons to their normal or subthreshold afferent input in the context of chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Misery
- Laboratoire Interactions Neurones-Keratinocytes (LINK), University of Brest, Brest, France; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France.
| | - Ophélie Pierre
- Laboratoire Interactions Neurones-Keratinocytes (LINK), University of Brest, Brest, France
| | - Christelle Le Gall-Ianotto
- Laboratoire Interactions Neurones-Keratinocytes (LINK), University of Brest, Brest, France; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
| | - Nicolas Lebonvallet
- Laboratoire Interactions Neurones-Keratinocytes (LINK), University of Brest, Brest, France
| | - Pavel V Chernyshov
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National Medical University, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Raphaële Le Garrec
- Laboratoire Interactions Neurones-Keratinocytes (LINK), University of Brest, Brest, France
| | - Matthieu Talagas
- Laboratoire Interactions Neurones-Keratinocytes (LINK), University of Brest, Brest, France; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France
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21
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Olde Heuvel F, Ouali Alami N, Aousji O, Pogatzki-Zahn E, Zahn PK, Wilhelm H, Deshpande D, Khatamsaz E, Catanese A, Woelfle S, Schön M, Jain S, Grabrucker S, Ludolph AC, Verpelli C, Michaelis J, Boeckers TM, Roselli F. Shank2 identifies a subset of glycinergic neurons involved in altered nociception in an autism model. Mol Autism 2023; 14:21. [PMID: 37316943 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00552-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) patients experience disturbed nociception in the form of either hyposensitivity to pain or allodynia. A substantial amount of processing of somatosensory and nociceptive stimulus takes place in the dorsal spinal cord. However, many of these circuits are not very well understood in the context of nociceptive processing in ASD. METHODS We have used a Shank2-/- mouse model, which displays a set of phenotypes reminiscent of ASD, and performed behavioural and microscopic analysis to investigate the role of dorsal horn circuitry in nociceptive processing of ASD. RESULTS We determined that Shank2-/- mice display increased sensitivity to formalin pain and thermal preference, but a sensory specific mechanical allodynia. We demonstrate that high levels of Shank2 expression identifies a subpopulation of neurons in murine and human dorsal spinal cord, composed mainly by glycinergic interneurons and that loss of Shank2 causes the decrease in NMDAR in excitatory synapses on these inhibitory interneurons. In fact, in the subacute phase of the formalin test, glycinergic interneurons are strongly activated in wild type (WT) mice but not in Shank2-/- mice. Consequently, nociception projection neurons in laminae I are activated in larger numbers in Shank2-/- mice. LIMITATIONS Our investigation is limited to male mice, in agreement with the higher representation of ASD in males; therefore, caution should be applied to extrapolate the findings to females. Furthermore, ASD is characterized by extensive genetic diversity and therefore the findings related to Shank2 mutant mice may not necessarily apply to patients with different gene mutations. Since nociceptive phenotypes in ASD range between hyper- and hypo-sensitivity, diverse mutations may affect the circuit in opposite ways. CONCLUSION Our findings prove that Shank2 expression identifies a new subset of inhibitory interneurons involved in reducing the transmission of nociceptive stimuli and whose unchecked activation is associated with pain hypersensitivity. We provide evidence that dysfunction in spinal cord pain processing may contribute to the nociceptive phenotypes in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Najwa Ouali Alami
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- International PhD Program, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Esther Pogatzki-Zahn
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Peter K Zahn
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Clinic for Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hanna Wilhelm
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Alberto Catanese
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sarah Woelfle
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Schön
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sanjay Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine (Renal), Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | | | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Chiara Verpelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Science Council, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Francesco Roselli
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany.
- Center for Biomedical Research (ZBF), Helmholtzstraße 8/2, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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22
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Ren X, Liu S, Virlogeux A, Kang SJ, Brusch J, Liu Y, Dymecki SM, Han S, Goulding M, Acton D. Identification of an essential spinoparabrachial pathway for mechanical itch. Neuron 2023; 111:1812-1829.e6. [PMID: 37023756 PMCID: PMC10446756 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.03.013] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The sensation of itch is a protective response that is elicited by either mechanical or chemical stimuli. The neural pathways for itch transmission in the skin and spinal cord have been characterized previously, but the ascending pathways that transmit sensory information to the brain to evoke itch perception have not been identified. Here, we show that spinoparabrachial neurons co-expressing Calcrl and Lbx1 are essential for generating scratching responses to mechanical itch stimuli. Moreover, we find that mechanical and chemical itch are transmitted by separate ascending pathways to the parabrachial nucleus, where they engage separate populations of FoxP2PBN neurons to drive scratching behavior. In addition to revealing the architecture of the itch transmission circuitry required for protective scratching in healthy animals, we identify the cellular mechanisms underlying pathological itch by showing the ascending pathways for mechanical and chemical itch function cooperatively with the FoxP2PBN neurons to drive chronic itch and hyperknesis/alloknesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Ren
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Biology Graduate Program, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shijia Liu
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Biology Graduate Program, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amandine Virlogeux
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sukjae J Kang
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jeremy Brusch
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- NIDCR, National Institute of Health, 35A Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Susan M Dymecki
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sung Han
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Martyn Goulding
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - David Acton
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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23
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Furutani K, Chen O, McGinnis A, Wang Y, Serhan CN, Hansen TV, Ji RR. Novel proresolving lipid mediator mimetic 3-oxa-PD1n-3 docosapentaenoic acid reduces acute and chronic itch by modulating excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission and astroglial secretion of lipocalin-2 in mice. Pain 2023; 164:1340-1354. [PMID: 36378290 PMCID: PMC10182233 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002824] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) have demonstrated potent analgesic actions in animal models of pathological pain. The actions of SPMs in acute and chronic itch are currently unknown. Recently, n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) was found to be a substrate for the biosynthesis of several novel families of SPMs and 3-oxa-PD1 n-3 DPA (3-oxa-PD1) is an oxidation-resistant metabolic stable analogue of the n-3 DPA-derived protectin D1 (PD1). In this article, we demonstrate that 3-oxa-PD1 effectively reduces both acute and chronic itch in mouse models. Intrathecal injection of 3-oxa-PD1 (100 ng) reduced acute itch induced by histamine, chloroquine, or morphine. Furthermore, intrathecal 3-oxa-PD1 effectively reduced chronic itch, induced by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), allergic contact dermatitis with dinitrofluorobenzene, and psoriasis by imiquimod. Intratumoral injection of 3-oxa-PD1 also suppressed CTCL-induced chronic itch. Strikingly, the antipruritic effect lasted for several weeks after 1-week intrathecal 3-oxa-PD1 treatment. Whole-cell recordings revealed significant increase in excitatory postsynaptic currents in spinal dorsal horn (SDH) neurons of CTCL mice, but this increase was blocked by 3-oxa-PD1. 3-oxa-PD1 further increased inhibitory postsynaptic currents in SDH neurons of CTCL mice. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma increased the spinal levels of lipocalin-2 (LCN2), an itch mediator produced by astrocytes. 3-oxa-PD1 suppressed LCN2 production in CTCL mice and LCN2 secretion in astrocytes. Finally, CTCL-induced anxiety was alleviated by intrathecal 3-oxa-PD1. Our findings suggest that 3-oxa-PD1 potently inhibits acute and chronic itch through the regulation of excitatory or inhibitory synaptic transmission and astroglial LCN2 production. Therefore, stable SPM analogs such as 3-oxa-PD1 could be useful to treat pruritus associated with different skin injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Furutani
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, and Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Ouyang Chen
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, and Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Aidan McGinnis
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, and Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, and Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Charles N Serhan
- Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115
| | - Trond Vidar Hansen
- Department of Pharmacy, Section for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Oslo, PO Box 1068 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, and Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
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24
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Zhao K, Bai X, Wang X, Cao Y, Zhang L, Li W, Wang S. Insight on the hub gene associated signatures and potential therapeutic agents in epilepsy and glioma. Brain Res Bull 2023; 199:110666. [PMID: 37192718 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The relationship between epilepsy and glioma has long been widely recognized, but the mechanisms of interaction remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the shared genetic signature and treatment strategies between epilepsy and glioma. METHODS We subjected hippocampal tissue samples from patients with epilepsy and glioma to transcriptomic analysis to identify differential genes and associated pathways, respectively. Weight gene co-expression network (WGCNA) analysis was performed to identify conserved modules in epilepsy and glioma and to obtain differentially expressed conserved genes. Prognostic and diagnostic models were built using lasso regression. We also focused on building transcription factor-gene interaction networks and assessing the proportion of immune invading cells in epilepsy patients. Finally, drug compounds were inferred using a drug signature database (DSigDB) based on core targets. RESULTS We discovered 88 differently conserved genes, most of which are involved in synaptic signaling and calcium ion pathways. We used lasso regression model to reduce 88 characteristic genes, and finally screened out 14 genes (EIF4A2, CEP170B, SNPH, EPHA4, KLK7, GNG3, MYOP, ANKRD29, RASD2, PRRT3, EFR3A, SGIP1, RAB6B, CNNM1) as the features of glioma prognosis model whose ROC curve is 0.9. Then, we developed a diagnosis model for epilepsy patients using 8 genes (PRRT3, RASD2, MYPOP, CNNM1, ANKRD29, GNG3, SGIP1, KLK7) with area under ROC curve (AUC) values near 1. According to the ssGSEA method, we observed an increase in activated B cells, eosinophils, follicular helper T cells and type 2T helper cells, and a decrease in monocytes in patients with epilepsy. Notably, the great majority of these immune cells showed a negative correlation with hub genes. To reveal the transcriptional-level regulation mechanism, we also built a TF-gene network. In addition, we discovered that patients with glioma-related epilepsy may benefit more from gabapentin and pregabalin. CONCLUSION This study reveals the modular conserved phenotypes of epilepsy and glioma and constructs effective diagnostic and prognostic markers. It provides new biological targets and ideas for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Institute of Brain Trauma and Neurology, Pingjin Hospital, Characteristic Medical Center of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, 300000, China
| | - Xuexue Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Yiyao Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Liu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Shiyong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China.
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25
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Wilson AC, Sweeney LB. Spinal cords: Symphonies of interneurons across species. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1146449. [PMID: 37180760 PMCID: PMC10169611 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1146449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate movement is orchestrated by spinal inter- and motor neurons that, together with sensory and cognitive input, produce dynamic motor behaviors. These behaviors vary from the simple undulatory swimming of fish and larval aquatic species to the highly coordinated running, reaching and grasping of mice, humans and other mammals. This variation raises the fundamental question of how spinal circuits have changed in register with motor behavior. In simple, undulatory fish, exemplified by the lamprey, two broad classes of interneurons shape motor neuron output: ipsilateral-projecting excitatory neurons, and commissural-projecting inhibitory neurons. An additional class of ipsilateral inhibitory neurons is required to generate escape swim behavior in larval zebrafish and tadpoles. In limbed vertebrates, a more complex spinal neuron composition is observed. In this review, we provide evidence that movement elaboration correlates with an increase and specialization of these three basic interneuron types into molecularly, anatomically, and functionally distinct subpopulations. We summarize recent work linking neuron types to movement-pattern generation across fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lora B. Sweeney
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Klosterneuburg, Lower Austria, Austria
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26
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Long JH, Wang PJ, Li ZF, Yao J, Li X, Wu B, Sui JF, Liao J, Wang P, Li XF, Liu SL. Dysgranular retrosplenial cortex modulates histaminergic and nonhistaminergic itch processing. Behav Brain Res 2023; 443:114306. [PMID: 36682500 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114306] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant sensation followed by an intense desire to scratch. Previous researches have advanced our understanding about the role of anterior cingulate cortex and prelimbic cortex in itch modulation, whereas little is known about the effects of retrosplenial cortex (RSC) during this process. Here we firstly confirmed that the neuronal activity of dysgranular RSC (RSCd) is significantly elevated during itch-scratching processing through c-Fos immunohistochemistry and fiber photometry recording. Then with designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs approaches, we found that pharmacogenetic inhibition of global RSCd neurons attenuated the number of scratching bouts as well as the cumulative duration of scratching bouts elicited by both 5-HT or compound 48/80 injection into rats' nape or cheek; selective inhibition of the pyramidal neurons in RSCd, or of the excitatory projections from caudal anterior cingulate cortex (cACC) to RSCd, demonstrated the similar effects of decreasing itch-related scratching induced by both 5-HT or compound 48/80. Pharmacogenetic intervention of the neuronal or circuitry activities did not affect rats' motor ability. This study presents direct evidence that pyramidal neurons in RSCd, and the excitatory projection from cACC to RSCd are critically involved in central regulation of both histaminergic and nonhistaminergic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hui Long
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China
| | - Pu-Jun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China
| | - Zhi-Fang Li
- Department of Foreign Languages, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Juan Yao
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Bing Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jian-Feng Sui
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jun Liao
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Radiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China.
| | - Shu-Lei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The 958th Army Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China.
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27
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Shrestha BR, Wu L, Goodrich LV. Runx1 controls auditory sensory neuron diversity in mice. Dev Cell 2023; 58:306-319.e5. [PMID: 36800995 PMCID: PMC10202259 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Sound stimulus is encoded in mice by three molecularly and physiologically diverse subtypes of sensory neurons, called Ia, Ib, and Ic spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Here, we show that the transcription factor Runx1 controls SGN subtype composition in the murine cochlea. Runx1 is enriched in Ib/Ic precursors by late embryogenesis. Upon the loss of Runx1 from embryonic SGNs, more SGNs take on Ia rather than Ib or Ic identities. This conversion was more complete for genes linked to neuronal function than to connectivity. Accordingly, synapses in the Ib/Ic location acquired Ia properties. Suprathreshold SGN responses to sound were enhanced in Runx1CKO mice, confirming the expansion of neurons with Ia-like functional properties. Runx1 deletion after birth also redirected Ib/Ic SGNs toward Ia identity, indicating that SGN identities are plastic postnatally. Altogether, these findings show that diverse neuronal identities essential for normal auditory stimulus coding arise hierarchically and remain malleable during postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brikha R Shrestha
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Lorna Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lisa V Goodrich
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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28
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Chen O, He Q, Han Q, Furutani K, Gu Y, Olexa M, Ji RR. Mechanisms and treatments of neuropathic itch in a mouse model of lymphoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:160807. [PMID: 36520531 PMCID: PMC9927942 DOI: 10.1172/jci160807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of neuropathic itch is limited due to a lack of relevant animal models. Patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) experience severe itching. Here, we characterize a mouse model of chronic itch with remarkable lymphoma growth, immune cell accumulation, and persistent pruritus. Intradermal CTCL inoculation produced time-dependent changes in nerve innervations in lymphoma-bearing skin. In the early phase (20 days), CTCL caused hyperinnervations in the epidermis. However, chronic itch was associated with loss of epidermal nerve fibers in the late phases (40 and 60 days). CTCL was also characterized by marked nerve innervations in mouse lymphoma. Blockade of C-fibers reduced pruritus at early and late phases, whereas blockade of A-fibers only suppressed late-phase itch. Intrathecal (i.t.) gabapentin injection reduced late-phase, but not early-phase, pruritus. IL-31 was upregulated in mouse lymphoma, whereas its receptor Il31ra was persistently upregulated in Trpv1-expressing sensory neurons in mice with CTCL. Intratumoral anti-IL-31 treatment effectively suppressed CTCL-induced scratching and alloknesis (mechanical itch). Finally, i.t. administration of a TLR4 antagonist attenuated pruritus in early and late phases and in both sexes. Collectively, we have established a mouse model of neuropathic and cancer itch with relevance to human disease. Our findings also suggest distinct mechanisms underlying acute, chronic, and neuropathic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouyang Chen
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology,,Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - Qianru He
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
| | - Qingjian Han
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
| | - Kenta Furutani
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
| | - Yun Gu
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
| | - Madelynne Olexa
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology,,Department of Cell Biology, and,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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29
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Smith KM, Nguyen E, Ross SE. The Delta-Opioid Receptor Bidirectionally Modulates Itch. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:264-272. [PMID: 36464136 PMCID: PMC10866011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Opioid signaling has been shown to be critically important in the neuromodulation of sensory circuits in the superficial spinal cord. Agonists of the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) elicit itch, whereas agonists of the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) have been shown to inhibit itch. Despite the clear roles of MOR and KOR for the modulation itch, whether the delta-opioid receptor (DOR) is involved in the regulation of itch remained unknown. Here, we show that intrathecal administration of DOR agonists suppresses chemical itch and that intrathecal application of DOR antagonists is sufficient to evoke itch. We identify that spinal enkephalin neurons co-express neuropeptide Y (NPY), a peptide previously implicated in the inhibition of itch. In the spinal cord, DOR overlapped with both the NPY receptor (NPY1R) and KOR, suggesting that DOR neurons represent a site for convergent itch information in the dorsal horn. Lastly, we found that neurons co-expressing DOR and KOR showed significant Fos induction following pruritogen-evoked itch. These results uncover a role for DOR in the modulation of itch in the superficial dorsal horn. PERSPECTIVE: This article reveals the role of the delta-opioid receptor in itch. Intrathecal administration of delta agonists suppresses itch whereas the administration of delta antagonists is sufficient to induce itch. These studies highlight the importance of delta-opioid signaling for the modulation of itch behaviors, which may represent new targets for the management of itch disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Smith
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Eileen Nguyen
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Medical Scientist Training Program, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah E Ross
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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30
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Kaneko T, Kuwaki T. The opposite roles of orexin neurons in pain and itch neural processing. Peptides 2023; 160:170928. [PMID: 36566840 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pain and itch are antagonistically regulated sensations; pain suppresses itch, and inhibition of pain enhances itch. Understanding the central neural circuit of antagonistic regulation between pain and itch is required to develop new therapeutics better to manage these two feelings in a clinical situation. However, evidence of the neural mechanism underlying the pain-itch interaction in the central nervous system (CNS) is still insufficient. To pave the way for this research area, our laboratory has focused on orexin (ORX) producing neurons in the hypothalamus, which is known as a master switch that induces various defense responses when animals face a stressful environment. This review article summarized the previous evidence and our latest findings to argue the neural regulation between pain and itch and the bidirectional roles of ORX neurons in processing these two sensations. i.e., pain relief and itch exacerbation. Further, we discussed the possible neural circuit mechanism for the opposite controlling of pain and itch by ORX neurons. Focusing on the roles of ORX neurons would provide a new perspective to understand the antagonistic regulation of pain and itch in CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuroh Kaneko
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan.
| | - Tomoyuki Kuwaki
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
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31
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Joung J, Ma S, Tay T, Geiger-Schuller KR, Kirchgatterer PC, Verdine VK, Guo B, Arias-Garcia MA, Allen WE, Singh A, Kuksenko O, Abudayyeh OO, Gootenberg JS, Fu Z, Macrae RK, Buenrostro JD, Regev A, Zhang F. A transcription factor atlas of directed differentiation. Cell 2023; 186:209-229.e26. [PMID: 36608654 PMCID: PMC10344468 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene programs, thereby controlling diverse cellular processes and cell states. To comprehensively understand TFs and the programs they control, we created a barcoded library of all annotated human TF splice isoforms (>3,500) and applied it to build a TF Atlas charting expression profiles of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) overexpressing each TF at single-cell resolution. We mapped TF-induced expression profiles to reference cell types and validated candidate TFs for generation of diverse cell types, spanning all three germ layers and trophoblasts. Targeted screens with subsets of the library allowed us to create a tailored cellular disease model and integrate mRNA expression and chromatin accessibility data to identify downstream regulators. Finally, we characterized the effects of combinatorial TF overexpression by developing and validating a strategy for predicting combinations of TFs that produce target expression profiles matching reference cell types to accelerate cellular engineering efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Joung
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sai Ma
- Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Gene Regulation Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tristan Tay
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Gene Regulation Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kathryn R Geiger-Schuller
- Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Paul C Kirchgatterer
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Vanessa K Verdine
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Baolin Guo
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Mario A Arias-Garcia
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - William E Allen
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Society of Fellows, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ankita Singh
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Olena Kuksenko
- Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Omar O Abudayyeh
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jonathan S Gootenberg
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Zhanyan Fu
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Rhiannon K Macrae
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jason D Buenrostro
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Gene Regulation Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Department of Biology, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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32
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Cantu-Guerra HL, Papazian MR, Gorsky AL, Alekos NS, Caccavano A, Karagulyan N, Neef J, Vicini S, Moser T, Coate TM. Cochlear hair cell innervation is dependent on a modulatory function of Semaphorin-3A. Dev Dyn 2023; 252:124-144. [PMID: 36284453 PMCID: PMC9812910 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proper connectivity between type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and inner hair cells (IHCs) in the cochlea is necessary for conveying sound information to the brain in mammals. Previous studies have shown that type I SGNs are heterogeneous in form, function and synaptic location on IHCs, but factors controlling their patterns of connectivity are not well understood. RESULTS During development, cochlear supporting cells and SGNs express Semaphorin-3A (SEMA3A), a known axon guidance factor. Mice homozygous for a point mutation that attenuates normal SEMA3A repulsive activity (Sema3aK108N ) show cochleae with grossly normal patterns of IHC innervation. However, genetic sparse labeling and three-dimensional reconstructions of individual SGNs show that cochleae from Sema3aK108N mice lacked the normal synaptic distribution of type I SGNs. Additionally, Sema3aK108N cochleae show a disrupted distribution of GLUA2 postsynaptic patches around the IHCs. The addition of SEMA3A-Fc to postnatal cochleae led to increases in SGN branching, similar to the effects of inhibiting glutamate receptors. Ca2+ imaging studies show that SEMA3A-Fc decreases SGN activity. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to the canonical view of SEMA3A as a guidance ligand, our results suggest SEMA3A may regulate SGN excitability in the cochlea, which may influence the morphology and synaptic arrangement of type I SGNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homero L. Cantu-Guerra
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington,
District of Columbia, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown
University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Michael R. Papazian
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington,
District of Columbia, USA
| | - Anna L. Gorsky
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington,
District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nathalie S. Alekos
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington,
District of Columbia, USA
| | - Adam Caccavano
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown
University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Georgetown University School of
Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nare Karagulyan
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab,
University Medical Center, and Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology
Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, and Cluster of
Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of
Excitable Cells” (MBExC), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jakob Neef
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab,
University Medical Center, and Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology
Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, and Cluster of
Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of
Excitable Cells” (MBExC), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown
University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Georgetown University School of
Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab,
University Medical Center, and Auditory Neuroscience & Synaptic Nanophysiology
Group, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, and Cluster of
Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of
Excitable Cells” (MBExC), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas M. Coate
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington,
District of Columbia, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown
University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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33
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Kim BS, Inan S, Ständer S, Sciascia T, Szepietowski JC, Yosipovitch G. Role of kappa-opioid and mu-opioid receptors in pruritus: Peripheral and central itch circuits. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1900-1907. [PMID: 36054458 PMCID: PMC10087456 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Modern genetic approaches in animal models have unveiled novel itch-specific neural pathways, emboldening a paradigm in which drugs can be developed to selectively and potently target itch in a variety of chronic pruritic conditions. In recent years, kappa-opioid receptors (KORs) and mu-opioid receptors (MORs) have been implicated in both the suppression and promotion of itch, respectively, by acting on both the peripheral and central nervous systems. The precise mechanisms by which agents that modulate these pathways alleviate itch remains an active area of investigation. Notwithstanding this, a number of agents have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials that influence both KOR and MOR signalling. Herein, we summarize a number of opioid receptor modulators in development and their promising efficacy across a number of chronic pruritic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, uremic pruritus and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Kim
- Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology, Mark Lebwohl Center for Neuroinflammation and Sensation, Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Saadet Inan
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital Műnster, Műnster, Germany
| | | | - Jacek C Szepietowski
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Gil Yosipovitch
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Itch Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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34
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Kaneko T, Kuwaki T, Kashiwadani H. Hypothalamic orexinergic neurons modulate pain and itch in an opposite way: pain relief and itch exacerbation. J Physiol Sci 2022; 72:21. [PMID: 35996084 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-022-00846-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Pain and itch are recognized as antagonistic sensations; pain suppresses itch and inhibition of pain generates itch. There is still a lack of evidence about the neural mechanism of the interaction between pain and itch in the central nervous system. In this study, we focused on the orexin (ORX) neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), which mediate various "defense responses" when animals confront stressors. We found that the scratching behaviors induced by the pruritogen were significantly suppressed in ORX-neuron-ablated (ORX-abl) mice. The exaggerated pain behavior and attenuated itch behavior observed in ORX-abl mice indicated that ORX neurons modulate pain and itch in an opposite way, i.e., pain relief and itch exacerbation. In addition, most of the ORX neurons responded to both pain and itch input. Our results suggest that ORX neurons inversely regulate pain- and itch-related behaviors, which could be understood as a defense response to cope with stress environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuroh Kaneko
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kuwaki
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hideki Kashiwadani
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan.
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35
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Ishibashi T, Yoshikawa Y, Sueto D, Tashima R, Tozaki-Saitoh H, Koga K, Yamaura K, Tsuda M. Selective Involvement of a Subset of Spinal Dorsal Horn Neurons Operated by a Prodynorphin Promoter in Aβ Fiber-Mediated Neuropathic Allodynia-Like Behavioral Responses in Rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:911122. [PMID: 35813063 PMCID: PMC9260077 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.911122] [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: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical allodynia (pain produced by innocuous stimuli such as touch) is the main symptom of neuropathic pain. Its underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated, but peripheral nerve injury (PNI)-induced malfunction of neuronal circuits in the central nervous system, including the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), is thought to be involved in touch-pain conversion. Here, we found that intra-SDH injection of adeno-associated viral vectors including a prodynorphin promoter (AAV-PdynP) captured a subset of neurons that were mainly located in the superficial laminae, including lamina I, and exhibited mostly inhibitory characteristics. Using transgenic rats that enable optogenetic stimulation of touch-sensing Aβ fibers, we found that the light-evoked paw withdrawal behavior and aversive responses after PNI were attenuated by selective ablation of AAV-PdynP-captured SDH neurons. Notably, the ablation had no effect on withdrawal behavior from von Frey filaments. Furthermore, Aβ fiber stimulation did not excite AAV-PdynP+ SDH neurons under normal conditions, but after PNI, this induced excitation, possibly due to enhanced Aβ fiber-evoked excitatory synaptic inputs and elevated resting membrane potentials of these neurons. Moreover, the chemogenetic silencing of AAV-PdynP+ neurons of PNI rats attenuated the Aβ fiber-evoked paw withdrawal behavior and c-FOS expression in superficial SDH neurons. Our findings suggest that PNI renders AAV-PdynP-captured neurons excitable to Aβ fiber stimulation, which selectively contributes to the conversion of Aβ fiber-mediated touch signal to nociceptive. Thus, reducing the excitability of AAV-PdynP-captured neurons may be a new option for the treatment of neuropathic allodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadayuki Ishibashi
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yu Yoshikawa
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Daichi Sueto
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Tashima
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Tozaki-Saitoh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Koga
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Ken Yamaura
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Makoto Tsuda
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Kyushu University Institute for Advanced Study, Fukuoka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Makoto Tsuda
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36
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Mechanisms and therapeutic targets for neuropathic itch. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 75:102573. [PMID: 35689909 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pruritus conditions arise from structural and/or functional damage of the peripheral or central nervous system. Novel findings of pruritus specific mediators and pathways strengthen the specificity theory of pruritus transmission, however electrophysiological studies suggest that focal activation of nociceptors and distinct discharge patterns of primary afferents also contribute to the development of the sensation of pruritus. A complex interplay between excitatory and inhibitory interneurons at spinal level, non-neuronal cells and descending modulation from upper centers contributes to neuronal sensitization and clinically to the chronicity of pruritus, as well as accompanying phenomena such as alloknesis and hyperknesis. Several topical, systemic and non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches directed at distinct targets are currently available.
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Misery L. Chronic prurigo. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:464-471. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.21698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Misery
- Univ Brest, LIEN Brest France
- University Hospital of Brest Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology and French Expert Centre on Pruritus Brest France
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Tominaga M, Takamori K. Peripheral itch sensitization in atopic dermatitis. Allergol Int 2022; 71:265-277. [PMID: 35624035 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder caused by skin dryness and barrier dysfunction, resulting in skin inflammation and chronic itch (or pruritus). The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is thought to be initiated by a lowering of the itch threshold due to dry skin. This lowering of the itch threshold is at least partially due to the increase in intraepidermal nerve fibers and sensitization of sensory nerves by interleukin (IL)-33 produced and secreted by keratinocytes. Such skin is easily prone to itch due to mechanical stimuli, such as rubbing of clothing and chemical stimuli from itch mediators. In patients with atopic dermatitis, once itch occurs, further itch is induced by scratching, and the associated scratching breaks down the skin barrier. Disruption of the skin barrier allows entry into the epidermis of external foreign substances, such as allergens derived from house dust mites, leading to an increased induction of type 2 inflammatory responses. As a result, type 2 cytokines IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 are mainly secreted by Th2 cells, and their action on sensory nerve fibers causes further itch sensitization. These sequences of events are thought to occur simultaneously in patients with atopic dermatitis, leading to a vicious itch-scratch cycle. This vicious cycle becomes a negative spiral that leads to disease burden. Therefore, controlling itch is essential for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. In this review, we summarize and discuss advances in the mechanisms of peripheral itch sensitization in atopic dermatitis, focusing on skin barrier-neuro-immune triadic connectivity.
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Kanehisa K, Koga K, Maejima S, Shiraishi Y, Asai K, Shiratori-Hayashi M, Xiao MF, Sakamoto H, Worley PF, Tsuda M. Neuronal pentraxin 2 is required for facilitating excitatory synaptic inputs onto spinal neurons involved in pruriceptive transmission in a model of chronic itch. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2367. [PMID: 35501343 PMCID: PMC9061767 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
An excitatory neuron subset in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) that expresses gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPR) is critical for pruriceptive transmission. Here, we show that glutamatergic excitatory inputs onto GRPR+ neurons are facilitated in mouse models of chronic itch. In these models, neuronal pentraxin 2 (NPTX2), an activity-dependent immediate early gene product, is upregulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Electron microscopy reveals that NPTX2 is present at presynaptic terminals connected onto postsynaptic GRPR+ neurons. NPTX2-knockout prevents the facilitation of synaptic inputs to GRPR+ neurons, and repetitive scratching behavior. DRG-specific NPTX2 expression rescues the impaired behavioral phenotype in NPTX2-knockout mice. Moreover, ectopic expression of a dominant-negative form of NPTX2 in DRG neurons reduces chronic itch-like behavior in mice. Our findings indicate that the upregulation of NPTX2 expression in DRG neurons contributes to the facilitation of glutamatergic inputs onto GRPR+ neurons under chronic itch-like conditions, providing a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensho Kanehisa
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Keisuke Koga
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - Sho Maejima
- Ushimado Marine Institute, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 130-17 Kashino, Ushimado, Setouchi, 701-4303, Japan
| | - Yuto Shiraishi
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Konatsu Asai
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Miho Shiratori-Hayashi
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mei-Fang Xiao
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 130-17 Kashino, Ushimado, Setouchi, 701-4303, Japan
| | - Paul F Worley
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Makoto Tsuda
- Department of Life Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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Hu L, Jiang GY, Wang YP, Hu ZB, Zhou BY, Zhang L, Song NN, Huang Y, Chai GD, Chen JY, Lang B, Xu L, Liu JL, Li Y, Wang QX, Ding YQ. The role of PTEN in primary sensory neurons in processing itch and thermal information in mice. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110724. [PMID: 35443189 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PTEN is known as a tumor suppressor and plays essential roles in brain development. Here, we report that PTEN in primary sensory neurons is involved in processing itch and thermal information in adult mice. Deletion of PTEN in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is achieved in adult Drg11-CreER: PTENflox/flox (PTEN CKO) mice with oral administration of tamoxifen, and CKO mice develop pathological itch and elevated itch responses on exposure to various pruritogens. PTEN deletion leads to ectopic expression of TRPV1 and MrgprA3 in IB4+ non-peptidergic DRG neurons, and the TRPV1 is responsive to capsaicin. Importantly, the elevated itch responses are no longer present in Drg11-CreER: PTENflox/flox: TRPV1flox/flox (PTEN: TRPV1 dCKO) mice. In addition, thermal stimulation is enhanced in PTEN CKO mice but blunted in dCKO mice. PTEN-involved regulation of itch-related gene expression in DRG neurons provides insights for understanding molecular mechanism of itch and thermal sensation at the spinal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Hu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guan-Yu Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ying-Ping Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bing-Yao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ning-Ning Song
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guo-Dong Chai
- Department of Anesthesiology, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jia-Yin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Bing Lang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Laboratory of Learning and Memory, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Jun-Ling Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qing-Xiu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Yu-Qiang Ding
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Ádám D, Arany J, Tóth KF, Tóth BI, Szöllősi AG, Oláh A. Opioidergic Signaling-A Neglected, Yet Potentially Important Player in Atopic Dermatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4140. [PMID: 35456955 PMCID: PMC9027603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin diseases, the prevalence of which is especially high among children. Although our understanding about its pathogenesis has substantially grown in recent years, and hence, several novel therapeutic targets have been successfully exploited in the management of the disease, we still lack curative treatments for it. Thus, there is an unmet societal demand to identify further details of its pathogenesis to thereby pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches with favorable side effect profiles. It is commonly accepted that dysfunction of the complex cutaneous barrier plays a central role in the development of AD; therefore, the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of this quite complex process are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and can provide novel, promising, yet unexplored therapeutic targets. Thus, in the current review, we aim to summarize the available potentially AD-relevant data regarding one such signaling pathway, namely cutaneous opioidergic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorottya Ádám
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.Á.); (J.A.); (K.F.T.); (B.I.T.)
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - József Arany
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.Á.); (J.A.); (K.F.T.); (B.I.T.)
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kinga Fanni Tóth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.Á.); (J.A.); (K.F.T.); (B.I.T.)
- Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Balázs István Tóth
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.Á.); (J.A.); (K.F.T.); (B.I.T.)
| | - Attila Gábor Szöllősi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Attila Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (D.Á.); (J.A.); (K.F.T.); (B.I.T.)
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Chen M, He T, Yi XH, Tang MC, Long JH, Wang PJ, Liu J, Yao J, Li HL, Sui JF, Wu GY. Infralimbic cortex–medial striatum projections modulate the itch processing. Exp Neurol 2022; 354:114101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Agelopoulos K, Pereira MP, Wiegmann H, Ständer S. Cutaneous neuroimmune crosstalk in pruritus. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:452-462. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Slick Potassium Channels Control Pain and Itch in Distinct Populations of Sensory and Spinal Neurons in Mice. Anesthesiology 2022; 136:802-822. [PMID: 35303056 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Slick, a sodium-activated potassium channel, has been recently identified in somatosensory pathways, but its functional role is poorly understood. The authors of this study hypothesized that Slick is involved in processing sensations of pain and itch. METHODS Immunostaining, in situ hybridization, Western blot, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate the expression of Slick in dorsal root ganglia and the spinal cord. Mice lacking Slick globally (Slick-/-) or conditionally in neurons of the spinal dorsal horn (Lbx1-Slick-/-) were assessed in behavioral models. RESULTS The authors found Slick to be enriched in nociceptive Aδ-fibers and in populations of interneurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Slick-/- mice, but not Lbx1-Slick-/- mice, showed enhanced responses to noxious heat in the hot plate and tail-immersion tests. Both Slick-/- and Lbx1-Slick-/- mice demonstrated prolonged paw licking after capsaicin injection (mean ± SD, 45.6 ± 30.1 s [95% CI, 19.8 to 71.4]; and 13.1 ± 16.1 s [95% CI, 1.8 to 28.0]; P = 0.006 [Slick-/- {n = 8} and wild-type {n = 7}, respectively]), which was paralleled by increased phosphorylation of the neuronal activity marker extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the spinal cord. In the spinal dorsal horn, Slick is colocalized with somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2), and intrathecal preadministration of the SSTR2 antagonist CYN-154806 prevented increased capsaicin-induced licking in Slick-/- and Lbx1-Slick-/- mice. Moreover, scratching after intrathecal delivery of the somatostatin analog octreotide was considerably reduced in Slick-/- and Lbx1-Slick-/- mice (Slick-/- [n = 8]: 6.1 ± 6.7 bouts [95% CI, 0.6 to 11.7]; wild-type [n =8]: 47.4 ± 51.1 bouts [95% CI, 4.8 to 90.2]; P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS Slick expressed in a subset of sensory neurons modulates heat-induced pain, while Slick expressed in spinal cord interneurons inhibits capsaicin-induced pain but facilitates somatostatin-induced itch. EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
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Abstract
The opioid peptides and their receptors have been linked to multiple key biological processes in the nervous system. Here we review the functions of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and its endogenous agonists dynorphins (Goldstein A, Tachibana S, Lowney LI, Hunkapiller M, Hood L, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 76:6666-6670, 1979) in modulating itch and pain (nociception). Specifically, we discuss their roles relative to recent findings that tell us more about the cells and circuits which are impacted by this opioid and its receptor and present reanalysis of single-cell sequencing data showing the expression profiles of these molecules. Since the KOR is relatively specifically activated by peptides derived from the prodynorphin gene and other opioid peptides that show lower affinities, this will be the only interactions we consider (Chavkin C, Goldstein A, Nature 291:591-593, 1981; Chavkin C, James IF, Goldstein A, Science 215:413-415, 1982), although it was noted that at higher doses peptides other than dynorphins might stimulate KOR (Lai J, Luo MC, Chen Q, Ma S, Gardell LR, Ossipov MH, Porreca F, Nat Neurosci 9:1534-1540, 2006). This review has been organized based on anatomy with each section describing the effect of the kappa opioid system in a specific location but let us not forget that most of these circuits are interconnected and are therefore interdependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pang-Yen Tseng
- Molecular Genetics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark A Hoon
- Molecular Genetics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Shiratori‐Hayashi M, Tsuda M. Spinal glial cells in itch modulation. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00754. [PMID: 34677000 PMCID: PMC8532133 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that are electrically non-excitable and outnumber neurons in humans. Glial cells have attracted attention in recent years for their active involvement in the regulation of neuronal activity, suggesting their contribution to the pathogenesis and progression of neurological diseases. Studies have shown that astrocytes, a type of glial cell, are activated in the spinal cord in response to skin inflammation and contribute to the exacerbation of chronic itch. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of astrocytes and other glial cells in the modulation of itch processing and the mechanism of their activation under itch conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Shiratori‐Hayashi
- Department of Molecular and System PharmacologyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
| | - Makoto Tsuda
- Department of Molecular and System PharmacologyGraduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesKyushu UniversityFukuokaJapan
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Matsuo S, Hashimoto T, Matsuura F, Imamura O, Endo S, Satoh Y, Satoh T. Central, but not peripheral, nervous system ERK2 is essential for itch signals in murine allergic skin inflammation. Allergy 2021; 76:3422-3432. [PMID: 33884632 DOI: 10.1111/all.14867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Itch is a common cutaneous symptom in a variety of dermatological diseases, but detailed neuropathological mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to assess in vivo ERK2 functions in the nervous system for itch responses. METHODS We generated conditional knockout mice deficient in ERK2 of the central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS), respectively, and assessed chemical and mechanical itch responses in vivo. RESULTS Chemical itch responses to histamine, but not to BAM8-22, were alleviated in CNS Erk2-deficient mice. In contrast, both histamine- and BAM8-22-induced mechanical itch (alloknesis) were alleviated in CNS Erk2-deficient mice. Neither chemical itch nor mechanical itch induced by these pruritogens was affected by PNS ERK2 deficiency. Spontaneous scratching behaviors during acute and chronic contact hypersensitivity were impaired in CNS Erk2-deficient mice, but not PNS Erk2-deficient mice. In addition, CNS ERK2 deficiency attenuated mechanical itch responses during chronic contact hypersensitivity. Again, PNS Erk2-deficient mice showed comparable responses of mechanical itch to control mice. In addition, alleviated mechanical itch in CNS Erk2-deficient mice was observed in IgE-mediated prurigo-like allergic skin inflammation. Mechanical itch induced by IL-31 was also alleviated by CNS ERK2 deficiency. Phosphorylated ERK1/2 was detected in neurokinin B-expressing cells of the spinal dorsal horn of control mice; these cells accumulated during the induction of chronic contact hypersensitivity. Notably, phosphorylated ERK1/2 was also localized in spinal urocortin3-expressing neurons that are known to transmit mechanical itch. CONCLUSIONS Spinal cord ERK2 could be a potential therapeutic target for intractable itch in pruritic skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinsuke Matsuo
- Department of Dermatology National Defense Medical College Tokorozawa Japan
| | - Takashi Hashimoto
- Department of Dermatology National Defense Medical College Tokorozawa Japan
| | - Fumhiro Matsuura
- Department of Anesthesiology National Defense Medical College Tokorozawa Japan
| | - Osamu Imamura
- Department of Biochemistry National Defense Medical College Tokorozawa Japan
| | - Shogo Endo
- Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology Tokyo Japan
| | - Yasushi Satoh
- Department of Biochemistry National Defense Medical College Tokorozawa Japan
| | - Takahiro Satoh
- Department of Dermatology National Defense Medical College Tokorozawa Japan
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48
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Abstract
Itch is one of the most primal sensations, being both ubiquitous and important for the well-being of animals. For more than a century, a desire to understand how itch is encoded by the nervous system has prompted the advancement of many theories. Within the past 15 years, our understanding of the molecular and neural mechanisms of itch has undergone a major transformation, and this remarkable progress continues today without any sign of abating. Here I describe accumulating evidence that indicates that itch is distinguished from pain through the actions of itch-specific neuropeptides that relay itch information to the spinal cord. According to this model, classical neurotransmitters transmit, inhibit and modulate itch information in a context-, space- and time-dependent manner but do not encode itch specificity. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is proposed to be a key itch-specific neuropeptide, with spinal neurons expressing GRP receptor (GRPR) functioning as a key part of a convergent circuit for the conveyance of peripheral itch information to the brain.
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Mu D, Sun YG. Circuit Mechanisms of Itch in the Brain. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:23-30. [PMID: 34662562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Itch is an unpleasant somatic sensation with the desire to scratch, and it consists of sensory, affective, and motivational components. Acute itch serves as a critical protective mechanism because an itch-evoked scratching response will help to remove harmful substances invading the skin. Recently, exciting progress has been made in deciphering the mechanisms of itch at both the peripheral nervous system and the CNS levels. Key neuronal subtypes and circuits have been revealed for ascending transmission and the descending modulation of itch. In this review, we mainly summarize the current understanding of the central circuit mechanisms of itch in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Mu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Gang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China.
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50
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Sutaria N, Adawi W, Goldberg R, Roh YS, Choi J, Kwatra SG. Itch: Pathogenesis and treatment. J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; 86:17-34. [PMID: 34648873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.07.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Itch pathogenesis is broadly characterized into histaminergic and nonhistaminergic pathways and transmitted via 2 main receptor families: G protein-coupled receptors and transient receptor potential channels. In the skin, itch is primarily transmitted by unmyelinated type C and thinly myelinated type Aδ nerve fibers. Crosstalk between the immune and neural systems modulates itch transmission at the skin, spinal cord, and brain. Among the many known pruritogens, Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin-4, interleukin-13, interleukin-31, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin, are particularly important mediators that signal through shared Janus kinase pathways, representing novel targets for novel itch therapeutics. Emerging evidence has also revealed that the opioidergic system is a potent modulator of itch transmission, with increased μ-opioid activity and decreased κ-opioid activity contributing to itch pathogenesis. Optimal management of itch requires that treatment approaches be tailored to specific etiologic itch subtypes. When the etiology is unknown and patients are given a diagnosis of chronic pruritus of unknown origin, treatment should be guided by the presence of Th2 polarization, often reflected by increased blood eosinophils. In the second article of this 2-part series, we outline our current understanding of itch pathogenesis and discuss available and emerging treatments for itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishadh Sutaria
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Waleed Adawi
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rebecca Goldberg
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Youkyung S Roh
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Justin Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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