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Cao B, Xu Q, Shi Y, Zhao R, Li H, Zheng J, Liu F, Wan Y, Wei B. Pathology of pain and its implications for therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:155. [PMID: 38851750 PMCID: PMC11162504 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01845-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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is estimated to affect more than 20% of the global population, imposing incalculable health and economic burdens. Effective pain management is crucial for individuals suffering from pain. However, the current methods for pain assessment and treatment fall short of clinical needs. Benefiting from advances in neuroscience and biotechnology, the neuronal circuits and molecular mechanisms critically involved in pain modulation have been elucidated. These research achievements have incited progress in identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review, we first introduce fundamental knowledge about pain, setting the stage for the subsequent contents. The review next delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying pain disorders, including gene mutation, epigenetic modification, posttranslational modification, inflammasome, signaling pathways and microbiota. To better present a comprehensive view of pain research, two prominent issues, sexual dimorphism and pain comorbidities, are discussed in detail based on current findings. The status quo of pain evaluation and manipulation is summarized. A series of improved and innovative pain management strategies, such as gene therapy, monoclonal antibody, brain-computer interface and microbial intervention, are making strides towards clinical application. We highlight existing limitations and future directions for enhancing the quality of preclinical and clinical research. Efforts to decipher the complexities of pain pathology will be instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice, thereby improving pain management from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qixuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yajiao Shi
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruiyang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hanghang Li
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fengyu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - You Wan
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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Sun L, Chen C, Xiang X, Guo S, Yang G. Generalized modality responses in primary sensory neurons of awake mice during the development of neuropathic pain. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1368507. [PMID: 38690372 PMCID: PMC11058805 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1368507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Peripheral sensory neurons serve as the initial responders to the external environment. How these neurons react to different sensory stimuli, such as mechanical or thermal forces applied to the skin, remains unclear. Methods Using in vivo two-photon Ca2+ imaging in the lumbar 4 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of awake Thy1.2-GCaMP6s mice, we assessed neuronal responses to various mechanical (punctate or dynamic) and thermal forces (heat or cold) sequentially applied to the paw plantar surface. Results Our data indicate that in normal awake male mice, approximately 14 and 38% of DRG neurons respond to either single or multiple modalities of stimulation. Anesthesia substantially reduces the number of responsive neurons but does not alter the ratio of cells exhibiting single-modal responses versus multi-modal responses. Following peripheral nerve injury, DRG cells exhibit a more than 5.1-fold increase in spontaneous neuronal activity and a 1.5-fold increase in sensory stimulus-evoked activity. As neuropathic pain resulting from nerve injury progresses, the polymodal nature of sensory neurons intensifies. The polymodal population increases from 39.1 to 56.9%, while the modality-specific population decreases from 14.7 to 5.0% within a period of 5 days. Discussion Our study underscores polymodality as a significant characteristic of primary sensory neurons, which becomes more pronounced during the development of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xuwu Xiang
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shengyang Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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Yuan S, Qiu B, Liang Y, Deng B, Xu J, Tang X, Wu J, Zhou S, Li Z, Li H, Ye Q, Wang L, Cui S, Tang C, Yi W, Yao L, Xu N. Role of TRPV1 in electroacupuncture-mediated signal to the primary sensory cortex during regulation of the swallowing function. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14457. [PMID: 37718934 PMCID: PMC10916430 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14457] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Electroacupuncture (EA) at the Lianquan (CV23) could alleviate swallowing dysfunction. However, current knowledge of its neural modulation focused on the brain, with little evidence from the periphery. Transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) is an ion channel predominantly expressed in sensory neurons, and acupuncture can trigger calcium ion (Ca2+ ) wave propagation through active TRPV1 to deliver signals. The present study aimed to investigate whether TRPV1 mediated the signal of EA to the primary sensory cortex (S1) during regulation of swallowing function. METHODS Blood perfusion was evaluated by laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), and neuronal activity was evaluated by fiber calcium recording and c-Fos staining. The expression of TRPV1 was detected by RNA-seq analysis, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. In addition, the swallowing function was assessed by in vivo EMG recording and water consumption test. RESULTS EA treatment potentiated blood perfusion and neuronal activity in the S1, and this potentiation was absent after injecting lidocaine near CV23. TRPV1 near CV23 was upregulated by EA-CV23. The blood perfusion at CV23 was decreased in the TRPV1 hypofunction mice, while the blood perfusion and the neuronal activity of the S1 showed no obvious change. These findings were also present in post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) mice. CONCLUSION The TRPV1 at CV23 after EA treatment might play a key role in mediating local blood perfusion but was not involved in transferring EA signals to the central nervous system (CNS). These findings collectively suggested that TRPV1 may be one of the important regulators involved in the mechanism of EA treatment for improving swallowing function in PSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Yuan
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
- Department of Rehabilitation of Traditional Chinese MedicineHunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Bo Qiu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Ying Liang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Bing Deng
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaorong Tang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Junshang Wu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Sheng Zhou
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Zeli Li
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Hongzhu Li
- Rehabilitation CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiuping Ye
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lin Wang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Shuai Cui
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, College of Acupuncture and MoxibustionAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Chunzhi Tang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Wei Yi
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Lulu Yao
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Nenggui Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
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Li M, Yang G. A mesocortical glutamatergic pathway modulates neuropathic pain independent of dopamine co-release. Nat Commun 2024; 15:643. [PMID: 38245542 PMCID: PMC10799877 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45035-2] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction in the mesocortical pathway, connecting the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the prefrontal cortex, has been implicated in chronic pain. While extensive research has focused on the role of dopamine, the contribution of glutamatergic signaling in pain modulation remains unknown. Using in vivo calcium imaging, we observe diminished VTA glutamatergic activity targeting the prelimbic cortex (PL) in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. Optogenetic activation of VTA glutamatergic terminals in the PL alleviates neuropathic pain, whereas inhibiting these terminals in naïve mice induces pain-like responses. Importantly, this pain-modulating effect is independent of dopamine co-release, as demonstrated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene deletion. Furthermore, we show that VTA neurons primarily project to excitatory neurons in the PL, and their activation restores PL outputs to the anterior cingulate cortex, a key region involved in pain processing. These findings reveal a distinct mesocortical glutamatergic pathway that critically modulates neuropathic pain independent of dopamine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Zhang D, Wei Y. Role of sodium leak channel (NALCN) in sensation and pain: an overview. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1349438. [PMID: 38273833 PMCID: PMC10808581 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1349438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The sodium leak channel (NALCN) is widely expressed in the central nervous system and plays a pivotal role in regulating the resting membrane potential (RMP) by mediating the Na+ leak current. NALCN was first reported in 1999, and since then, increasing evidence has provided insights into the structure and functions of NALCN. As an essential component of neuronal background currents, NALCN has been shown to be involved in many important physiological functions, particularly in the respiratory rhythm, as NALCN mutant mice have a severely disrupted respiratory rhythm and die within 24 h of birth. Many patients with NALCN mutations also develop serious clinical syndromes, such as severe hypotonia, speech impairment, and cognitive delay. Recently, emerging studies have clarified the human NALCN structure and revealed additional properties and functions of NALCN. For instance, accumulating evidence highlights that the NALCN is involved in normal sensation and pain. Here, we review the current literature and summarize the role of the NALCN in sensation and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiyong Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Longgang District Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, China
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Condon LF, Yu Y, Park S, Cao F, Pauli JL, Nelson TS, Palmiter RD. Parabrachial Calca neurons drive nociplasticity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.26.564223. [PMID: 37961621 PMCID: PMC10634894 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.26.564223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Pain that persists beyond the time required for tissue healing and pain that arises in the absence of tissue injury are poorly understood phenomena mediated by plasticity within the central nervous system. The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) is a hub that relays aversive sensory information and appears to play a role in nociplasticity. Here, by preventing PBN Calca neurons from releasing neurotransmitter or directly stimulating them we demonstrate that activation of Calca neurons is both necessary for the manifestation of chronic pain after nerve ligation and is sufficient to drive nociplasticity in wild-type mice. Aversive stimuli such as exposure to nitroglycerin, cisplatin, or LiCl can drive nociplasticity in a Calca-neuron-dependent manner. Calcium fluorescence imaging reveals that nitroglycerin activates PBN Calca neurons and potentiates their responses to mechanical stimulation. The activity and excitability of Calca neurons increased for several days after aversive events, but prolonged nociplasticity likely occurs in downstream circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan F Condon
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ying Yu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sekun Park
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Feng Cao
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jordan L Pauli
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tyler S Nelson
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, NY 10010, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Lead Contact
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