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Chen SC, Chen YH, Song Y, Zong SH, Wu MX, Wang W, Wang H, Zhang F, Zhou YM, Yu HY, Zhang HT, Zhang FF. Upregulation of Phosphodiesterase 7A Contributes to Concurrent Pain and Depression via Inhibition of cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF Signaling and Neuroinflammation in the Hippocampus of Mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 27:pyae040. [PMID: 39283715 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate AMP (cAMP) and/or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). PDE inhibitors can mitigate chronic pain and depression when these disorders occur individually; however, there is limited understanding of their role in concurrent chronic pain and depression. We aimed to evaluate the mechanisms of action of PDE using 2 mouse models of concurrent chronic pain and depression. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were subjected to partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) to induce chronic neuropathic pain or injected with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce inflammatory pain, and both animals showed depression-like behavior. First, we determined the change in PDE expression in both animal models. Next, we determined the effect of PDE7 inhibitor BRL50481 or hippocampal PDE7A knockdown on PSNL- or CFA-induced chronic pain and depression-like behavior. We also investigated the role of cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA)-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling and neuroinflammation in the effect of PDE7A inhibition on PSNL- or CFA-induced chronic pain and depression-like behavior. RESULTS This induction of chronic pain and depression in the 2 animal models upregulated hippocampal PDE7A. Oral administration of PDE7 inhibitor, BRL50481, or hippocampal PDE7A knockdown significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity and depression-like behavior. Hippocampal PDE7 inhibition reversed PSNL- or CFA-induced downregulation of cAMP and BDNF and the phosphorylation of PKA, CREB, and p65. cAMP agonist forskolin reversed these changes and caused milder behavioral symptoms of pain and depression. BRL50481 reversed neuroinflammation in the hippocampus in PSNL mice. CONCLUSIONS Hippocampal PDE7A mediated concurrent chronic pain and depression in both mouse models by inhibiting cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling. Inhibiting PDE7A or activating cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling are potential strategies to treat concurrent chronic pain and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Cai Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Yan-Han Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Taian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Tai'an, China
| | - Shu-Hua Zong
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Ming-Xia Wu
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Yan-Meng Zhou
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Hai-Yang Yu
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Fang-Fang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Catalisano G, Campione GM, Spurio G, Galvano AN, di Villalba CP, Giarratano A, Alongi A, Ippolito M, Cortegiani A. Neuropathic pain, antidepressant drugs, and inflammation: a narrative review. JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA, ANALGESIA AND CRITICAL CARE 2024; 4:67. [PMID: 39334307 PMCID: PMC11429121 DOI: 10.1186/s44158-024-00204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic and disabling condition, caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system, characterized by a systemic inflammatory state. Signs and associated symptoms are rarely recognized, and response to usual analgesic drugs is poor. Antidepressant drugs are first-line agents for the treatment of NP. This narrative review aims to summarize the role of antidepressant drugs in treating NP and their mechanism of action, focusing on the effects on inflammatory cytokines. MAIN TEXT Peripheral nerve injury leads to a local inflammatory response and to the disruption of the blood-medullary barrier, allowing the influx of peripheral immune cells into the central nervous system. Antidepressants have antinociceptive effects because they recruit long-term neuronal plasticity. Amitriptyline modulates the inflammatory response due to the reduction of the mRNA of pro-inflammatory cytokines acting as an adenosine agonist and leading to the activation of the A3AR receptor. Through toll-like receptors, local inflammation determines the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) that drives and stimulates the hyperflammation in NP. Nortriptyline has an important antiallodynic effect in NP as it determines the recruitment of norepinephrine in the dorsal root ganglia. By modulating the β2-adrenoreceptors expressed by non-neuronal satellite cells, it inhibits the local production of TNF-α and determines a reduction of NP symptoms. Following the administration of antidepressants, there is a reduction in the production of TNF-α in the brain which in turn transforms the function of the α2-adrenergic receptor from an inhibitor to an activator of the release of norepinephrine. This is important to prevent the development of chronic pain. CONCLUSION Inflammatory cytokines are the main players in a bidirectional communication between the central and peripheral nervous system and the immune system in NP. Antidepressants have an important role in NP. Further research should explore the interaction between neuroinflammation in NP, the effects of antidepressants and the clinical relevance of this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Catalisano
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico 'Paolo Giaccone', Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gioacchina Martina Campione
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Spurio
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Nicolò Galvano
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cesira Palmeri di Villalba
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico 'Paolo Giaccone', Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Giarratano
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico 'Paolo Giaccone', Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonietta Alongi
- Department of Anesthesia Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico 'Paolo Giaccone', Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Ippolito
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico 'Paolo Giaccone', Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Cortegiani
- Department of Precision Medicine in Medical Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
- Department of Anesthesia Intensive Care and Emergency, University Hospital Policlinico 'Paolo Giaccone', Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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Crosson T, Bhat S, Wang JC, Salaun C, Fontaine E, Roversi K, Herzog H, Rafei M, Blunck R, Talbot S. Cytokines reprogram airway sensory neurons in asthma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.01.26.525731. [PMID: 39345572 PMCID: PMC11429693 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Nociceptor neurons play a crucial role in maintaining the body's homeostasis by detecting and responding to potential dangers in the environment. However, this function can be detrimental during allergic reactions, since vagal nociceptors can contribute to immune cell infiltration, bronchial hypersensitivity, and mucus imbalance, in addition to causing pain and coughing. Despite this, the specific mechanisms by which nociceptors acquire pro-inflammatory characteristics during allergic reactions are not yet fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular profile of airway nociceptor neurons during allergic airway inflammation and identify the signals driving such reprogramming. Using retrograde tracing and lineage reporting, we identified a unique class of inflammatory vagal nociceptor neurons that exclusively innervate the airways. In the ovalbumin mouse model of airway inflammation, these neurons undergo significant reprogramming characterized by the upregulation of the NPY receptor Npy1r. A screening of cytokines and neurotrophins revealed that IL-1β, IL-13 and BDNF drive part of this reprogramming. IL-13 triggered Npy1r overexpression in nociceptors via the JAK/STAT6 pathway. In parallel, sympathetic neurons and macrophages release NPY in the bronchoalveolar fluid of asthmatic mice, which limits the excitability of nociceptor neurons. Single-cell RNA sequencing of lung immune cells has revealed that a cell-specific knockout of Npy1r in nociceptor neurons in asthmatic mice leads to an increase in airway inflammation mediated by T cells. Opposite findings were observed in asthmatic mice in which nociceptor neurons were chemically ablated. In summary, allergic airway inflammation reprograms airway nociceptor neurons to acquire a pro-inflammatory phenotype, while a compensatory mechanism involving NPY1R limits nociceptor neurons' activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théo Crosson
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Shreyas Bhat
- Centre Interdisciplinaire sur le Cerveau et l’Apprentissage, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Département de Physique, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Jo-Chiao Wang
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Clara Salaun
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Eleanne Fontaine
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Katiane Roversi
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Moutih Rafei
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Rikard Blunck
- Centre Interdisciplinaire sur le Cerveau et l’Apprentissage, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Département de Physique, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Sebastien Talbot
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet. Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University. Canada
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Su Y, Verkhratsky A, Yi C. Targeting connexins: possible game changer in managing neuropathic pain? Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:642-659. [PMID: 38594094 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.03.009] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating condition caused by nerve injury or a variety of diseases. At the core of neuropathic pain lies the aberrant neuronal excitability in the peripheral and/or central nervous system (PNS and CNS). Enhanced connexin expression and abnormal activation of connexin-assembled gap junctional channels are prominent in neuropathic pain along with reactive gliosis, contributing to neuronal hypersensitivity and hyperexcitability. In this review, we delve into the current understanding of how connexin expression and function contribute to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and argue for connexins as potential therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixun Su
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active substance screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, China.
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5
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Wang W, Zheng WQ, Du X, Chen SC, Chen YH, Ma QY, Wang H, Gao S, Tan R, Zhang HT, Zhou YM, Zhang FF. Chronic pain exacerbates memory impairment and pathology of Aβ and tau by upregulating IL-1β and p-65 signaling in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Brain Res 2024; 1832:148843. [PMID: 38430996 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is linked to cognitive impairment; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we examined these mechanisms in a well-established mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Neuropathic pain was modeled in 5-month-old transgenic APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice by partial ligation of the sciatic nerve on the left side, and chronic inflammatory pain was modeled in another group of APP/PS1 mice by injecting them with complete Freund's adjuvant on the plantar surface of the left hind paw. Six weeks after molding, the animals were tested to assess pain threshold (von Frey filament), learning, memory (novel object recognition, Morris water maze, Y-maze, and passive avoidance), and depression-like symptoms (sucrose preference, tail suspension, and forced swimming). After behavioral testing, mice were sacrificed and the levels of p65, amyloid-β (residues 1-42) and phospho-tau in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex were assayed using western blotting, while interleukin (IL)-1β levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Animals subjected to either type of chronic pain showed lower pain thresholds, more severe deficits in learning and memory, and stronger depression-like symptoms than the corresponding control animals. Either type of chronic pain was associated with upregulation of p65, amyloid-β (1-42), and IL-1β in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, as well as higher levels of phosphorylated tau. CONCLUSIONS Chronic pain may exacerbate cognitive deficits and depression-like symptoms in APP/PS1 mice by worsening pathology related to amyloid-β and tau and by upregulating signaling involving IL-1β and p65.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Wen-Qing Zheng
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China; Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, China
| | - Xian Du
- Tai'an Municipal Hospital, Tai'an, China
| | - Shi-Cai Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Yan-Han Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Qing-Yang Ma
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Rui Tan
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Yan-Meng Zhou
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China.
| | - Fang-Fang Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China.
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Gao J, Khang MK, Liao Z, Webb K, Detloff MR, Lee JS. Rolipram-loaded PgP nanoparticle reduces secondary injury and enhances motor function recovery in a rat moderate contusion SCI model. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 53:102702. [PMID: 37574117 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102702] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in immediate axonal damage and cell death, as well as a prolonged secondary injury consist of a cascade of pathophysiological processes. One important aspect of secondary injury is activation of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) that leads to reduce cAMP levels in the injured spinal cord. We have developed an amphiphilic copolymer, poly (lactide-co-glycolide)-graft-polyethylenimine (PgP) that can deliver Rolipram, the PDE4 inhibitor. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of rolipram loaded PgP (Rm-PgP) on secondary injury and motor functional recovery in a rat moderate contusion SCI model. We observed that Rm-PgP can increase cAMP level at the lesion site, and reduce secondary injury such as the inflammatory response by macrophages/microglia, astrogliosis by activated astrocytes and apoptosis as well as improve neuronal survival at 4 weeks post-injury (WPI). We also observed that Rm-PgP can improve motor functional recovery after SCI over 4 WPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Gao
- Drug Design Delivery and Development (4D) Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Min Kyung Khang
- Drug Design Delivery and Development (4D) Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Zhen Liao
- Drug Design Delivery and Development (4D) Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Ken Webb
- MicroEnvironmental Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Megan Ryan Detloff
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
| | - Jeoung Soo Lee
- Drug Design Delivery and Development (4D) Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
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Li Q, Li R, Zhu X, Chu X, An X, Chen M, Zhang L, Gao M, Chen L. EphA1 aggravates neuropathic pain by activating CXCR4/RhoA/ROCK2 pathway in mice. Hum Cell 2023:10.1007/s13577-023-00911-9. [PMID: 37162645 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a refractory disease with limited treatment options due to its complex mechanisms. Whereas erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte A1 (EphA1) mediates the production of inflammatory factors that are important in the progression of neurological diseases, its role and molecular mechanisms in neuropathic pain remain unclear. In the present study, we established a mouse model of chronic constriction injury (CCI). EphA1 expression was observed to be progressively upregulated at the mRNA and protein levels with the progression of the disease. Subsequently, knockdown of EphA1 expression levels using adenovirus short hairpin RNA (AAV-shEphA1) revealed an increase in mechanical stimulation withdrawal threshold (PWT) and withdrawal latency (PWL) when EphA1 expression was decreased, accompanied by improved dorsal root ganglion injury, increased leukocytosis, decreased microglia, and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory factors. For the underlying mechanism, it was found that EphA1 regulates the activity of the RhoA/ROCK2 pathway by modulating the level of CXCR4. Inhibition of CXCR4 and RhoA/ROCK2 could effectively alleviate the promoting effect of EphA1 upregulation on neuropathic pain. In conclusion, our study suggests that depletion of EphA1 ameliorates neuropathic pain by modulating the CXCR4/RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway, and targeting EphA1 may be a potential clinical treatment for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300211, China
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Rui Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xiaolei Chu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Xiaoqiong An
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ming Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Mingwei Gao
- Academy of the Society of Sport and Health Sciences, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Long Chen
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, 92, Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Corrales-Hernández MG, Ortiz-Vergara MC, Cormane-Alfaro V, Luque-Bernal RM, Calderon-Ospina CA, Cediel-Becerra JF. Connexins and Pannexins: Important Players in Neurodevelopment, Neurological Diseases, and Potential Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2237. [PMID: 36140338 PMCID: PMC9496069 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092237] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is essential for proper embryonic development and its dysfunction may lead to disease. Recent research has drawn attention to a new group of molecules called connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs). Cxs have been described for more than forty years as pivotal regulators of embryogenesis; however, the exact mechanism by which they provide this regulation has not been clearly elucidated. Consequently, Cxs and Panxs have been linked to congenital neurodegenerative diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and, more recently, chronic hemichannel opening has been associated with adult neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). Cell-to-cell communication via gap junctions formed by hexameric assemblies of Cxs, known as connexons, is believed to be a crucial component in developmental regulation. As for Panxs, despite being topologically similar to Cxs, they predominantly seem to form channels connecting the cytoplasm to the extracellular space and, despite recent research into Panx1 (Pannexin 1) expression in different regions of the brain during the embryonic phase, it has been studied to a lesser degree. When it comes to the nervous system, Cxs and Panxs play an important role in early stages of neuronal development with a wide span of action ranging from cellular migration during early stages to neuronal differentiation and system circuitry formation. In this review, we describe the most recent available evidence regarding the molecular and structural aspects of Cx and Panx channels, their role in neurodevelopment, congenital and adult neurological diseases, and finally propose how pharmacological modulation of these channels could modify the pathogenesis of some diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - María Gabriela Corrales-Hernández
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Maria Camila Ortiz-Vergara
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Valeria Cormane-Alfaro
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Ricardo-Miguel Luque-Bernal
- Anatomy and Embriology Units, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Carlos-Alberto Calderon-Ospina
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- GENIUROS Research Group, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Juan-Fernando Cediel-Becerra
- Histology and Embryology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
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