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Smith PR, Campbell ZT. RNA-binding proteins in pain. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1843. [PMID: 38576117 PMCID: PMC11003723 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
RNAs are meticulously controlled by proteins. Through direct and indirect associations, every facet in the brief life of an mRNA is subject to regulation. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) permeate biology. Here, we focus on their roles in pain. Chronic pain is among the largest challenges facing medicine and requires new strategies. Mounting pharmacologic and genetic evidence obtained in pre-clinical models suggests fundamental roles for a broad array of RBPs. We describe their diverse roles that span RNA modification, splicing, stability, translation, and decay. Finally, we highlight opportunities to expand our understanding of regulatory interactions that contribute to pain signaling. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications Translation > Regulation RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R. Smith
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
| | - Zachary T. Campbell
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA 53792
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Smith PR, Meyer A, Loerch S, Campbell ZT. Protocol for the isolation and culture of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons for imaging applications. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102717. [PMID: 37967016 PMCID: PMC10684884 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons play pervasive roles throughout biology. In vitro studies to probe their functions hinge on the successful application of primary cell culture. Here, we present a protocol for the isolation and culture of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons for imaging applications. We describe steps for extracting dorsal root ganglia, preparing cultures, maintaining them for days in vitro, and performing immunocytochemical labeling. We also include special considerations with respect to additional downstream applications. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Smith et al. (2021).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Smith
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
| | - Angela Meyer
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Sarah Loerch
- University of California, Santa Cruz, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Zachary T Campbell
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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Suzuki M, Zhou Z, Nagayasu K, Shirakawa H, Nakagawa T, Kaneko S. Inhibitors of the Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Can Ameliorate Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:1049-1056. [PMID: 37532556 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00861] [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] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Bortezomib, an anticancer drug for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, causes severe adverse events and leads to peripheral neuropathy. The associated neuropathy limits the use of bortezomib and could lead to discontinuation of the treatment; therefore, effective intervention is crucial. In the present study, we statistically searched for a drug that could alleviate bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy using adverse event self-reports. We observed that specific inhibitors of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) lowered the incidence of bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy. These findings were experimentally validated in mice, which exhibited long-lasting mechanical hypersensitivity after repeated bortezomib treatment. This effect was inhibited for hours after a systemic injection with rapamycin or everolimus in a dose-dependent manner. Bortezomib-induced allodynia was accompanied by the activation of spinal astrocytes, and intrathecal injection of mTOR inhibitors or an inhibitor of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1, a downstream target of mTOR, exhibited considerable analgesic effects in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that mTOR inhibitors, which are readily available to patients prescribed bortezomib, are one of the most effective therapeutics for bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Zijian Zhou
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Kazuki Nagayasu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Hisashi Shirakawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
| | - Takayuki Nakagawa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital
| | - Shuji Kaneko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University
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Kunder N, de la Peña JB, Lou TF, Chase R, Suresh P, Lawson J, Shukla T, Black B, Campbell ZT. The RNA-Binding Protein HuR Is Integral to the Function of Nociceptors in Mice and Humans. J Neurosci 2022; 42:9129-9141. [PMID: 36270801 PMCID: PMC9761683 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1630-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
HuR is an RNA-binding protein implicated in RNA processing, stability, and translation. Previously, we examined protein synthesis in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons treated with inflammatory mediators using ribosome profiling. We found that the HuR consensus binding element was enriched in transcripts with elevated translation. HuR is expressed in the soma of nociceptors and their axons. Pharmacologic inhibition of HuR with the small molecule CMLD-2 reduced the activity of mouse and human sensory neurons. Peripheral administration of CMLD-2 in the paw or genetic elimination of HuR from sensory neurons diminished behavioral responses associated with NGF- and IL-6-induced allodynia in male and female mice. Genetic disruption of HuR altered the proximity of mRNA decay factors near a key neurotrophic factor (TrkA). Collectively, the data suggest that HuR is required for local control of mRNA stability and reveals a new biological function for a broadly conserved post-transcriptional regulatory factor.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Nociceptors undergo long-lived changes in excitability, which may contribute to chronic pain. Noxious cues that promote pain lead to rapid induction of protein synthesis. The underlying mechanisms that confer specificity to mRNA control in nociceptors are unclear. Here, we identify a conserved RNA-binding protein called HuR as a key regulatory factor in sensory neurons. Using a combination of genetics and pharmacology, we demonstrate that HuR is required for signaling in nociceptors. In doing so, we report an important mechanism of mRNA control in sensory neurons that ensures appropriate nociceptive responses to inflammatory mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikesh Kunder
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080
| | - June Bryan de la Peña
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53792
| | - Tzu-Fang Lou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080
| | - Rebecca Chase
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080
| | - Prarthana Suresh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080
| | - Jennifer Lawson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854
| | - Tarjani Shukla
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53792
| | - Bryan Black
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854
| | - Zachary T Campbell
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53792
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53792
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Chase R, de la Peña JB, Smith PR, Lawson J, Lou TF, Stanowick AD, Black BJ, Campbell ZT. Global analyses of mRNA expression in human sensory neurons reveal eIF5A as a conserved target for inflammatory pain. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22422. [PMID: 35747924 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101933rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptors are a type of sensory neuron that are integral to most forms of pain. Targeted disruption of nociceptor sensitization affords unique opportunities to prevent pain. An emerging model for nociceptors are sensory neurons derived from human stem cells. Here, we subjected five groups to high-throughput sequencing: human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) prior to differentiation, mature hiPSC-derived sensory neurons, mature co-cultures containing hiPSC-derived astrocytes and sensory neurons, mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues, and mouse DRG cultures. Co-culture of nociceptors and astrocytes promotes expression of transcripts enriched in DRG tissues. Comparisons of the hiPSC models to tissue samples reveal that many key transcripts linked to pain are present. Markers indicative of a range of neuronal subtypes present in the DRG were detected in mature hiPSCs. Intriguingly, translation factors were maintained at consistently high expression levels across species and culture systems. As a proof of concept for the utility of this resource, we validated expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) in DRG tissues and hiPSC samples. eIF5A is subject to a unique posttranslational hypusine modification required for its activity. Inhibition of hypusine biosynthesis prevented hyperalgesic priming by inflammatory mediators in vivo and diminished hiPSC activity in vitro. Collectively, our results illuminate the transcriptomes of hiPSC sensory neuron models. We provide a demonstration for this resource through our investigation of eIF5A. Our findings reveal hypusine as a potential target for inflammation associated pain in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Chase
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - June Bryan de la Peña
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Patrick R Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Lawson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tzu-Fang Lou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander D Stanowick
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Bryan J Black
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zachary T Campbell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA.,Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
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Wistrom E, Chase R, Smith PR, Campbell ZT. A compendium of validated pain genes. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1570. [PMID: 35760453 PMCID: PMC9787016 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel pain therapeutics hinges on the identification and rigorous validation of potential targets. Model organisms provide a means to test the involvement of specific genes and regulatory elements in pain. Here we provide a list of genes linked to pain-associated behaviors. We capitalize on results spanning over three decades to identify a set of 242 genes. They support a remarkable diversity of functions spanning action potential propagation, immune response, GPCR signaling, enzymatic catalysis, nucleic acid regulation, and intercellular signaling. Making use of existing tissue and single-cell high-throughput RNA sequencing datasets, we examine their patterns of expression. For each gene class, we discuss archetypal members, with an emphasis on opportunities for additional experimentation. Finally, we discuss how powerful and increasingly ubiquitous forward genetic screening approaches could be used to improve our ability to identify pain genes. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Wistrom
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Rebecca Chase
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Patrick R. Smith
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Zachary T. Campbell
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA,Center for Advanced Pain StudiesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
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