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Tong C, Moayedi Y, Lumpkin EA. Merkel cells and keratinocytes in oral mucosa are activated by mechanical stimulation. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15826. [PMID: 38246872 PMCID: PMC10800296 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15826] [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: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The detection of mechanical qualities of foodstuffs is essential for nutrient acquisition, evaluation of food freshness, and bolus formation during mastication. However, the mechanisms through which mechanosensitive cells in the oral cavity transmit mechanical information from the periphery to the brain are not well defined. We hypothesized Merkel cells, which are epithelial mechanoreceptors and important for pressure and texture sensing in the skin, can be mechanically activated in the oral cavity. Using live-cell calcium imaging, we recorded Merkel cell activity in ex vivo gingival and palatal preparations from mice in response to mechanical stimulation. Merkel cells responded with distinct temporal patterns and activation thresholds in a region-specific manner, with Merkel cells in the hard palate having a higher mean activation threshold than those in the gingiva. Unexpectedly, we found that oral keratinocytes were also activated by mechanical stimulation, even in the absence of Merkel cells. This indicates that mechanical stimulation of oral mucosa independently activates at least two subpopulations of epithelial cells. Finally, we found that oral Merkel cells contribute to preference for consuming oily emulsion. To our knowledge, these data represent the first functional study of Merkel-cell physiology and its role in flavor detection in the oral cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi‐Kun Tong
- Department of Physiology and Cellular BiophysicsColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Yalda Moayedi
- Department of Physiology and Cellular BiophysicsColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Present address:
Departments of Neurology and Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryColumbia UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ellen A. Lumpkin
- Department of Physiology and Cellular BiophysicsColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of DermatologyColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Present address:
Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyHelen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCAUSA
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Ibrahim T, Wu P, Wang LJ, Fang-Mei C, Murillo J, Merlo J, Shein SS, Tumanov AV, Lai Z, Weldon K, Chen Y, Ruparel S. Sex-dependent differences in the genomic profile of lingual sensory neurons in naïve and tongue-tumor bearing mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13117. [PMID: 37573456 PMCID: PMC10423281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of sex-dependent orofacial pain are widely understudied. A significant gap in knowledge exists about comprehensive regulation of tissue-specific trigeminal sensory neurons in diseased state of both sexes. Using RNA sequencing of FACS sorted retro-labeled sensory neurons innervating tongue tissue, we determined changes in transcriptomic profiles in males and female mice under naïve as well as tongue-tumor bearing conditions Our data revealed the following interesting findings: (1) FACS sorting obtained higher number of neurons from female trigeminal ganglia (TG) compared to males; (2) Naïve female neurons innervating the tongue expressed immune cell markers such as Csf1R, C1qa and others, that weren't expressed in males. This was validated by Immunohistochemistry. (3) Accordingly, immune cell markers such as Csf1 exclusively sensitized TRPV1 responses in female TG neurons. (4) Male neurons were more tightly regulated than female neurons upon tumor growth and very few differentially expressed genes (DEGs) overlapped between the sexes, (5) Male DEGs contained higher number of transcription factors whereas female DEGs contained higher number of enzymes, cytokines and chemokines. Collectively, this is the first study to characterize the effect of sex as well as of tongue-tumor on global gene expression, pathways and molecular function of tongue-innervating sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Li-Ju Wang
- Greehey Children's Cancer Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Chang Fang-Mei
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Josue Murillo
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Jaclyn Merlo
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Sergey S Shein
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Alexei V Tumanov
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Zhao Lai
- Greehey Children's Cancer Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Korri Weldon
- Greehey Children's Cancer Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yidong Chen
- Greehey Children's Cancer Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Shivani Ruparel
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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Tram M, Ibrahim T, Hovhannisyan A, Akopian A, Ruparel S. Lingual innervation in male and female marmosets. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 14:100134. [PMID: 38099285 PMCID: PMC10719518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Several gaps in knowledge exists in our understanding of orofacial pain. Some of these include type of peripheral sensory innervation in specific tissues, differences in innervation between sexes and validation of rodent studies in higher order species. The current study addresses these gaps by validating mouse studies for sensory innervation of tongue tissue in non-human primates as well as assesses sex-specific differences. Tongue and trigeminal ganglia were collected from naïve male and female marmosets and tested for nerve fibers using specific markers by immunohistochemistry and number of fibers quantified. We also tested whether specific subgroups of nerve fibers belonged to myelinating or non-myelinating axons. We observed that similar to findings in mice, marmoset tongue was innervated with nerve filaments expressing nociceptor markers like CGRP and TRPV1 as well as non-nociceptor markers like TrkB, parvalbumin (PV) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Furthermore, we found that while portion of TrkB and PV may be sensory fibers, TH-positive fibers were primarily sympathetic nerve fibers. Moreover, number of CGRP, TrkB and TH-positive nerve fibers were similar in both sexes. However, we observed a higher proportion of myelinated TRPV1 positive fibers in females than in males as well as increased number of PV + fibers in females. Taken together, the study for the first time characterizes sensory innervation in non-human primates as well as evaluates sex-differences in innervation of tongue tissue, thereby laying the foundation for future orofacial pain research with new world smaller NHPs like the common marmoset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilinn Tram
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
| | - Anahit Hovhannisyan
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
| | - Armen Akopian
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
| | - Shivani Ruparel
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
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4
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Ibrahim T, Wu P, Wang LJ, Fang-Mei C, Murillo J, Merlo J, Tumanov A, Lai Z, Weldon K, Chen Y, Ruparel S. Sex-dependent Differences in the Genomic Profile of Lingual Sensory Neurons in Naïve and Tongue-Tumor Bearing Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.14.524011. [PMID: 36711730 PMCID: PMC9882171 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.14.524011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms of sex-dependent orofacial pain are widely understudied. A significant gap in knowledge exists about comprehensive regulation of tissue-specific trigeminal sensory neurons in diseased state of both sexes. Using RNA sequencing of FACS sorted retro-labeled sensory neurons innervating tongue tissue, we determined changes in transcriptomic profiles in males and female mice under naïve as well as tongue-tumor bearing conditions Our data revealed the following interesting findings: 1) Tongue tissue of female mice was innervated with higher number of trigeminal neurons compared to males; 2) Naïve female neurons innervating the tongue exclusively expressed immune cell markers such as Csf1R, C1qa and others, that weren't expressed in males. This was validated by Immunohistochemistry. 4) Accordingly, immune cell markers such as Csf1 exclusively sensitized TRPV1 responses in female TG neurons. 3) Male neurons were more tightly regulated than female neurons upon tumor growth and very few differentially expressed genes (DEGs) overlapped between the sexes, 5) Male DEGs contained higher number of transcription factors whereas female DEGs contained higher number of enzymes, cytokines and chemokines. Collectively, this is the first study to characterize the effect of sex as well as of tongue-tumor on global gene expression, pathways and molecular function of tongue-innervating sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
| | - Li-Ju Wang
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, USA
| | - Chang Fang-Mei
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
| | - Josue Murillo
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
| | - Jaclyn Merlo
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
| | - Alexei Tumanov
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
| | - Zhao Lai
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Korri Weldon
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yidong Chen
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health at San Antonio, USA
| | - Shivani Ruparel
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health San Antonio, USA
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Moayedi Y, Xu S, Obayashi SK, Hoffman BU, Gerling GJ, Lumpkin EA. The cellular basis of mechanosensation in mammalian tongue. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112087. [PMID: 36763499 PMCID: PMC10409885 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensory neurons that innervate the tongue provide essential information to guide feeding, speech, and social grooming. We use in vivo calcium imaging of mouse trigeminal ganglion neurons to identify functional groups of mechanosensory neurons innervating the anterior tongue. These sensory neurons respond to thermal and mechanical stimulation. Analysis of neuronal activity patterns reveal that most mechanosensory trigeminal neurons are tuned to detect moving stimuli across the tongue. Using an unbiased, multilayer hierarchical clustering approach to classify pressure-evoked activity based on temporal response dynamics, we identify five functional classes of mechanosensory neurons with distinct force-response relations and adaptation profiles. These populations are tuned to detect different features of touch. Molecular markers of functionally distinct clusters are identified by analyzing cluster representation in genetically marked neuronal subsets. Collectively, these studies provide a platform for defining the contributions of functionally distinct mechanosensory neurons to oral behaviors crucial for survival in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalda Moayedi
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shan Xu
- School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Sophie K Obayashi
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Benjamin U Hoffman
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gregory J Gerling
- School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
| | - Ellen A Lumpkin
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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Oral Somatosensory Alterations in Head and Neck Cancer Patients-An Overview of the Evidence and Causes. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030718. [PMID: 36765675 PMCID: PMC9913236 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030718] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Food-related sensory alterations are prevalent among cancer patients and negatively impact their relationship with food, quality of life, and overall health outcome. In addition to taste and smell, food perception is also influenced by somatosensation comprising tactile, thermal, and chemesthetic sensations; yet studies on oral somatosensory perception of cancer patients are lacking to provide patients with tailored nutritional solutions. The present review aimed to summarise findings on the oral somatosensory perception of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and the potential aetiologies of somatosensory alterations among this population. Subjective assessments demonstrated alterations in oral somatosensory perception such as sensitivity to certain textures, spices, and temperatures. Physiological changes in oral somatosensation have been observed through objective assessments of sensory function, showing reduced localised tactile function and thermal sensitivity. Changes in whole-mouth tactile sensation assessed using texture discrimination and stereognosis ability seem to be less evident. Available evidence indicated oral somatosensory alterations among HNC patients, which may affect their eating behaviour, but more studies with larger sample sizes and standardised assessment methods are needed. Unlike other types of cancers, sensory alterations in HNC patients are not only caused by the treatments, but also by the cancer itself, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Prevalent oral complications, such as xerostomia, dysphagia, mucositis, and chemosensory alterations, further modify their oral condition and food perception. Oral somatosensory perception of cancer patients is an under-investigated topic, which constitutes an important avenue for future research due to its potential significance on eating behaviour and quality of life.
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Sawicki CM, Janal MN, Nicholson SJ, Wu AK, Schmidt BL, Albertson DG. Oral cancer patients experience mechanical and chemical sensitivity at the site of the cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1165. [PMID: 36368973 PMCID: PMC9650819 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10282-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral cancer patients suffer severe chronic and mechanically-induced pain at the site of the cancer. Our clinical experience is that oral cancer patients report new sensitivity to spicy foods. We hypothesized that in cancer patients, mechanical and chemical sensitivity would be greater when measured at the cancer site compared to a contralateral matched normal site. METHODS We determined mechanical pain thresholds (MPT) on the right and left sides of the tongue of 11 healthy subjects, and at the cancer and contralateral matched normal site in 11 oral cancer patients in response to von Frey filaments in the range of 0.008 to 300 g (normally not reported as painful). We evaluated chemical sensitivity in 13 healthy subjects and seven cancer patients, who rated spiciness/pain on a visual analog scale in response to exposure to six paper strips impregnated with capsaicin (0-10 mM). RESULTS Mechanical detection thresholds (MDT) were recorded for healthy subjects, but not MPTs. By contrast, MPTs were measured at the site of the cancer in oral cancer patients (7/11 patients). No MPTs were measured at the cancer patients' contralateral matched normal sites. Measured MPTs were correlated with patients' responses to the University of California Oral Cancer Pain Questionnaire. Capsaicin sensitivity at the site of the cancer was evident in cancer patients by a leftward shift of the cancer site capsaicin dose-response curve compared to that of the patient's contralateral matched normal site. We detected no difference in capsaicin sensitivity on the right and left sides of tongues of healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS Mechanical and chemical sensitivity testing was well tolerated by the majority of oral cancer patients. Sensitivity is greater at the site of the cancer than at a contralateral matched normal site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Sawicki
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Department of Pediatric Dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry, 421 First Avenue, Room 233W, New York, NY 10010 USA
| | - Malvin N. Janal
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Department of Epidemiology & Health Promotion, New York University College of Dentistry, Room 301, 433 First Avenue, New York, NY 10010 USA
| | - Samuel J. Nicholson
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University College of Dentistry, 421 First Avenue, Room 233W, New York, NY 10010 USA
| | - Angie K. Wu
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, 421 First Avenue, Room 233W, New York, NY 10010 USA
| | - Brian L. Schmidt
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University College of Dentistry, 421 First Avenue, Room 233W, New York, NY 10010 USA ,grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, 421 First Avenue, Room 233W, New York, NY 10010 USA ,grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753NYU Oral Cancer Center, New York University College of Dentistry, 421 First Avenue, Room 233W, New York, NY 10010 USA
| | - Donna G. Albertson
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University College of Dentistry, 421 First Avenue, Room 233W, New York, NY 10010 USA ,grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, 421 First Avenue, Room 233W, New York, NY 10010 USA ,grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753NYU Oral Cancer Center, New York University College of Dentistry, 421 First Avenue, Room 233W, New York, NY 10010 USA
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Ye Y, Jensen DD, Viet CT, Pan HL, Campana WM, Amit M, Boada MD. Advances in Head and Neck Cancer Pain. J Dent Res 2022; 101:1025-1033. [PMID: 35416080 PMCID: PMC9305840 DOI: 10.1177/00220345221088527] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) affects over 890,000 people annually worldwide and has a mortality rate of 50%. Aside from poor survival, HNC pain impairs eating, drinking, and talking in patients, severely reducing quality of life. Different pain phenotype in patients (allodynia, hyperalgesia, and spontaneous pain) results from a combination of anatomical, histopathological, and molecular differences between cancers. Poor pathologic features (e.g., perineural invasion, lymph node metastasis) are associated with increased pain. The use of syngeneic/immunocompetent animal models, as well as a new mouse model of perineural invasion, provides novel insights into the pathobiology of HNC pain. Glial and immune modulation of the tumor microenvironment affect not only cancer progression but also pain signaling. For example, Schwann cells promote cancer cell proliferation, migration, and secretion of nociceptive mediators, whereas neutrophils are implicated in sex differences in pain in animal models of HNC. Emerging evidence supports the existence of a functional loop of cross-activation between the tumor microenvironment and peripheral nerves, mediated by a molecular exchange of bioactive contents (pronociceptive and protumorigenic) via paracrine and autocrine signaling. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tumor necrosis factor α, legumain, cathepsin S, and A disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 expressed in the HNC microenvironment have recently been shown to promote HNC pain, further highlighting the importance of proinflammatory cytokines, neurotrophic factors, and proteases in mediating HNC-associated pain. Pronociceptive mediators, together with nerve injury, cause nociceptor hypersensitivity. Oncogenic, pronociceptive mediators packaged in cancer cell-derived exosomes also induce nociception in mice. In addition to increased production of pronociceptive mediators, HNC is accompanied by a dampened endogenous antinociception system (e.g., downregulation of resolvins and µ-opioid receptor expression). Resolvin treatment or gene delivery of µ-opioid receptors provides pain relief in preclinical HNC models. Collectively, recent studies suggest that pain and HNC progression share converging mechanisms that can be targeted for cancer treatment and pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Ye
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
| | - D D Jensen
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
| | - C T Viet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - H L Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - W M Campana
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.,San Diego Veterans Health System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - M Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M D Boada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Grayson M, Arris D, Wu P, Merlo J, Ibrahim T, Mei C, Valenzuela V, Ganatra S, Ruparel S. Oral squamous cell carcinoma-released brain-derived neurotrophic factor contributes to oral cancer pain by peripheral tropomyosin receptor kinase B activation. Pain 2022; 163:496-507. [PMID: 34321412 PMCID: PMC8678394 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Oral cancer pain is debilitating and understanding mechanisms for it is critical to develop novel treatment strategies treatment strategies. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling is elevated in oral tumor biopsies and is involved with tumor progression. Whether BDNF signaling in oral tumors contributes to cancer-induced pain is not known. The current study evaluates a novel peripheral role of BDNF-tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling in oral cancer pain. Using human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells and an orthotopic mouse tongue cancer pain model, we found that BDNF levels were upregulated in superfusates and lysates of tumor tongues and that BDNF was expressed by OSCC cells themselves. Moreover, neutralization of BDNF or inhibition of TrkB activity by ANA12, within the tumor-bearing tongue reversed tumor-induced pain-like behaviors in a sex-dependent manner. Oral squamous cell carcinoma conditioned media also produced pain-like behaviors in naïve male mice that was reversed by local injection of ANA12. On a physiological level, using single-fiber tongue-nerve electrophysiology, we found that acutely blocking TrkB receptors reversed tumor-induced mechanical sensitivity of A-slow high threshold mechanoreceptors. Furthermore, single-cell reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction data of retrogradely labeled lingual neurons demonstrated expression of full-form TrkB and truncated TrkB in distinct neuronal subtypes. Last but not the least, intra-TG siRNA for TrkB also reversed tumor-induced orofacial pain behaviors. Our data suggest that TrkB activities on lingual sensory afferents are partly controlled by local release of OSCC-derived BDNF, thereby contributing to oral cancer pain. This is a novel finding and the first demonstration of a peripheral role for BDNF signaling in oral cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Grayson
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Dominic Arris
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jaclyn Merlo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Chang Mei
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Vanessa Valenzuela
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Shilpa Ganatra
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Shivani Ruparel
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Grayson M, Nagle-Pinkham D, Gokhman D, Ruparel S. Automated analyses for single-fiber electrophysiological recordings using a newly developed Microsoft Excel application and graphical user interface. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 362:109312. [PMID: 34371025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electrophysiological recordings of isolated sensory afferents are commonly used in the field of pain research to investigate peripheral mechanisms of nociception in various pain models. The method involves skillful and tedious recordings of teased fibers from nerve preparations as well as time-consuming post-recording analyses. To increase efficiency and productivity of data analyses of recorded action potentials, we developed and validated a novel, easy-to-use Microsoft Excel-based application using Visual Basic Programming. NEW METHOD A code for the novel program, shigraspike1.0, was written to create a module to include customizable subroutines for analyses for electrical and mechanical responses. Using previously recorded action potentials with tongue-lingual nerve preparations, the program was validated for appropriate execution, ease-of-use, accuracy of the output data and time taken for analyses. RESULTS We observed appropriate execution of shigraspike1.0 on Windows and iOS desktop platforms that included computation of response latency of the spike of interest using electrical stimulus as well as estimation of the number of impulses at each force with a step-and-hold mechanical ramp of 10-200mN. Output data obtained by shigrapsike1.0 for both stimulus types were accurate and statistically insignificant from manual analyses. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD The novel application shigraspike1.0, allows for rapid analyses for single-fiber recordings and takes less than half the time to analyze electrical and mechanical responses compared to manual analyses. CONCLUSIONS The newly developed shigraspike1.0 application can be a very productive tool to be routinely used for efficient analyses of single-fiber electrophysiology in pain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Grayson
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Dmitry Gokhman
- Department of Mathematics, University of Texas at San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Shivani Ruparel
- Department of Endodontics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Acute and Chronic Pain from Facial Skin and Oral Mucosa: Unique Neurobiology and Challenging Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115810. [PMID: 34071720 PMCID: PMC8198570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity is a portal into the digestive system, which exhibits unique sensory properties. Like facial skin, the oral mucosa needs to be exquisitely sensitive and selective, in order to detect harmful toxins versus edible food. Chemosensation and somatosensation by multiple receptors, including transient receptor potential channels, are well-developed to meet these needs. In contrast to facial skin, however, the oral mucosa rarely exhibits itch responses. Like the gut, the oral cavity performs mechanical and chemical digestion. Therefore, the oral mucosa needs to be insensitive, to some degree, in order to endure noxious irritation. Persistent pain from the oral mucosa is often due to ulcers, involving both tissue injury and infection. Trigeminal nerve injury and trigeminal neuralgia produce intractable pain in the orofacial skin and the oral mucosa, through mechanisms distinct from those seen in the spinal area, which is particularly difficult to predict or treat. The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic chronic pain, such as atypical odontalgia (idiopathic painful trigeminal neuropathy or post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathy) and burning mouth syndrome, remain especially challenging. The central integration of gustatory inputs might modulate chronic oral and facial pain. A lack of pain in chronic inflammation inside the oral cavity, such as chronic periodontitis, involves the specialized functioning of oral bacteria. A more detailed understanding of the unique neurobiology of pain from the orofacial skin and the oral mucosa should help us develop novel methods for better treating persistent orofacial pain.
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Peripheral nerve injury and sensitization underlie pain associated with oral cancer perineural invasion. Pain 2021; 161:2592-2602. [PMID: 32658150 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer invading into nerves, termed perineural invasion (PNI), is associated with pain. Here, we show that oral cancer patients with PNI report greater spontaneous pain and mechanical allodynia compared with patients without PNI, suggesting that unique mechanisms drive PNI-induced pain. We studied the impact of PNI on peripheral nerve physiology and anatomy using a murine sciatic nerve PNI model. Mice with PNI exhibited spontaneous nociception and mechanical allodynia. Perineural invasion induced afterdischarge in A high-threshold mechanoreceptors (HTMRs), mechanical sensitization (ie, decreased mechanical thresholds) in both A and C HTMRs, and mechanical desensitization in low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Perineural invasion resulted in nerve damage, including axon loss, myelin damage, and axon degeneration. Electrophysiological evidence of nerve injury included decreased conduction velocity, and increased percentage of both mechanically insensitive and electrically unexcitable neurons. We conclude that PNI-induced pain is driven by nerve injury and peripheral sensitization in HTMRs.
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Zhang WJ, Luo C, Pu FQ, Zhu JF, Zhu Z. The role and pharmacological characteristics of ATP-gated ionotropic receptor P2X in cancer pain. Pharmacol Res 2020; 161:105106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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