1
|
Zhang Q, Ding R, Li Y, Qiao D, Kang J, Zong L, Li Y, Yuan Y, Jiao Y, Wang C, Yu Y, Zhang L, Li Y. Euchromatin histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 regulates the expression of potassium-sodium-activated channel subfamily T member 1 in primary sensory neurons and contributes to remifentanil-induced pain sensitivity. Brain Res Bull 2024; 212:110966. [PMID: 38670469 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110966] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Intraoperative remifentanil administration has been linked to increased postoperative pain sensitivity. Recent studies have identified the involvement of euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (Ehmt2/G9a) in neuropathic pain associated with the transcriptional silencing of many potassium ion channel genes. This study investigates whether G9a regulates the potassium sodium-activated channel subfamily T member 1 (Slo2.2) in remifentanil-induced post-incisional hyperalgesia (RIH) in rodents. We performed remifentanil infusion (1 μg·kg-1·min-1 for 60 min) followed by plantar incision to induce RIH in rodents. Our results showed that RIH was accompanied by increased G9a and H3K9me2 production and decreased Slo2.2 expression 48 h postoperatively. Deletion of G9a rescued Slo2.2 expression in DRG and reduced RIH intensity. Slo2.2 overexpression also reversed this hyperalgesia phenotype. G9a overexpression decreased Slo2.2-mediated leak current and increased excitability in the small-diameter DRG neurons and laminal II small-diameter neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, which was implicated in peripheral and central sensitization. These results suggest that G9a contributes to the development of RIH by epigenetically silencing Slo2.2 in DRG neurons, leading to decreased central sensitization in the spinal cord. The findings may have implications for the development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of postoperative pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ran Ding
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research and Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanjie Li
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiamin Kang
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Linyue Zong
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun Li
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yize Li
- Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology and Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou HM, Xu HJ, Sun RH, Zhang M, Li XT, Zhao YX, Yang K, Wei R, Liu Q, Li S, Xue Z, Hao LY, Yang L, Wang QH, Wang HJ, Gao F, Cao JL, Pan Z. DNA N6-methyladenine methylase N6AMT1 controls neuropathic pain through epigenetically modifying Kcnj16 in dorsal horn neurons. Pain 2024; 165:75-91. [PMID: 37624905 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nerve injury-induced aberrant changes in gene expression in spinal dorsal horn neurons are critical for the genesis of neuropathic pain. N6-methyladenine (m 6 A) modification of DNA represents an additional layer of gene regulation. Here, we report that peripheral nerve injury significantly decreased the level of m 6 A-specific DNA methyltransferase 1 ( N6amt1 ) in dorsal horn neurons. This decrease was attributed, at least partly, to a reduction in transcription factor Nr2f6 . Rescuing the decrease in N6amt1 reversed the loss of m 6 A at the promoter for inwardly rectifying potassium channel subfamily J member 16 ( Kcnj16 ), mitigating the nerve injury-induced upregulation of Kcnj16 expression in the dorsal horn and alleviating neuropathic pain hypersensitivities. Conversely, mimicking the downregulation of N6amt1 in naive mice erased DNA m 6 A at the Kcnj16 promoter, elevated Kcnj16 expression, and led to neuropathic pain-like behaviors. Therefore, decreased N6amt1 caused by NR2F6 is required for neuropathic pain, likely through its regulation of m 6 A-controlled KCNJ16 in dorsal horn neurons, suggesting that DNA m 6 A modification may be a potential new target for analgesic and treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Heng-Jun Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Run-Hang Sun
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ya-Xuan Zhao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kehui Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Runa Wei
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhouya Xue
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yancheng Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, China
| | - Ling-Yun Hao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Li Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qi-Hui Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hong-Jun Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pethő G, Kántás B, Horváth Á, Pintér E. The Epigenetics of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Update. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17143. [PMID: 38138971 PMCID: PMC10743356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics deals with alterations to the gene expression that occur without change in the nucleotide sequence in the DNA. Various covalent modifications of the DNA and/or the surrounding histone proteins have been revealed, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and methylation, which can either stimulate or inhibit protein expression at the transcriptional level. In the past decade, an exponentially increasing amount of data has been published on the association between epigenetic changes and the pathomechanism of pain, including its most challenging form, neuropathic pain. Epigenetic regulation of the chromatin by writer, reader, and eraser proteins has been revealed for diverse protein targets involved in the pathomechanism of neuropathic pain. They include receptors, ion channels, transporters, enzymes, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, inflammasome proteins, etc. Most work has been invested in clarifying the epigenetic downregulation of mu opioid receptors and various K+ channels, two types of structures mediating neuronal inhibition. Conversely, epigenetic upregulation has been revealed for glutamate receptors, growth factors, and lymphokines involved in neuronal excitation. All these data cannot only help better understand the development of neuropathic pain but outline epigenetic writers, readers, and erasers whose pharmacological inhibition may represent a novel option in the treatment of pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Pethő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Boglárka Kántás
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Édesanyák Str. 17., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Horváth
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gu YH, Wang J, Lu WC, Cheng Y, Tao R, Zhang SJ, Xu T, Zhai KW, Luo SX, Xin WJ. POU2F1/DNMT3a Pathway Participates in Neuropathic Pain by Hypermethylation-Mediated LRFN4 Downregulation Following Oxaliplatin Treatment. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3652-3664. [PMID: 37592110 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04011-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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Evidence demonstrates that DNA methylation is associated with the occurrence and development of various neurological diseases. However, the potential target genes undergoing DNA methylation, as well as their involvement in the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain, are still unclear. Here, Lrfn4, which showed hypermethylation in the promoter regions, was screened from the SRA methylation database (PRJNA587622) following oxaliplatin treatment. MeDIP and qPCR assays identified that oxaliplatin treatment increased the methylation in Lrfn4 promoter region and decreased the expression of LRFN4 in the spinal dorsal horn. The assays with gain and loss of LRFN4 function demonstrated that LRFN4 downregulation in spinal dorsal horn contributed to the oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia and cold hyperalgesia. Moreover, oxaliplatin treatment increased the DNA methyltransferases DNMT3a expression and the interaction between DNMT3a and Lrfn4 promoter, while inhibition of DNMT3a prevented the downregulation of LRFN4a induced by oxaliplatin. We also observed that the transcriptional factor POU2F1 can bind to the predicted sites in DNMT3a promoter region, oxaliplatin treatment upregulated the expression of transcriptional factor POU2F1 in dorsal horn neurons. Intrathecal injection of POU2F1 siRNA prevented the DNMT3a upregulation and the LRFN4 downregulation induced by oxaliplatin. Additionally, intrathecal injection of DNMT3a siRNA or POU2F1 siRNA alleviated the mechanical allodynia induced by oxaliplatin. These findings suggested that transcription factor POU2F1 upregulated the expression of DNMT3a, which subsequently decreased LRFN4 expression through hypermethylation modification in spinal dorsal horn, thereby mediating neuropathic pain following oxaliplatin treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hui Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei-Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Department of Anesthesiology, Collaborative Innovation for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat- sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rong Tao
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shi-Jia Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ke-Wei Zhai
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Su-Xia Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rivi V, Rigillo G, Toscano Y, Benatti C, Blom JMC. Narrative Review of the Complex Interaction between Pain and Trauma in Children: A Focus on Biological Memory, Preclinical Data, and Epigenetic Processes. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1217. [PMID: 37508714 PMCID: PMC10378710 DOI: 10.3390/children10071217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and collective impact of early adverse experiences, trauma, and pain continue to increase. This underscores the urgent need for translational efforts between clinical and preclinical research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective therapeutic approaches. As our understanding of these issues improves from studies in children and adolescents, we can create more precise preclinical models and ultimately translate our findings back to clinical practice. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the complex and wide-ranging effects of these experiences on individuals and society. This narrative review aims to (1) define pain and trauma experiences in childhood and adolescents, (2) discuss the relationship between pain and trauma, (3) consider the role of biological memory, (4) decipher the relationship between pain and trauma using preclinical data, and (5) examine the role of the environment by introducing the importance of epigenetic processes. The ultimate scope is to better understand the wide-ranging effects of trauma, abuse, and chronic pain on children and adolescents, how they occur, and how to prevent or mitigate their effects and develop effective treatment strategies that address both the underlying causes and the associated physiological and psychological effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Rivi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Rigillo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ylenia Toscano
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Benatti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Johanna Maria Catharina Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Y, Asgar J, Shou H, Pak J, Da Silva JT, Ro JY. Intraganglionic reactive oxygen species mediate inflammatory pain and hyperalgesia through TRPA1 in the rat. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1204057. [PMID: 37325677 PMCID: PMC10261988 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1204057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in nociceptive pathways in response to inflammation and injury. ROS are accumulated within the sensory ganglia following peripheral inflammation, but the functional role of intraganlionic ROS in inflammatory pain is not clearly understood. The aims of this study were to investigate whether peripheral inflammation leads to prolonged ROS accumulation within the trigeminal ganglia (TG), whether intraganglionic ROS mediate pain hypersensitivity via activation of TRPA1, and whether TRPA1 expression is upregulated in TG during inflammatory conditions by ROS. We demonstrated that peripheral inflammation causes excess ROS production within TG during the period when inflammatory mechanical hyperalgesia is most prominent. Additionally, scavenging intraganglionic ROS attenuated inflammatory mechanical hyperalgesia and a pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 localized within TG also mitigated inflammatory mechanical hyperalgesia. Interestingly, exogenous administration of ROS into TG elicited mechanical hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain-like responses via TRPA1, and intraganglionic ROS induced TRPA1 upregulation in TG. These results collectively suggest that ROS accumulation in TG during peripheral inflammation contributes to pain and hyperalgesia in a TRPA1 dependent manner, and that ROS further exacerbate pathological pain responses by upregulating TRPA1 expression. Therefore, any conditions that exacerbate ROS accumulation within somatic sensory ganglia can aggravate pain responses and treatments reducing ganglionic ROS may help alleviate inflammatory pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jin Y. Ro
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li X, Liu D, Dai Z, You Y, Chen Y, Lei C, Lv Y, Wang Y. Intraperitoneal 5-Azacytidine Alleviates Nerve Injury-Induced Pain in Rats by Modulating DNA Methylation. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2186-2199. [PMID: 36627549 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03196-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of DNA methylation in modulating chronic neuropathic pain (NPP), identify possible target genes of DNA methylation involved in this process, and preliminarily confirm the medicinal value of the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) in NPP by targeting gene methylation. Two rat NPP models, chronic constriction injury (CCI) and spinal nerve ligation (SNL), were used. The DNA methylation profiles in the lumbar spinal cord were assayed using an Arraystar Rat RefSeq Promoter Array. The underlying genes with differential methylation were then identified and submitted to Gene Ontology and pathway analysis. Methyl-DNA immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR (MeDIP-qPCR) and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to confirm gene methylation and expression. The protective function of 5-AZA in NPP and gene expression were evaluated via behavioral assays and RT-qPCR, respectively. Analysis of the DNA methylation patterns in the lumbar spinal cord indicated that 1205 differentially methylated fragments in CCI rats were located within DNA promoter regions, including 638 hypermethylated fragments and 567 hypomethylated fragments. The methylation levels of Grm4, Htr4, Adrb2, Kcnf1, Gad2, and Pparg, which are associated with long-term potentiation (LTP) and glutamatergic synapse pathways, were increased with a corresponding decrease in their mRNA expression, in the spinal cords of CCI rats. Moreover, we found that the intraperitoneal injection of 5-AZA (4 mg/kg) attenuated CCI- or SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Finally, the mRNA expression of hypermethylated genes such as Grm4, Htr4, Adrb2, Kcnf1, and Gad2 was reversed after 5-AZA treatment. CCI induced widespread methylation changes in the DNA promoter regions in the lumbar spinal cord. Intraperitoneal 5-AZA alleviated hyperalgesia in CCI and SNL rats, an effect accompanied by the reversed expression of hypermethylated genes. Thus, DNA methylation inhibition represents a promising epigenetic strategy for protection against chronic NPP following nerve injury. Our study lays a theoretical foundation for 5-AZA to become a clinical targeted drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - DeZhao Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - ZhiSen Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - YiSheng You
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - ChenXing Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - YouYou Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. .,Department of Anesthesiology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Li L, Chen J, Li YQ. The Downregulation of Opioid Receptors and Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065981. [PMID: 36983055 PMCID: PMC10053236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065981] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) refers to pain caused by primary or secondary damage or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of 7-10% of the general population. The etiology and pathogenesis of NP are complex; as such, NP has been a hot topic in clinical medicine and basic research for a long time, with researchers aiming to find a cure by studying it. Opioids are the most commonly used painkillers in clinical practice but are regarded as third-line drugs for NP in various guidelines due to the low efficacy caused by the imbalance of opioid receptor internalization and their possible side effects. Therefore, this literature review aims to evaluate the role of the downregulation of opioid receptors in the development of NP from the perspective of dorsal root ganglion, spinal cord, and supraspinal regions. We also discuss the reasons for the poor efficacy of opioids, given the commonness of opioid tolerance caused by NP and/or repeated opioid treatments, an angle that has received little attention to date; in-depth understanding might provide a new method for the treatment of NP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169, West Changle Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Identification of Epigenetic Interactions between MicroRNA-30c-5p and DNA Methyltransferases in Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213994. [PMID: 36430472 PMCID: PMC9694031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213994] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a prevalent and severe chronic syndrome, often refractory to treatment, whose development and maintenance may involve epigenetic mechanisms. We previously demonstrated a causal relationship between miR-30c-5p upregulation in nociception-related neural structures and neuropathic pain in rats subjected to sciatic nerve injury. Furthermore, a short course of an miR-30c-5p inhibitor administered into the cisterna magna exerts long-lasting antiallodynic effects via a TGF-β1-mediated mechanism. Herein, we show that miR-30c-5p inhibition leads to global DNA hyper-methylation of neurons in the lumbar dorsal root ganglia and spinal dorsal horn in rats subjected to sciatic nerve injury. Specifically, the inhibition of miR-30-5p significantly increased the expression of the novo DNA methyltransferases DNMT3a and DNMT3b in those structures. Furthermore, we identified the mechanism and found that miR-30c-5p targets the mRNAs of DNMT3a and DNMT3b. Quantitative methylation analysis revealed that the promoter region of the antiallodynic cytokine TGF-β1 was hypomethylated in the spinal dorsal horn of nerve-injured rats treated with the miR-30c-5p inhibitor, while the promoter of Nfyc, the host gene of miR-30c-5p, was hypermethylated. These results are consistent with long-term protection against neuropathic pain development after nerve injury. Altogether, our results highlight the key role of miR-30c-5p in the epigenetic mechanisms' underlying neuropathic pain and provide the basis for miR-30c-5p as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
10
|
Mauceri D. Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Chronic Pain. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162613. [PMID: 36010687 PMCID: PMC9406853 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is an unpleasant but essential-to-life sensation, usually resulting from tissue damage. When pain persists long after the injury has resolved, it becomes pathological. The precise molecular and cellular mechanisms causing the transition from acute to chronic pain are not fully understood. A key aspect of pain chronicity is that several plasticity events happen along the neural pathways involved in pain. These long-lasting adaptive changes are enabled by alteration in the expression of relevant genes. Among the different modulators of gene transcription in adaptive processes in the nervous system, epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role. In this review, I will first outline the main classes of epigenetic mediators and then discuss their implications in chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mauceri
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jiang W, Tan XY, Li JM, Yu P, Dong M. DNA Methylation: A Target in Neuropathic Pain. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:879902. [PMID: 35872752 PMCID: PMC9301322 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.879902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP), caused by an injury or a disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system of the central and peripheral nervous systems, has become a global health concern. Recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetic mechanisms are among those that underlie NP; thus, elucidating the molecular mechanism of DNA methylation is crucial to discovering new therapeutic methods for NP. In this review, we first briefly discuss DNA methylation, demethylation, and the associated key enzymes, such as methylases and demethylases. We then discuss the relationship between NP and DNA methylation, focusing on DNA methyltransferases including methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) family proteins and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes. Based on experimental results of neuralgia in animal models, the mechanism of DNA methylation-related neuralgia is summarized, and useful targets for early drug intervention in NP are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuan-Yu Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia-Ming Li
- Department of Emergency, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Peng Yu
| | - Ming Dong
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Ming Dong
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Y, Kang J, Xu Y, Li N, Jiao Y, Wang C, Wang C, Wang G, Yu Y, Yuan J, Zhang L. Artesunate Alleviates Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice by Decreasing Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Activity and Neuroinflammation in Primary Sensory Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:902572. [PMID: 35694442 PMCID: PMC9184756 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.902572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies on the pathogenetic process of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain (PINP) have been initially carried out, but PINP still has no effective therapy. Recently reported studies have highlighted the involvement of glutamate receptors and neuroinflammation in peripheral and central nociceptive transmission in PINP. Artesunate is a first-line antimalarial drug with established efficacy in alleviating pain in a variety of pathologies. The current work assessed whether artesunate inhibits PINP by modulating metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) and neuroinflammation in mice. The anti-hyperalgesic effect of artesunate was verified by assessing mechanical frequency and thermal latency in the paw withdrawal test as well as spontaneous pain. The expression levels of mGluR5, pain-related receptors and neuroinflammatory markers in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were examined. In addition, treatment with CHPG and 2-methyl-6-(phenyl ethynyl) pyridine (MPEP) (mGluR5 agonist and antagonist, respectively) was performed to determine mGluR5’s role in the anti-hyperalgesic properties of artesunate. We demonstrated artesunate prevented PINP in a dose-dependent manner, while exerting a clear anti-hyperalgesic effect on already existing PINP. Artesunate normalized paclitaxel-related expression changes in DRG mGluR5, NR1, and GluA2, as well as six paclitaxel related neuroinflammation markers. Intrathecal application of MPEP treated PINP by reversing NR1 and GluA2 expression changes but had no effects on chemokines and inflammatory factors. Furthermore, artesunate treatment reversed acute pain following CHPG application. In conclusion, this study revealed that artesunate alleviates paclitaxel-induced hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain by decreasing DRG mGluR5 expression and neuroinflammation in the mouse model of PINP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yize Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiamin Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenxu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guolin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingjing Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jingjing Yuan,
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Linlin Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xu T, Liu CC, Xin WJ. The Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in Chronic Pain in Rodents: A Mini- Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1011-1021. [PMID: 34561983 PMCID: PMC9886825 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210924104757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a common distressing neurological disorder and about 30% of the global population suffers from it. In addition to being highly prevalent, chronic pain causes a heavy economic and social burden. Although substantial progress has been achieved to dissect the underlying mechanism of chronic pain in the past few decades, the incidence and treatment of this neurological illness is yet not properly managed in clinical practice. While nerve injury-, chemotherapy- or inflammation-induced functional regulation of gene expression in the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord are extensively reported to be involved in the pathogenic process of chronic pain, the specific mechanism of these altered transcriptional profile still remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA/RNA methylation, histone modification and circular RNAs regulation, are involved in the occurrence and development of chronic pain. In this review, we provide a description of research on the role of epigenetic mechanism in chronic pain, summarize the latest clinical and preclinical advance in this field, and propose the potential directions for further research to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; ,These authors contributed equally.
| | - Cui-Cui Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China,These authors contributed equally.
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; ,Address correspondence to this author at the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, China; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jia S, Wei G, Bono J, Pan Z, Zheng B, Wang B, Adaralegbe A, Tenorio C, Bekker A, Tao YX. TET1 overexpression attenuates paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain through rescuing K 2p1.1 expression in primary sensory neurons of male rats. Life Sci 2022; 297:120486. [PMID: 35304127 PMCID: PMC8976761 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Paclitaxel-induced downregulation of two-pore domain K+ channel 1.1 (K2p1.1) caused by increasing DNA methylation within its gene promoter in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to neuropathic pain. Given that ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) promotes DNA demethylation and gene transcription, the present study investigated whether DRG overexpression of TET1 produces an antinociceptive effect on the paclitaxel-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity. MAIN METHODS TET1 was overexpressed in the DRG through unilateral microinjection of the herpes simplex virus expressing full-length Tet1 mRNA into the fourth and fifth lumbar DRGs of male rats. Behavioral tests were carried out to examine the effect of this overexpression on the paclitaxel-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity. Western blot analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine detection assay were performed to assess the levels of TET1/K2p1.1, 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, respectively. KEY FINDINGS DRG overexpression of TET1 mitigated the paclitaxel-induced mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia and cold hyperalgesia on the ipsilateral side during the development and maintenance periods. Locomotor function or basal (acute) responses to mechanical, heat or cold stimuli were not affected. Mechanistically, DRG overexpression of TET1 rescued the expression of K2p1.1 by blocking the paclitaxel-induced increase in the level of 5-methylcytosine and correspondingly reversing the paclitaxel-induced decreases in the amount of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine within the K2p1.1 promoter region in the microinjected DRGs of male rats. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that DRG overexpression of TET1 alleviated chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain likely through rescuing DRG K2p1.1 expression. Our findings may provide a potential avenue for the management of this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shushan Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Guihua Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Jamie Bono
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA,Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ07103, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Bixin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Adejuyigbe Adaralegbe
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Christopher Tenorio
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark NJ07103, USA; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark NJ07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dourson AJ, Willits A, Raut NG, Kader L, Young E, Jankowski MP, Chidambaran V. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms influencing acute to chronic postsurgical pain transitions in pediatrics: Preclinical to clinical evidence. Can J Pain 2022; 6:85-107. [PMID: 35572362 PMCID: PMC9103644 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2021.2021799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) in children remains an important problem with no effective preventive or therapeutic strategies. Recently, genomic underpinnings explaining additional interindividual risk beyond psychological factors have been proposed. Aims We present a comprehensive review of current preclinical and clinical evidence for genetic and epigenetic mechanisms relevant to pediatric CPSP. Methods Narrative review. Results Animal models are relevant to translational research for unraveling genomic mechanisms. For example, Cacng2, p2rx7, and bdnf mutant mice show altered mechanical hypersensitivity to injury, and variants of the same genes have been associated with CPSP susceptibility in humans; similarly, differential DNA methylation (H1SP) and miRNAs (miR-96/7a) have shown translational implications. Animal studies also suggest that crosstalk between neurons and immune cells may be involved in nociceptive priming observed in neonates. In children, differential DNA methylation in regulatory genomic regions enriching GABAergic, dopaminergic, and immune pathways, as well as polygenic risk scores for enhanced prediction of CPSP, have been described. Genome-wide studies in pediatric CPSP are scarce, but pathways identified by adult gene association studies point to potential common mechanisms. Conclusions Bench-to-bedside genomics research in pediatric CPSP is currently limited. Reverse translational approaches, use of other -omics, and inclusion of pediatric/CPSP endophenotypes in large-scale biobanks may be potential solutions. Time of developmental vulnerability and longitudinal genomic changes after surgery warrant further investigation. Emergence of promising precision pain management strategies based on gene editing and epigenetic programing emphasize need for further research in pediatric CPSP-related genomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Dourson
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio,USA
| | - Adam Willits
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Namrata G.R. Raut
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio,USA
| | - Leena Kader
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Erin Young
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Michael P. Jankowski
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio,USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Vidya Chidambaran
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio,USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nagamatsu ST, Rompala G, Hurd YL, Núñez-Rios DL, Montalvo-Ortiz JL. CpH methylome analysis in human cortical neurons identifies novel gene pathways and drug targets for opioid use disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1078894. [PMID: 36745154 PMCID: PMC9892724 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1078894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION DNA methylation (DNAm), an epigenetic mechanism, has been associated with opioid use disorder (OUD) in preclinical and human studies. However, most of the studies have focused on DNAm at CpG sites. DNAm at non-CpG sites (mCpHs, where H indicates A, T, or C) has been recently shown to have a role in gene regulation and to be highly abundant in neurons. However, its role in OUD is unknown. This work aims to evaluate mCpHs in the human postmortem orbital frontal cortex (OFC) in the context of OUD. METHODS A total of 38 Postmortem OFC samples were obtained from the VA Brain Bank (OUD = 12; Control = 26). mCpHs were assessed using reduced representation oxidative bisulfite sequencing in neuronal nuclei. Differential analysis was performed using the "methylkit" R package. Age, ancestry, postmortem interval, PTSD, and smoking status were included as covariates. Significant mCpHs were set at q-value < 0.05. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed for the annotated genes of all differential mCpH loci using String, ShinyGO, and amiGO software. Further, all annotated genes were analyzed using the Drug gene interaction database (DGIdb). RESULTS A total of 2,352 differentially methylated genome-wide significant mCpHs were identified in OUD, mapping to 2,081 genes. GO analysis of genes with differential mCpH loci showed enrichment for nervous system development (p-value = 2.32E-19). KEGG enrichment analysis identified axon guidance and glutamatergic synapse (FDR 9E-4-2.1E-2). Drug interaction analysis found 3,420 interactions between the annotated genes and drugs, identifying interactions with 15 opioid-related drugs, including lofexidine and tizanidine, both previously used for the treatment of OUD-related symptoms. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a role of mCpHs for OUD in cortical neurons and reveal important biological pathways and drug targets associated with the disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila T Nagamatsu
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,VA Connecticut (VA CT) Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, United States.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gregory Rompala
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Diana L Núñez-Rios
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,VA Connecticut (VA CT) Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, United States.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Janitza L Montalvo-Ortiz
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,VA Connecticut (VA CT) Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, United States.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, West Haven, CT, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common symptom in many diseases of the somatosensory
nervous system, which severely affects the patient’s quality of life.
Epigenetics are heritable alterations in gene expression that do not cause
permanent changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications can affect gene
expression and function and can also mediate crosstalk between genes and the
environment. Increasing evidence shows that epigenetic modifications, including
DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, and RNA modification, are
involved in the development and maintenance of NP. In this review, we focus on
the current knowledge of epigenetic modifications in the development and
maintenance of NP. Then, we illustrate different facets of epigenetic
modifications that regulate gene expression and their crosstalk. Finally, we
discuss the burgeoning evidence supporting the potential of emerging epigenetic
therapies, which has been valuable in understanding mechanisms and offers novel
and potent targets for NP therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danzhi Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of
Foshan, Foshan, China
- Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun
Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of
Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Simin Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuhu Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guiling Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinshu Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Jun Zhou, Department of Anesthesiology, The
Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630,
China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sun N, Yu L, Gao Y, Ma L, Ren J, Liu Y, Gao DS, Xie C, Wu Y, Wang L, Hong J, Yan M. MeCP2 Epigenetic Silencing of Oprm1 Gene in Primary Sensory Neurons Under Neuropathic Pain Conditions. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:743207. [PMID: 34803588 PMCID: PMC8602696 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.743207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are the last option for the pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain, but their antinociceptive effects are limited. Decreased mu opioid receptor (MOR) expression in the peripheral nervous system may contribute to this. Here, we showed that nerve injury induced hypermethylation of the Oprm1 gene promoter and an increased expression of methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) in injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The downregulation of MOR in the DRG is closely related to the augmentation of MeCP2, an epigenetic repressor, which could recruit HDAC1 and bind to the methylated regions of the Oprm1 gene promoter. MeCP2 knockdown restored the expression of MOR in injured DRG and enhanced the analgesic effect of morphine, while the mimicking of this increase via the intrathecal infusion of viral vector-mediated MeCP2 was sufficient to reduce MOR in the DRG. Moreover, HDAC1 inhibition with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, an HDAC inhibitor, also prevented MOR reduction in the DRG of neuropathic pain mice, contributing to the augmentation of morphine analgesia effects. Mechanistically, upregulated MeCP2 promotes the binding of a high level of HDCA1 to hypermethylated regions of the Oprm1 gene promoter, reduces the acetylation of histone H3 (acH3) levels of the Oprm1 gene promoter, and attenuates Oprm1 transcription in injured DRG. Thus, upregulated MeCP2 and HDAC1 in Oprm1 gene promoter sites, negatively regulates MOR expression in injured DRG, mitigating the analgesic effect of the opioids. Targeting MeCP2/HDAC1 may thus provide a new solution for improving the therapeutic effect of opioids in a clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longfei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinxuan Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dave Schwinn Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lieju Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juncong Hong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yuhang First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Caputi FF, Carboni L, Rullo L, Alessandrini I, Balzani E, Melotti RM, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Fanelli A. An Exploratory Pilot Study of Changes in Global DNA Methylation in Patients Undergoing Major Breast Surgery Under Opioid-Based General Anesthesia. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:733577. [PMID: 34621169 PMCID: PMC8491974 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.733577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate DNA methylation levels in patients undergoing major breast surgery under opioid-based general anesthesia. Blood samples were collected from eleven enrolled patients, before, during and after anesthesia. PBMC were isolated and global DNA methylation levels as well as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and cytokine gene expression were assessed. DNA methylation levels significantly declined by 26%, reversing the direction after the end of surgery. Likewise, DNMT1a mRNA expression was significantly reduced at all time points, with lowest level of −68%. DNMT3a and DNMT3b decreased by 65 and 71%, respectively. Inflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNFα mRNA levels showed a trend for increased expression at early time-points to end with a significant decrease at 48 h after surgery. This exploratory study revealed for the first time intraoperative global DNA hypomethylation in patients undergoing major breast surgery under general anesthesia with fentanyl. The alterations of global DNA methylation here observed seem to be in agreement with DNMTs gene expression changes. Furthermore, based on perioperative variations of IL6 and TNFα gene expression, we hypothesize that DNA hypomethylation may occur as a response to surgical stress rather than to opiate exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Carboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Alessandrini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Balzani
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rita Maria Melotti
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Fanelli
- Anesthesiology and Pain Therapy Unit, AOSP S.Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kuthati Y, Rao VN, Busa P, Wong CS. Teneligliptin Exerts Antinociceptive Effects in Rat Model of Partial Sciatic Nerve Transection Induced Neuropathic Pain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091438. [PMID: 34573072 PMCID: PMC8465046 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP), is a chronic pain resulting from nerve injury, with limited treatment options. Teneligliptin (TEN) is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) approved to treat type 2 diabetes. DPP-4is prevent the degradation of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and prolong its circulation. Apart from glycemic control, GLP-1 is known to have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Herein, we investigated the antinociceptive properties of TEN on acute pain, and partial sciatic nerve transection (PSNT)-induced NP in Wistar rats. Seven days post PSNT, allodynia and hyperalgesia were confirmed as NP, and intrathecal (i.t) catheters were implanted and connected to an osmotic pump for the vehicle (1 μL/h) or TEN (5 μg/1 μL/h) or TEN (5 μg) + GLP-1R antagonist Exendin-3 (9–39) amide (EXE) 0.1 μg/1 μL/h infusion. The tail-flick response, mechanical allodynia, and thermal hyperalgesia were measured for 7 more days. On day 14, the dorsal horn was harvested and used for Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. The results showed that TEN had mild antinociceptive effects against acute pain but remarkable analgesic effects against NP. Furthermore, co-infusion of GLP-1R antagonist EXE with TEN partially reversed allodynia but not tail-flick latency. Immunofluorescence examination of the spinal cord revealed that TEN decreased the immunoreactivity of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Taken together, our findings suggest that TEN is efficient in attenuation of PSNT-induced NP. Hence, the pleiotropic effects of TEN open a new avenue for NP management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaswanth Kuthati
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cathy General Hospital, Taipei 280, Taiwan; (Y.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Vaikar Navakanth Rao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica Institute, Taipei 11529, Taiwan;
| | - Prabhakar Busa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cathy General Hospital, Taipei 280, Taiwan; (Y.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Chih-Shung Wong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cathy General Hospital, Taipei 280, Taiwan; (Y.K.); (P.B.)
- National Defense Medical Center, Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei 280, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-270-82-121; Fax: +886-2-879-24-835
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pan Z, Du S, Wang K, Guo X, Mao Q, Feng X, Huang L, Wu S, Hou B, Chang Y, Liu T, Chen T, Li H, Bachmann T, Bekker A, Hu H, Tao Y. Downregulation of a Dorsal Root Ganglion-Specifically Enriched Long Noncoding RNA is Required for Neuropathic Pain by Negatively Regulating RALY-Triggered Ehmt2 Expression. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2004515. [PMID: 34383386 PMCID: PMC8356248 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Nerve injury-induced maladaptive changes of gene expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons contribute to neuropathic pain. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key regulators of gene expression. Here, a conserved lncRNA is reported, named DRG-specifically enriched lncRNA (DS-lncRNA) for its high expression in DRG neurons. Peripheral nerve injury downregulates DS-lncRNA in injured DRG due, in part, to silencing of POU domain, class 4, transcription factor 3, a transcription factor that interacts with the DS-lncRNA gene promoter. Rescuing DS-lncRNA downregulation blocks nerve injury-induced increases in the transcriptional cofactor RALY-triggered DRG Ehmt2 mRNA and its encoding G9a protein, reverses the G9a-controlled downregulation of opioid receptors and Kcna2 in injured DRG, and attenuates nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities in male mice. Conversely, DS-lncRNA downregulation increases RALY-triggered Ehmt2/G9a expression and correspondingly decreases opioid receptor and Kcna2 expression in DRG, leading to neuropathic pain symptoms in male mice in the absence of nerve injury. Mechanistically, downregulated DS-lncRNA promotes more binding of increased RALY to RNA polymerase II and the Ehmt2 gene promoter and enhances Ehmt2 transcription in injured DRG. Thus, downregulation of DS-lncRNA likely contributes to neuropathic pain by negatively regulating the expression of RALY-triggered Ehmt2/G9a, a key neuropathic pain player, in DRG neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Pan
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Qingxiang Mao
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Xiaozhou Feng
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Lina Huang
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Bailing Hou
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Yun‐Juan Chang
- The Office of Advanced Research ComputingRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Tong Liu
- Center for Advanced Proteomics ResearchDepartments of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Tong Chen
- Center for Advanced Proteomics ResearchDepartments of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Advanced Proteomics ResearchDepartments of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Thomas Bachmann
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Huijuan Hu
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Yuan‐Xiang Tao
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular MedicineNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgersThe State University of New JerseyNewarkNJ07103USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zheng BX, Guo X, Albik S, Eloy J, Tao YX. Effect of Pharmacological Inhibition of Fat-Mass and Obesity-Associated Protein on Nerve Trauma-Induced Pain Hypersensitivities. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1995-2007. [PMID: 33829413 PMCID: PMC8608999 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01053-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic knockout or knockdown of fat-mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), a demethylase that participates in RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG), has been demonstrated to alleviate nerve trauma-induced nociceptive hypersensitivities. However, these genetic strategies are still impractical in clinical neuropathic pain management. The present study sought to examine the effect of intrathecal administration of two specific FTO inhibitors, meclofenamic acid (MA) and N-CDPCB, on the development and maintenance of nociceptive hypersensitivities caused by unilateral L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats. Intrathecal injection of either MA or N-CDPCB diminished dose-dependently the SNL-induced mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, cold hyperalgesia, and spontaneous ongoing nociceptive responses in both development and maintenance periods, without altering acute/basal pain and locomotor function. Intrathecal MA also reduced the SNL-induced neuronal and astrocyte hyperactivities in the ipsilateral L5 dorsal horn. Mechanistically, intrathecal injection of these two inhibitors blocked the SNL-induced increase in the histone methyltransferase G9a expression and rescued the G9a-controlled downregulation of mu opioid receptor and Kv1.2 proteins in the ipsilateral L5 DRG. These findings further indicate the role of DRG FTO in neuropathic pain and suggest potential clinical application of the FTO inhibitors for management of this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Xin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Sfian Albik
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jean Eloy
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Deng SY, Tang XC, Chang YC, Xu ZZ, Chen QY, Cao N, Kong LJY, Wang Y, Ma KT, Li L, Si JQ. Improving NKCC1 Function Increases the Excitability of DRG Neurons Exacerbating Pain Induced After TRPV1 Activation of Primary Sensory Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:665596. [PMID: 34113239 PMCID: PMC8185156 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.665596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Our aim was to investigate the effects of the protein expression and the function of sodium, potassium, and chloride co-transporter (NKCC1) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1) in capsaicin-induced acute inflammatory pain and the possible mechanism of action. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, capsaicin, and inhibitor groups. The expression and distribution of TRPV1 and NKCC1 in rat DRG were observed by immunofluorescence. Thermal radiation and acetone test were used to detect the pain threshold of heat and cold noxious stimulation in each group. The expressions of NKCC1 mRNA, NKCC1 protein, and p-NKCC1 in the DRG were detected by PCR and western blotting (WB). Patch clamp and chloride fluorescent probe were used to observe the changes of GABA activation current and intracellular chloride concentration. After intrathecal injection of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (GF109203X) or MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor (U0126), the behavioral changes and the expression of NKCC1 and p-ERK protein in L4–6 DRG were observed. Result: TRPV1 and NKCC1 were co-expressed in the DRG. Compared with the control group, the immunofluorescence intensity of NKCC1 and p-NKCC1 in the capsaicin group was significantly higher, and the expression of NKCC1 in the nuclear membrane was significantly higher than that in the control group. The expression of NKCC1 mRNA and protein of NKCC1 and p-NKCC1 in the capsaicin group were higher than those in the control group. After capsaicin injection, GF109203X inhibited the protein expression of NKCC1 and p-ERK, while U0126 inhibited the protein expression of NKCC1. In the capsaicin group, paw withdrawal thermal latency (WTL) was decreased, while cold withdrawal latency (CWL) was prolonged. Bumetanide, GF109203X, or U0126 could reverse the effect. GABA activation current significantly increased in the DRG cells of the capsaicin group, which could be reversed by bumetanide. The concentration of chloride in the DRG cells of the capsaicin group increased, but decreased after bumetanide, GF109203X, and U0126 were administered. Conclusion Activation of TRPV1 by exogenous agonists can increase the expression and function of NKCC1 protein in DRG, which is mediated by activation of PKC/p-ERK signaling pathway. These results suggest that DRG NKCC1 may participate in the inflammatory pain induced by TRPV1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yu Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Xue-Chun Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yue-Chen Chang
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Medical Teaching Experimental Center, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin-Yi Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang Central Hospital, China
| | - Nan Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Liang-Jing-Yuan Kong
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Ke-Tao Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Li Li
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Physiology, Medical College of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jun-Qiang Si
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Borges JP, Mekhail K, Fairn GD, Antonescu CN, Steinberg BE. Modulation of Pathological Pain by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:642820. [PMID: 34054523 PMCID: PMC8149758 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.642820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain has been widely recognized as a major public health problem that impacts multiple aspects of patient quality of life. Unfortunately, chronic pain is often resistant to conventional analgesics, which are further limited by their various side effects. New therapeutic strategies and targets are needed to better serve the millions of people suffering from this devastating disease. To this end, recent clinical and preclinical studies have implicated the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway in chronic pain states. EGFR is one of four members of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases that have key roles in development and the progression of many cancers. EGFR functions by activating many intracellular signaling pathways following binding of various ligands to the receptor. Several of these signaling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, are known mediators of pain. EGFR inhibitors are known for their use as cancer therapeutics but given recent evidence in pilot clinical and preclinical investigations, may have clinical use for treating chronic pain. Here, we review the clinical and preclinical evidence implicating EGFR in pathological pain states and provide an overview of EGFR signaling highlighting how EGFR and its ligands drive pain hypersensitivity and interact with important pain pathways such as the opioid system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jazlyn P Borges
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katrina Mekhail
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory D Fairn
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Costin N Antonescu
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin E Steinberg
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fu R, Li S, Li S, Gong X, Zhou G, Wang Y, Ding R, Zhu Z, Zhang L, Li Y. P2X4 receptor in the dorsal horn contributes to BDNF/TrkB and AMPA receptor activation in the pathogenesis of remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia in rats. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135773. [PMID: 33639220 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism underlying the high incidence of remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia is unclear. Also, no effective prevention method exists. Inflammatory pain-related studies showed that P2X4 purinergic receptors (P2X4Rs) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia are essential for maintaining allodynia caused by inflammation. However, little is known about its role in opioid-induced hyperalgesia. This study aimed to determine the role of P2X4R and related signaling pathways in the remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia (RIH) model. The study simulated the remifentanil infusion and surgical incision during general anesthesia. The mRNA and protein expression level of P2X4R in rats with RIH model increased from 2 h to 48 h after the surgery. The administration of P2X4R inhibitors prevented the occurrence of RIH, resulting in a reduction in mechanical and thermal pain. Moreover, P2X4R was involved in RIH in male and female rats, indicating no sex-specific difference. P2X4R also increased the expression of AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 in a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) / tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) dependent manner. The results from whole-cell patch-clamp recording suggested that P2X4R also regulated AMPA receptor-mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents and participated in the synaptic plasticity of spinal dorsal horn neurons. In summary, P2X4R was involved in AMPAR expression, electrophysiological function, and synaptic plasticity of spinal dorsal horn neurons through BDNF/TrkB signaling. This might be the mechanism underlying RIH, and hence inhibition of P2X4R might be a potential treatment strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Shixin Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Xiaojie Gong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Yaoqi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Ran Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Ziran Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yize Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lipscombe D, Lopez-Soto EJ. Epigenetic control of ion channel expression and cell-specific splicing in nociceptors: Chronic pain mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Channels (Austin) 2021; 15:156-164. [PMID: 33323031 PMCID: PMC7808434 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2020.1860383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels underlie all forms for electrical signaling including the transmission of information about harmful events. Voltage-gated calcium ion channels have dual function, they support electrical signaling as well as intracellular calcium signaling through excitation-dependent calcium entry across the plasma membrane. Mechanisms that regulate ion channel forms and actions are essential for myriad cell functions and these are targeted by drugs and therapeutics. When disrupted, the cellular mechanisms that control ion channel activity can contribute to disease pathophysiology. For example, alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a major step in defining the precise composition of the transcriptome across different cell types from early cellular differentiation to programmed apoptosis. An estimated 30% of disease-causing mutations are associated with altered alternative splicing, and mis-splicing is a feature of numerous highly prevalent diseases including neurodegenerative, cancer, and chronic pain. Here we discuss the important role of epigenetic regulation of gene expression and cell-specific alternative splicing of calcium ion channels in nociceptors, with emphasis on how these processes are disrupted in chronic pain, the potential therapeutic benefit of correcting or compensating for aberrant ion channel splicing in chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Lipscombe
- The Robert J and Nancy D Carney Institute for Brain Science & Department of Neuroscience, Brown University , Providence, RI, USA
| | - E Javier Lopez-Soto
- The Robert J and Nancy D Carney Institute for Brain Science & Department of Neuroscience, Brown University , Providence, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yang Y, Wen J, Zheng B, Wu S, Mao Q, Liang L, Li Z, Bachmann T, Bekker A, Tao YX. CREB Participates in Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain Genesis Through Transcriptional Activation of Dnmt3a in Primary Sensory Neurons. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:586-600. [PMID: 33051852 PMCID: PMC8116406 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain (CIPNP) often occurs in cancer patients treated with antineoplastic drugs. Therapeutic management of CIPNP is very limited, at least in part due to the largely unknown mechanisms that underlie CIPNP genesis. Here, we showed that systemic administration of the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel significantly and time-dependently increased the levels of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Blocking this increase through DRG microinjection of Creb siRNA attenuated paclitaxel-induced mechanical, heat, and cold nociceptive hypersensitivities. Mimicking this increase through DRG microinjection of the adeno-associated virus 5 expressing full-length Creb mRNA led to enhanced responses to basal mechanical, heat, and cold stimuli in mice in absence of paclitaxel treatment. Mechanically, paclitaxel-induced increase of DRG CREB protein augmented Dnmt3a promoter activity and participated in the paclitaxel-induced upregulation of DNMT3a protein in the DRG. CREB overexpression also elevated the expression of DNMT3a in in vivo and in vitro DRG neurons of naïve mice. Given that DNMT3a is an endogenous instigator of CIPNP and that CREB co-expresses with DNMT3a in DRG neurons, CREB may be a key player in CIPNP through transcriptional activation of the Dnmt3a gene in primary sensory neurons. CREB is thus a likely potential target for the therapeutic management of this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Bixin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Qingxiang Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Lingli Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Zhisong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Thomas Bachmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, F-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zheng BX, Malik A, Xiong M, Bekker A, Tao YX. Nerve trauma-caused downregulation of opioid receptors in primary afferent neurons: Molecular mechanisms and potential managements. Exp Neurol 2020; 337:113572. [PMID: 33340498 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is the most common clinical disorder destroying the quality of patient life and leading to a marked economic and social burden. Opioids are still last option for pharmacological treatment of this disorder, but their antinociceptive effects are limited in part due to the downregulation of opioid receptors in the primary afferent neurons after peripheral nerve trauma. How this downregulation occurs is not completely understood, but recent studies have demonstrated that peripheral nerve trauma drives the alterations in epigenetic modifications (including DNA methylation, histone methylation and mciroRNAs), expression of transcription factors, post-transcriptional modifications (e.g., RNA methylation) and protein translation initiation in the neurons of nerve trauma-related dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and that these alternations may be associated with nerve trauma-caused downregulation of DRG opioid receptors. This review presents how opioid receptors are downregulated in the DRG after peripheral nerve trauma, specifically focusing on distinct molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional and translational processes. This review also discusses how this downregulation contributes to the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain. A deeper understanding of these molecular mechanisms likely provides a novel avenue for prevention and/or treatment of neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Xin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Ayma Malik
- Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Ming Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang Z, Zheng B, Du S, Han G, Zhao H, Wu S, Jia S, Bachmann T, Bekker A, Tao YX. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4 gamma 2 contributes to neuropathic pain through down-regulation of Kv1.2 and the mu opioid receptor in mouse primary sensory neurones. Br J Anaesth 2020; 126:706-719. [PMID: 33303185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nerve injury-induced changes in gene expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contribute to neuropathic pain genesis. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (eIF4G2) is a general repressor of cap-dependent mRNA translation. Whether DRG eIF4G2 participates in nerve injury-induced alternations in gene expression and nociceptive hypersensitivity is unknown. METHODS The expression and distribution of eIF4G2 mRNA and protein in mouse DRG after spinal nerve ligation (SNL) were assessed. Effects of eIF4G2 siRNA microinjected through a glass micropipette into the injured DRG on the SNL-induced DRG mu opioid receptor (MOR) and Kv1.2 downregulation and nociceptive hypersensitivity were examined. In addition, effects of DRG microinjection of adeno-associated virus 5-expressing eIF4G2 (AAV5-eIF4G2) on basal DRG MOR and Kv1.2 expression and nociceptive thresholds were analysed. RESULTS eIF4G2 protein co-expressed with Kv1.2 and MOR in DRG neurones. Levels of eIF4G2 mRNA (1.7 [0.24] to 2.3 [0.14]-fold of sham, P<0.01) and protein (1.6 [0.14] to 2.5 [0.22]-fold of sham, P<0.01) in injured DRG were time-dependently increased on days 3-14 after SNL. Blocking increased eIF4G2 through microinjection of eIF4G2 siRNA into the injured DRG attenuated SNL-induced downregulation of DRG MOR and Kv1.2 and development and maintenance of nociceptive hypersensitivities. DRG microinjection of AAV5-eIF4G2 reduced DRG MOR and Kv1.2 expression and elicited hypersensitivities to mechanical, heat and cold stimuli in naïve mice. CONCLUSIONS eIF4G2 contributes to neuropathic pain through participation in downregulation of Kv1.2 and MOR in injured DRG and is a potential target for treatment of this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Bixin Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Guang Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Shushan Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Thomas Bachmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA; Departments of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine and Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang K, Yong Y, Zhou J, Zhou WX, Guo J, Chen TY. Electroacupuncture Attenuates Surgical Stress-Induced Reduction of T Lymphocytes through Modulation of Peripheral Opioid System. Chin J Integr Med 2020; 27:98-105. [PMID: 32980931 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-020-3158-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the action mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) on postoperative immunosuppression. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice (5`-7 weeks old) were randomly divided into: the sham injury group, the surgical trauma stressed group, the EA group [surgery + 2/100 Hz EA at Neiguan (PC 6)], and the EA+ Nal (surgery + EA + intraperitoneal injection of naloxone). Abdominal surgical trauma stress mice model was established. EA was performed on bilateral PC 6 acupoints by an EA apparatus (2/100 Hz) for 20 min once a day for 3 days. The mRNA expressions of MOR, DOR, and KOR in thymus and L3`-L5 dorsal root ganglions (DRG) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and the protein expressions of MOR, DOR, and KOR in thymus were measured by Western blot. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect the levels of T lymphocyte subtypes in the peripheral blood. RESULTS Surgical trauma induced decreased the mRNA expression level of MOR in both thymus (P<0.01) and L3`-L5 DRGs (P<0.05). Moreover, EA treatment not only significantly attenuated the MOR protein and mRNA expression in the thymus (both P<0.05), but also markedly increased expression of DOR and KOR opioid receptor in thymus (P<0.01). However, the mRNA expressions of opioid receptors were not regulated by EA in the DRG (all P>0.05). Furthermore, T lymphocyte population of CD3+ and CD4+ was decreased in the peripheral blood after surgical trauma (both P<0.01). EA treatment can significantly elevate the population of CD3+ (P<0.01), CD4+ (P<0.05) and CD8+ T cells (P<0.01). Intraperitoneal injection of the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone blocked the up-regulation of T lymphocytes by EA. CONCLUSION EA may improve postoperative immunosuppression through the peripheral opioid system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Yue Yong
- Research Institute of Acupuncture Anesthesia, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Zhou
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tong-Yu Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Smith PA. K + Channels in Primary Afferents and Their Role in Nerve Injury-Induced Pain. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:566418. [PMID: 33093824 PMCID: PMC7528628 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.566418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory abnormalities generated by nerve injury, peripheral neuropathy or disease are often expressed as neuropathic pain. This type of pain is frequently resistant to therapeutic intervention and may be intractable. Numerous studies have revealed the importance of enduring increases in primary afferent excitability and persistent spontaneous activity in the onset and maintenance of peripherally induced neuropathic pain. Some of this activity results from modulation, increased activity and /or expression of voltage-gated Na+ channels and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide–gated (HCN) channels. K+ channels expressed in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) include delayed rectifiers (Kv1.1, 1.2), A-channels (Kv1.4, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3), KCNQ or M-channels (Kv7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5), ATP-sensitive channels (KIR6.2), Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 3.1), Na+-activated K+ channels (KCa4.1 and 4.2) and two pore domain leak channels (K2p; TWIK related channels). Function of all K+ channel types is reduced via a multiplicity of processes leading to altered expression and/or post-translational modification. This also increases excitability of DRG cell bodies and nociceptive free nerve endings, alters axonal conduction and increases neurotransmitter release from primary afferent terminals in the spinal dorsal horn. Correlation of these cellular changes with behavioral studies provides almost indisputable evidence for K+ channel dysfunction in the onset and maintenance of neuropathic pain. This idea is underlined by the observation that selective impairment of just one subtype of DRG K+ channel can produce signs of pain in vivo. Whilst it is established that various mediators, including cytokines and growth factors bring about injury-induced changes in DRG function and excitability, evidence presently available points to a seminal role for interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in control of K+ channel function. Despite the current state of knowledge, attempts to target K+ channels for therapeutic pain management have met with limited success. This situation may change with the advent of personalized medicine. Identification of specific sensory abnormalities and genetic profiling of individual patients may predict therapeutic benefit of K+ channel activators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bai G, Ross H, Zhang Y, Lee K, Ro JY. The Role of DNA Methylation in Transcriptional Regulation of Pro-Nociceptive Genes in Rat Trigeminal Ganglia. Epigenet Insights 2020; 13:2516865720938677. [PMID: 32974606 PMCID: PMC7495519 DOI: 10.1177/2516865720938677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modulation by DNA methylation is associated with aberrant gene
expression in sensory neurons, which consequently leads to pathological pain
responses. In this study, we sought to investigate whether peripheral
inflammation alters global DNA methylation in trigeminal ganglia (TG) and
results in abnormal expression of pro-nociceptive genes. Our results show that
peripheral inflammation remotely reduced the level of global DNA methylation in
rat TG with a concurrent reduction in DNMT1 and
DNMT3a expression. Using unbiased steps, we selected the
following pro-nociceptive candidate genes that are potentially regulated by DNA
methylation: TRPV1, TRPA1, P2X3, and PIEZO2.
Inhibition of DNMT with 5-Aza-dC in dissociated TG cells produced dose-dependent
upregulation of TRPV1, TRPA1, and P2X3.
Systemic treatment of animals with 5-Aza-dC significantly increased the
expression of TRPV1, TRPA1, and PIEZO2 in TG.
Furthermore, the overexpression of DNMT3a, as delivered by a lentiviral vector,
significantly downregulated TRPV1 and PIEZO2
expression and also reliably decreased TRPA1 and
P2X3 transcripts. MeDIP revealed that this overexpression
also significantly enhanced methylation of CGIs associated with
TRPV1 and TRPA1. In addition, bisulfite
sequencing data indicated that the CGI associated with TRPA1
was methylated in a pattern catalyzed by DNMT3a. Taken together, our results
show that all 4 pro-nociceptive genes are subject to epigenetic modulation via
DNA methylation, likely via DNMT3a under inflammatory conditions. These findings
provide the first evidence for the functional importance of DNA methylation as
an epigenetic factor in the transcription of pro-nociceptive genes in TG that
are implicated in pathological orofacial pain responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guang Bai
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Holly Ross
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Youping Zhang
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - KiSeok Lee
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jin Y Ro
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Franco-Enzástiga Ú, García G, Murbartián J, González-Barrios R, Salinas-Abarca AB, Sánchez-Hernández B, Tavares-Ferreira D, Herrera LA, Barragán-Iglesias P, Delgado-Lezama R, Price TJ, Granados-Soto V. Sex-dependent pronociceptive role of spinal α 5 -GABA A receptor and its epigenetic regulation in neuropathic rodents. J Neurochem 2020; 156:897-916. [PMID: 32750173 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Extrasynaptic α5 -subunit containing GABAA (α5 -GABAA ) receptors participate in chronic pain. Previously, we reported a sex difference in the action of α5 -GABAA receptors in dysfunctional pain. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine this sexual dimorphism in neuropathic rodents and the mechanisms involved. Female and male Wistar rats or ICR mice were subjected to nerve injury followed by α5 -GABAA receptor inverse agonist intrathecal administration, L-655,708. The drug produced an antiallodynic effect in nerve-injured female rats and mice, and a lower effect in males. We hypothesized that changes in α5 -GABAA receptor, probably influenced by hormonal and epigenetic status, might underlie this sex difference. Thus, we performed qPCR and western blot. Nerve injury increased α5 -GABAA mRNA and protein in female dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and decreased them in DRG and spinal cord of males. To investigate the hormonal influence over α5 -GABAA receptor actions, we performed nerve injury to ovariectomized rats and reconstituted them with 17β-estradiol (E2). Ovariectomy abrogated L-655,708 antiallodynic effect and E2 restored it. Ovariectomy decreased α5 -GABAA receptor and estrogen receptor α protein in DRG of neuropathic female rats, while E2 enhanced them. Since DNA methylation might contribute to α5 -GABAA receptor down-regulation in males, we examined CpG island DNA methylation of α5 -GABAA receptor coding gene through pyrosequencing. Nerve injury increased methylation in male, but not female rats. Pharmacological inhibition of DNA methyltransferases increased α5 -GABAA receptor and enabled L-655,708 antinociceptive effect in male rats. These results suggest that α5 -GABAA receptor is a suitable target to treat chronic pain in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Úrzula Franco-Enzástiga
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe García
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Janet Murbartián
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Ana B Salinas-Abarca
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Beatriz Sánchez-Hernández
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana Tavares-Ferreira
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Luis A Herrera
- Cancer Biomedical Research Unit, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paulino Barragán-Iglesias
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Basic Sciences, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Delgado-Lezama
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Cinvestav, Zacatenco, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Theodore J Price
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Vinicio Granados-Soto
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tian X, Zhu H, Du S, Zhang XQ, Lin F, Ji F, Tsou YH, Li Z, Feng Y, Ticehurst K, Hannaford S, Xu X, Tao YX. Injectable PLGA-Coated Ropivacaine Produces A Long-Lasting Analgesic Effect on Incisional Pain and Neuropathic Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 22:180-195. [PMID: 32739615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The management of persistent postsurgical pain and neuropathic pain remains a challenge in the clinic. Local anesthetics have been widely used as simple and effective treatment for these 2 disorders, but the duration of their analgesic effect is short. We here reported a new poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-coated ropivacaine that was continuously released in vitro for at least 6 days. Perisciatic nerve injection of the PLGA-coated ropivacaine attenuated paw incision-induced mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia during the incisional pain period, and spared nerve injury-induced mechanical and cold allodynia for at least 7 days postinjection. This effect was dose-dependent. Perisciatic nerve injection of the PLGA-coated ropivacaine did not produce detectable inflammation, tissue irritation, or damage in the sciatic nerve and surrounding muscles at the injected site, dorsal root ganglion, spinal cord, or brain cortex, although the scores for grasping reflex were mildly and transiently reduced in the higher dosage-treated groups. PERSPECTIVE: Given that PLGA is an FDA-approved medical material, and that ropivacaine is used currently in clinical practice, the injectable PLGA-coated ropivacaine represents a new and highly promising avenue in the management of postsurgical pain and neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - He Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuqing Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Fengtao Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Yung-Hao Tsou
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kathryn Ticehurst
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Stephen Hannaford
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Xiaoyang Xu
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey; Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Li Y, Guo X, Sun L, Xiao J, Su S, Du S, Li Z, Wu S, Liu W, Mo K, Xia S, Chang Y, Denis D, Tao Y. N 6-Methyladenosine Demethylase FTO Contributes to Neuropathic Pain by Stabilizing G9a Expression in Primary Sensory Neurons. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1902402. [PMID: 32670741 PMCID: PMC7341103 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201902402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Nerve injury-induced change in gene expression in primary sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is critical for neuropathic pain genesis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA represents an additional layer of gene regulation. Here, it is reported that peripheral nerve injury increases the expression of the m6A demethylase fat-mass and obesity-associated proteins (FTO) in the injured DRG via the activation of Runx1, a transcription factor that binds to the Fto gene promoter. Mimicking this increase erases m6A in euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (Ehmt2) mRNA (encoding the histone methyltransferase G9a) and elevates the level of G9a in DRG and leads to neuropathic pain symptoms. Conversely, blocking this increase reverses a loss of m6A sites in Ehmt2 mRNA and destabilizes the nerve injury-induced G9a upregulation in the injured DRG and alleviates nerve injury-associated pain hypersensitivities. FTO contributes to neuropathic pain likely through stabilizing nerve injury-induced upregulation of G9a, a neuropathic pain initiator, in primary sensory neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yize Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Linlin Sun
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Jifang Xiao
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Songxue Su
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E661NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shibin Du
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Weili Liu
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Kai Mo
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Shangzhou Xia
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Yun‐Juan Chang
- The Office of Advanced Research ComputingRutgers, The State University of New Jersey 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB C‐630NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Daniel Denis
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
| | - Yuan‐Xiang Tao
- Department of AnesthesiologyNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E594NewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & NeuroscienceNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E661NewarkNJ07103USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular MedicineNew Jersey Medical School, RutgersThe State University of New Jersey185 S. Orange Ave., MSB E661NewarkNJ07103USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Li C, Lei Y, Tian Y, Xu S, Shen X, Wu H, Bao S, Wang F. The etiological contribution of GABAergic plasticity to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Mol Pain 2020; 15:1744806919847366. [PMID: 30977423 PMCID: PMC6509976 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919847366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain developing after peripheral or central nerve injury is the result of pathological changes generated through complex mechanisms. Disruption in the homeostasis of excitatory and inhibitory neurons within the central nervous system is a crucial factor in the formation of hyperalgesia or allodynia occurring with neuropathic pain. The central GABAergic pathway has received attention for its extensive distribution and function in neural circuits, including the generation and development of neuropathic pain. GABAergic inhibitory changes that occur in the interneurons along descending modulatory and nociceptive pathways in the central nervous system are believed to generate neuronal plasticity, such as synaptic plasticity or functional plasticity of the related genes or proteins, that is the foundation of persistent neuropathic pain. The primary GABAergic plasticity observed in neuropathic pain includes GABAergic synapse homo- and heterosynaptic plasticity, decreased synthesis of GABA, down-expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase and GABA transporter, abnormal expression of NKCC1 or KCC2, and disturbed function of GABA receptors. In this review, we describe possible mechanisms associated with GABAergic plasticity, such as central sensitization and GABAergic interneuron apoptosis, and the epigenetic etiologies of GABAergic plasticity in neuropathic pain. Moreover, we summarize potential therapeutic targets of GABAergic plasticity that may allow for successful relief of hyperalgesia from nerve injury. Finally, we compare the effects of the GABAergic system in neuropathic pain to other types of chronic pain to understand the contribution of GABAergic plasticity to neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caijuan Li
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanying Lei
- 2 Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yi Tian
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Haikou People's Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Shiqin Xu
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Shen
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Senzhu Bao
- 2 Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Fuzhou Wang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China.,4 Group of Neuropharmacology and Neurophysiology, Division of Neuroscience, The Bonoi Academy of Science and Education, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Smith TP, Sahoo PK, Kar AN, Twiss JL. Intra-axonal mechanisms driving axon regeneration. Brain Res 2020; 1740:146864. [PMID: 32360100 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic injury to the peripheral and central nervous systems very often causes axotomy, where an axon loses connections with its target resulting in loss of function. The axon segments distal to the injury site lose connection with the cell body and degenerate. Axotomized neurons in the periphery can spontaneously mount a regenerative response and reconnect to their denervated target tissues, though this is rarely complete in humans. In contrast, spontaneous regeneration rarely occurs after axotomy in the spinal cord and brain. Here, we concentrate on the mechanisms underlying this spontaneous regeneration in the peripheral nervous system, focusing on events initiated from the axon that support regenerative growth. We contrast this with what is known for axonal injury responses in the central nervous system. Considering the neuropathy focus of this special issue, we further draw parallels and distinctions between the injury-response mechanisms that initiate regenerative gene expression programs and those that are known to trigger axon degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terika P Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Pabitra K Sahoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Amar N Kar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jeffery L Twiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
This paper is the fortieth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2017 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Prenatal maternal stress is associated with increased sensitivity to neuropathic pain and sex-specific changes in supraspinal mRNA expression of epigenetic- and stress-related genes in adulthood. Behav Brain Res 2020; 380:112396. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
40
|
Wen J, Yang Y, Wu S, Wei G, Jia S, Hannaford S, Tao YX. Long noncoding RNA H19 in the injured dorsal root ganglion contributes to peripheral nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivity. TRANSLATIONAL PERIOPERATIVE AND PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 7:176-184. [PMID: 32099850 PMCID: PMC7041488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury-induced changes in gene transcription and translation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) play a critical role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression. Here, we report that peripheral nerve injury caused by ligation of the fourth spinal nerve (SNL) led to a time-dependent increase in the expression in H19, an lncRNA, in the injured DRG. Microinjection of a specific H19 siRNA, but not negative control scrambled siRNA, into the injured DRG 4 days before SNL alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia on days 3 and 5 post-SNL. Additionally, DRG microinjection of the H19 siRNA on day 7 after SNL reduced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia on days 10 and 12 post-SNL. DRG microinjection of neither siRNA affected locomotor activity and acute basal responses to mechanical and thermal stimuli. Our findings suggest that H19 participates in the peripheral mechanism underlying the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. H19 may be a potential target for treatment of this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Guihua Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Shushan Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Stephen Hannaford
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Liu L, Xu D, Wang T, Zhang Y, Yang X, Wang X, Tang Y. Epigenetic reduction of miR-214-3p upregulates astrocytic colony-stimulating factor-1 and contributes to neuropathic pain induced by nerve injury. Pain 2020; 161:96-108. [PMID: 31453981 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence has indicated that colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF1) modulates neuroinflammation in the central nervous system and the development of neuropathic pain, while the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we identified the increased expression of CSF1 derived from activated astrocytes in the ipsilateral dorsal horn in rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Suppression of CSF1 expression alleviated neuroinflammation, neuronal hyperexcitability, and glutamatergic receptor subunit upregulation in the dorsal horn and improved SNL-induced pain behavior. We also found reduced miR-214-3p expression in the ipsilateral dorsal horn following an SNL procedure; miR-214-3p directly bound to the 3'-UTR of CSF1 mRNA and negatively regulated CSF1 expression. Intrathecal delivery of miR-214-3p mimic reversed the enhanced expression of CSF1 and astrocyte overactivity and alleviated the IL-6 upregulation and pain behavior induced by SNL. Moreover, suppression of spinal miR-214-3p increased astrocyte reactivity, promoted CSF1 and IL-6 production, and induced pain hypersensitivity in naive animals. Furthermore, SNL induced the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) that was associated with the hypermethylation of the miR-214-3p promoter, leading to reduced miR-214-3p expression in the model rodents. Treatment with the DNMT inhibitor zebularine significantly reduced cytosine methylation in the miR-214-3p promoter; this reduced methylation consequently increased the expression of miR-214-3p and decreased the content of CSF1 in the ipsilateral dorsal horn and, further, attenuated IL-6 production and pain behavior in rats with SNL. Together, our data indicate that the DNMT3a-mediated epigenetic suppression of miR-214-3p enhanced CSF1 production in astrocytes, which subsequently induced neuroinflammation and pain behavior in SNL model rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lian Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Research Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xijing Yang
- Animal Experiment Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiangxiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuying Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Fan XY, Shi G, Zhao P. Methylation in Syn and Psd95 genes underlie the inhibitory effect of oxytocin on oxycodone-induced conditioned place preference. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:1464-1475. [PMID: 31735530 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Oxycodone (Oxy) is one of the most effective analgesics in medicine, but is associated with the development of dependence. Recent studies demonstrating epigenetic changes in the brain after exposure to opiates have provided an insight into possible mechanisms underlying addiction. Oxytocin (OT), an endogenous neuropeptide well known for preventing drug abuse, is a promising pharmacotherapy to counteract addiction. Therefore, we explored the mechanism of Oxy addiction and the role of OT in Oxy-induced epigenetic alterations. In this study, drug-induced changes in conditioned place preference (CPP), i.e. the expression of synaptic proteins and synaptic density in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) were measured. We also sought to identify DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), ten-eleven translocations (TETs), global 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), and DNA methylation of two genes implicated in plasticity (Synaptophysin, Syn; Post-synaptic density protein 95, Psd95). Oxy (3.0 mg/kg, i.p.) induced CPP acquisition in Sprague-Dawley rats. Oxy down-regulated DNMT1 and up-regulated TET1-3, leading to a decrease in global 5-mC levels and differential demethylation at exon 1 of Syn and exon 2 of Psd95. These changes in DNA methylation of Syn and Psd95 elevated the expression of synaptic proteins (SYN, PSD95) and synaptic density in the VTA. Pretreatment with OT (2.5 µg, i.c.v.) via its receptor specifically blocked Oxy CPP, normalized synaptic density, and regulated DNMT1 and TET2-3 causing reverse of DNA demethylation of Syn and Psd95. DNA methylation is an important gene regulation mechanism underlying Oxy CPP, and OT - via its receptor - could specifically inhibit Oxy addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Guang Shi
- Department of Neurology, Liaoning Provincial People's Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, 110004, Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
MZF1 in the Dorsal Root Ganglia Contributes to the Development and Maintenance of Neuropathic Pain via Regulation of TRPV1. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:2782417. [PMID: 31582966 PMCID: PMC6754943 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2782417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) participates in neuropathic pain induced by chronic-constriction injury (CCI) via regulation of voltage-gated K+ channels (Kv). Emerging evidence indicates that transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is involved in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Although it is known that the transcription of TRPV1 is regulated by Kruppel-like zinc-finger transcription factor 7 (Klf7)—and that the structure of TRPV1 is similar to that of Kv—few studies have systematically investigated the relationship between MZF1 and TRPV1 in neuropathic pain. In the present study, we demonstrated that CCI induced an increase in MZF1 and TRPV1 in lumbar-level 4/5 (L4/5) DRGs at 3 days post-CCI and that this increase was persistent until at least 14 days post-CCI. DRG microinjection of rAAV5-MZF1 into the DRGs of naïve rats resulted in a decrease in paw-withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw-withdrawal latency (PWL) compared with that of the rAAV5-EGFP group, which started at four weeks and lasted until at least eight weeks after microinjection. Additionally, prior microinjection of MZF1 siRNA clearly ameliorated CCI-induced reduction in PWT and PWL at 3 days post-CCI and lasted until at least 7 days post-CCI. Correspondingly, microinjection of MZF1 siRNA subsequent to CCI alleviated the established mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia induced by CCI, which occurred at 3 days postinjection and lasted until at least 10 days postinjection. Microinjection of rAAV5-MZF1 increased the expression of TRPV1 in DRGs. Microinjection of MZF1 siRNA diminished the CCI-induced increase of TRPV1, but not P2X7R, in DRGs. These findings suggest that MZF1 may contribute to neuropathic pain via regulation of TRPV1 expression in DRGs.
Collapse
|
44
|
盛 恒, 磨 凯. [Role of ZHX2 in regulating dorsal root ganglion μ-opioid receptor expression in mice with peripheral nerve injuryinduced pain hypersensitivity]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:917-922. [PMID: 31511211 PMCID: PMC6765599 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.08.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) in regulating μ-opioid receptor expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in mice with peripheral nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivity. METHODS Forty-eight male adult C57BL6J mice were randomized into 4 groups and subjected to chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve or sham operation followed by microinjection of a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) of ZHX2 or a negative control siRNA sequence (siNC) into the DRG. Seven days later, the mice were examined for changes in the hind paw withdrawal frequency (PWF), after which the DRG tissue was collected for detecting the expressions of μ-opioid receptor at the mRNA and protein levels using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. In another experiment, the DRG tissues were collected from 6 mice (21-day-old) for primary culture of the DRG neurons, which were transfected with ZHX2 siRNA or the siNC to observe the changes in the expressions of ZHX2 and μ-pioid receptor. RESULTS Microinjection of ZHX2 siRNA into the ipsilateral L3 and L4 DRGs significantly reversed CCI-induced μ-pioid receptor downregulation in the injured DRG and alleviated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia in the mice. In the cell experiment, ZHX2 knockdown obviously upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of opioid receptor in the primary cultured DRG neurons. CONCLUSIONS ZHX2 knockdown in the DRG reverses CCI-induced down-regulation of μ opioid receptor to alleviate periphery nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivity in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 恒炜 盛
- 南部战区总医院麻醉科,广东 广州 510010Department of Anesthesiology, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou 510010, China
| | - 凯 磨
- 南方医科大学珠江医院麻醉科,广东 广州 510282Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Liang L, Zhao JY, Kathryn T, Bekker A, Tao YX. BIX01294, a G9a inhibitor, alleviates nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities during both development and maintenance periods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 6:106-114. [PMID: 31497620 DOI: 10.31480/2330-4871/097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic knockdown or knockout of the histone methytransferase G9a in the injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) has been shown to alleviate neuropathic pain development. However, the application of genetic strategy in clinic is highly limited. The present study sought to examine the effect of intrathecal BIX01294, a specific G9a inhibitor, on the development and maintenance of pain hypersensitivities caused by unilateral L5 spinal nerve injury (SNL) or chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve in rats. We found that intrathecal administration of BIX01294 reduced SNL- or CCI-induced mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia and cold allodynia not only in the development period but also in the maintenance period. These effects were dose-dependent. Intrathecal administration of BIX01294 also blocked the SNL-induced increase in the level of H3K9me2, a marker of G9a activity, and reversed SNL-induced downregulation of Oprm1 mRNA, Oprk1 mRNA, Oprd1 mRNA, Kcna2 mRNA, and Kcna4 mRNA, the downstream targets of G9a, in the ipsilateral L5 DRG. These findings further implicate that G9a as a potential target in the management of neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jian-Yuan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ticehurst Kathryn
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.,Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Overexpression of µ-Opioid Receptors in Peripheral Afferents, but Not in Combination with Enkephalin, Decreases Neuropathic Pain Behavior and Enhances Opioid Analgesia in Mouse. Anesthesiology 2019; 128:967-983. [PMID: 29334500 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000002063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study used recombinant herpes simplex virus type I to increase expression of µ-opiate receptors and the opioid ligand preproenkephalin in peripheral nerve fibers in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. It was predicted that viral vector delivery of a combination of genes encoding the µ-opioid receptor and preproenkephalin would attenuate neuropathic pain and enhance opioid analgesia. The behavioral effects would be paralleled by changes in response properties of primary afferent neurons. METHODS Recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 containing cDNA sequences of the µ-opioid receptor, human preproenkephalin, a combination, or Escherichia coli lacZ gene marker (as a control) was used to investigate the role of peripheral opioids in neuropathic pain behaviors. RESULTS Inoculation with the µ-opioid receptor viral vector (n = 13) reversed mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia and produced leftward shifts in loperamide (ED50 = 0.6 ± 0.2 mg/kg vs. ED50 = 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/kg for control group, n = 8, means ± SD) and morphine dose-response curves (ED50 = 0.3 ± 0.5 mg/kg vs. ED50 = 1.1 ± 0.1 mg/kg for control group). In µ-opioid receptor viral vector inoculated C-fibers, heat-evoked responses (n = 12) and ongoing spontaneous activity (n = 18) were decreased after morphine application. Inoculation with both µ-opioid receptor and preproenkephalin viral vectors did not alter mechanical and thermal responses. CONCLUSIONS Increasing primary afferent expression of opioid receptors can decrease neuropathic pain-associated behaviors and increase systemic opioid analgesia through inhibition of peripheral afferent fiber activity.
Collapse
|
47
|
Contribution of DNMT1 to Neuropathic Pain Genesis Partially through Epigenetically Repressing Kcna2 in Primary Afferent Neurons. J Neurosci 2019; 39:6595-6607. [PMID: 31182635 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0695-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Expressional changes of pain-associated genes in primary sensory neurons of DRG are critical for neuropathic pain genesis. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)-triggered DNA methylation silences gene expression. We show here that DNMT1, a canonical maintenance methyltransferase, acts as the de novo DNMT and is required for neuropathic pain genesis likely through repressing at least DRG Kcna2 gene expression in male mice. Peripheral nerve injury upregulated DNMT1 expression in the injured DRG through the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein-triggered transcriptional activation of Dnmt1 gene. Blocking this upregulation prevented nerve injury-induced DNA methylation within the promoter and 5'-untranslated region of Kcna2 gene, rescued Kcna2 expression and total Kv current, attenuated hyperexcitability in the injured DRG neurons, and alleviated nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities. Given that Kcna2 is a key player in neuropathic pain, our findings suggest that DRG DNMT1 may be a potential target for neuropathic pain management.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the present study, we reported that DNMT1, a canonical DNA maintenance methyltransferase, is upregulated via the activation of the transcription factor CREB in the injured DRG after peripheral nerve injury. This upregulation was responsible for nerve injury-induced de novo DNA methylation within the promoter and 5'-untranslated region of the Kcna2 gene, reductions in Kcna2 expression and Kv current and increases in neuronal excitability in the injured DRG. Since pharmacological inhibition or genetic knockdown of DRG DNMT1 alleviated nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities, DRG DNMT1 contributes to neuropathic pain genesis partially through repression of DRG Kcna2 gene expression.
Collapse
|
48
|
[Expression of KCNA2 in the dorsal root ganglia of rats with osteoarthritis pain induced by monoiodoacetate]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:579-585. [PMID: 31140423 PMCID: PMC6743928 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.05.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the changes in the expression of voltage-gated potassium channel subunit KCNA2 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rats with osteoarthritis (OA) pain induced by sodium monoiodoacetate and explore the mechanism. METHODS A total of 156 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank control group, saline group and intra-articular monoiodoacetate injection-induced OA group. The paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) was measured before and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after monoiodoacetate injection. At 4 weeks after the injection, the pathological changes in the knee joints were analyzed using HE staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining, and the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF-3) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the DRG neurons were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The expression of Kcna2 mRNA in the DRG neurons was detected by RT-qPCR at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the injection. The expression of KCNA2 in the DRG was measured by Western blotting, and the methylation level of Kcna2 promoter region was measured by MSPCR at 4 weeks after the injection. RESULTS The PWMT of the rats in OA group was significantly decreased at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the injection as compared with the baseline (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) as well as the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001). Four weeks after the intra-articular injection, fractures and defects on the surface of the articular cartilage, bone hyperplasia, and blurred tidal line were observed in the rats in OA group, but no obvious pathological changes were detected in the control or saline groups. Compared with those in the control group, the expressions of ATF-3 and iNOS were significantly increased (P < 0.01) at 4 weeks after injection; the expression of Kcna2 mRNA at 2, 4 and 6 weeks and the expression of KCNA2 protein at 4 weeks were all significantly decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and the methylation level of Kcna2 gene was significantly increased at 4 weeks after the injection in OA group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The expression of KCNA2 is decreased in the DRG neurons of rats with OA pain likely as a result of enhanced methylation of Kcna2 promoter region.
Collapse
|
49
|
Oliveira AM, Litke C, Paldy E, Hagenston AM, Lu J, Kuner R, Bading H, Mauceri D. Epigenetic control of hypersensitivity in chronic inflammatory pain by the de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a2. Mol Pain 2019; 15:1744806919827469. [PMID: 30638145 PMCID: PMC6362517 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919827469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a pathological manifestation of neuronal plasticity supported by altered gene transcription in spinal cord neurons that results in long-lasting hypersensitivity. Recently, the concept that epigenetic regulators might be important in pathological pain has emerged, but a clear understanding of the molecular players involved in the process is still lacking. In this study, we linked Dnmt3a2, a synaptic activity-regulated de novo DNA methyltransferase, to chronic inflammatory pain. We observed that Dnmt3a2 levels are increased in the spinal cord of adult mice following plantar injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant, an in vivo model of chronic inflammatory pain. In vivo knockdown of Dnmt3a2 expression in dorsal horn neurons blunted the induction of genes triggered by Complete Freund's Adjuvant injection. Among the genes whose transcription was found to be influenced by Dnmt3a2 expression in the spinal cord is Ptgs2, encoding for Cox-2, a prime mediator of pain processing. Lowering the levels of Dnmt3a2 prevented the establishment of long-lasting inflammatory hypersensitivity. These results identify Dnmt3a2 as an important epigenetic regulator needed for the establishment of central sensitization. Targeting expression or function of Dnmt3a2 may be suitable for the treatment of chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mm Oliveira
- 1 Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Litke
- 1 Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eszter Paldy
- 2 Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna M Hagenston
- 1 Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jianning Lu
- 2 Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rohini Kuner
- 2 Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hilmar Bading
- 1 Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Mauceri
- 1 Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wu Q, Wei G, Ji F, Jia S, Wu S, Guo X, He L, Pan Z, Miao X, Mao Q, Yang Y, Cao M, Tao YX. TET1 Overexpression Mitigates Neuropathic Pain Through Rescuing the Expression of μ-Opioid Receptor and Kv1.2 in the Primary Sensory Neurons. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:491-504. [PMID: 30515739 PMCID: PMC6554405 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-00689-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury downregulates the expression of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and voltage-gated potassium channel subunit Kv1.2 by increasing their DNA methylation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) causes DNA demethylation. Given that DRG MOR and Kv1.2 downregulation contribute to neuropathic pain genesis, this study investigated the effect of DRG TET1 overexpression on neuropathic pain. Overexpression of TET1 in the DRG through microinjection of herpes simplex virus expressing full-length TET1 mRNA into the injured rat DRG significantly alleviated the fifth lumbar spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced pain hypersensitivities during the development and maintenance periods, without altering acute pain or locomotor function. This microinjection also restored morphine analgesia and attenuated morphine analgesic tolerance development after SNL. Mechanistically, TET1 microinjection rescued the expression of MOR and Kv1.2 by reducing the level of 5-methylcytosine and increasing the level of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the promoter and 5' untranslated regions of the Oprml1 gene (encoding MOR) and in the promoter region of the Kcna2 gene (encoding Kv1.2) in the DRG ipsilateral to SNL. These findings suggest that DRG TET1 overexpression mitigated neuropathic pain likely through rescue of MOR and Kv1.2 expression in the ipsilateral DRG. Virus-mediated DRG delivery of TET1 may open a new avenue for neuropathic pain management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Guihua Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengtao Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Shushan Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Shaogen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Long He
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Xuerong Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Qingxiang Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Minghui Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 S. Orange Ave., MSB, E-661, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|