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He L, Ma S, Ding Z, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Xi C, Zou K, Deng Q, Huang WJM, Guo Q, Huang C. Inhibition of NFAT5-Dependent Astrocyte Swelling Alleviates Neuropathic Pain. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302916. [PMID: 38195869 PMCID: PMC10953562 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302916] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte swelling is implicated in various neurological disorders. However, whether astrocyte swelling contributes to neuropathic pain remains elusive. This study elucidates the pivotal role of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5) emerges as a master regulator of astrocyte swelling in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) during neuropathic pain. Despite the ubiquitous expression of NFAT5 protein in SDH cell types, it selectively induces swelling specifically in astrocytes, not in microglia. Mechanistically, NFAT5 directly controls the expression of the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a key regulator exclusive to astrocytes. Additionally, aurora kinase B (AURKB) orchestrates NFAT5 phosphorylation, enhancing its protein stability and nuclear translocation, thereby regulating AQP4 expression. The findings establish NFAT5 as a crucial regulator for neuropathic pain through the modulation of astrocyte swelling. The AURKB-NFAT5-AQP4 pathway in astrocytes emerges as a potential therapeutic target to combat neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong He
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Shengyun Ma
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCA92093USA
| | - Zijin Ding
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Zhifeng Huang
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Caiyun Xi
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Kailu Zou
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Qingwei Deng
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Wendy Jia Men Huang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCA92093USA
| | - Qulian Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Changsheng Huang
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
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Huang Y, Chen SR, Pan HL. Calcineurin Regulates Synaptic Plasticity and Nociceptive Transmission at the Spinal Cord Level. Neuroscientist 2022; 28:628-638. [PMID: 34791930 DOI: 10.1177/10738584211046888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Calcineurin, the predominant Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine protein phosphatase (also known as protein phosphatase 2B), is highly expressed in immune T cells and the nervous system, including the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord. It controls synaptic transmission and plasticity by maintaining the appropriate phosphorylation status of many ion channels present at presynaptic and postsynaptic sites. As such, normal calcineurin activity in neurons and synapses is mainly involved in negative feedback regulation in response to increased neuronal activity and intracellular Ca2+ levels. Calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine and tacrolimus) are widely used as immunosuppressants in tissue and organ transplantation recipients and for treating autoimmune diseases but can cause severe pain in some patients. Furthermore, diminished calcineurin activity at the spinal cord level may play a major role in the transition from acute to chronic neuropathic pain after nerve injury. Restoring calcineurin activity at the spinal cord level produces long-lasting pain relief in animal models of neuropathic pain. In this article, we provide an overview of recent studies on the critical roles of calcineurin in regulating glutamate NMDA and AMPA receptors, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, potassium channels, and transient receptor potential channels expressed in the spinal dorsal horn and primary sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Huang
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Liu J, Huang Z, Yin S, Jiang Y, Shao L. Protective effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on spinal cord injury. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:990586. [PMID: 36278165 PMCID: PMC9579424 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.990586] [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: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The microenvironmental changes in the lesion area of spinal cord injury (SCI) have been extensively studied, but little is known about the whole-body status after injury. We analyzed the peripheral blood RNA-seq samples from 38 SCI and 10 healthy controls, and identified 10 key differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood of patients with SCI. Using these key gene signatures, we constructed a precise and available neural network diagnostic model. More importantly, the altered transcriptome profiles in peripheral blood reflect the similar negative effects after neuronal damage at lesion site. We revealed significant differential alterations in immune and metabolic processes, therein, immune response, oxidative stress, mitochondrial metabolism and cellular apoptosis after SCI were the main features. Natural agents have now been considered as promising candidates to alleviate/cure neuronal damage. In this study, we constructed an in vitro neuronal axotomy model to investigate the therapeutic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). We found that ZnO NPs could act as a neuroprotective agent to reduce oxidative stress levels and finally rescue the neuronal apoptosis after axotomy, where the PI3K-Akt signaling probably be a vital pathway. In conclusion, this study showed altered transcriptome of peripheral blood after SCI, and indicated the neuroprotective effect of ZnO NPs from perspective of oxidative stress, these results may provide new insights for SCI diagnosis and therapeutics.
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Jiang B, Ding T, Guo C, Bai X, Cao D, Wu X, Sha W, Jiang M, Wu L, Gao Y. NFAT1 Orchestrates Spinal Microglial Transcription and Promotes Microglial Proliferation via c-MYC Contributing to Nerve Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201300. [PMID: 35892263 PMCID: PMC9507349 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury-induced spinal microglial proliferation plays a pivotal role in neuropathic pain. So far, key intracellular druggable molecules involved in this process are not identified. The nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT1) is a master regulator of immune cell proliferation. Whether and how NFAT1 modulates spinal microglial proliferation during neuropathic pain remain unknown. Here it is reported that NFAT1 is persistently upregulated in microglia after spinal nerve ligation (SNL), which is regulated by TET2-mediated DNA demethylation. Global or microglia-specific deletion of Nfat1 attenuates SNL-induced pain and decreases excitatory synaptic transmission of lamina II neurons. Furthermore, deletion of Nfat1 decreases microglial proliferation and the expression of multiple microglia-related genes, such as cytokines, transmembrane signaling receptors, and transcription factors. Particularly, SNL increases the binding of NFAT1 with the promoter of Itgam, Tnf, Il-1b, and c-Myc in the spinal cord. Microglia-specific overexpression of c-MYC induces pain hypersensitivity and microglial proliferation. Finally, inhibiting NFAT1 and c-MYC by intrathecal injection of inhibitor or siRNA alleviates SNL-induced neuropathic pain. Collectively, NFAT1 is a hub transcription factor that regulates microglial proliferation via c-MYC and guides the expression of the activated microglia genome. Thus, NFAT1 may be an effective target for treating neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao‐Chun Jiang
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental MedicineCo‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsu226019China
| | - Ting‐Yu Ding
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental MedicineCo‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsu226019China
| | - Chang‐Yun Guo
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental MedicineCo‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsu226019China
| | - Xue‐Hui Bai
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental MedicineCo‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsu226019China
| | - De‐Li Cao
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental MedicineCo‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsu226019China
| | - Xiao‐Bo Wu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental MedicineCo‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsu226019China
| | - Wei‐Lin Sha
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental MedicineCo‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsu226019China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental MedicineCo‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsu226019China
| | - Long‐Jun Wu
- Department of NeurologyMayo ClinicRochesterMN55905USA
| | - Yong‐Jing Gao
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental MedicineCo‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsu226019China
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Kim MS. NGF activates NFAT via the MEK1/2 pathway in PC12 cells. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2034670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Man Su Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Inje University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea
- Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Inje University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea
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Hou C, Wang X, Jiang W, Bian Z, Zhu L, Li M. Peptide 11R‑VIVIT promotes fracture healing in osteoporotic rats. Int J Mol Med 2021; 48:162. [PMID: 34278442 PMCID: PMC8262658 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporotic fracture healing is a complex clinical issue. The present study was conducted to investigate the repair properties of 11R‑VIVIT on osteoporotic fractures and to examine the potential effects of 11R‑VIVIT on osteoporotic bone marrow‑derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), A rat model of osteoporotic femoral fracture was established, and the effects of the daily local injection of 11R‑VIVIT or saline on fracture repairing were evaluated by micro‑CT scans and H&E staining. Moreover, BMSCs from osteoporotic rats were treated with 11R‑VIVIT, and the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs was evaluated. The results revealed that 11R‑VIVIT promoted bone formation and increased fracture healing. In addition, 11R‑VIVIT promoted the differentiation of osteoporotic BMSCs into osteoblasts rather than adipocytes. Furthermore, mechanistic analysis revealed that 11R‑VIVIT promoted autophagy by blocking the protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor of activated T‑cells (NFATc1) signaling pathway. Consistently, the activation and inhibition of autophagy using rapamycin and LY294002 confirmed the regulatory effects of 11R‑VIVIT on autophagy. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrate that 11R‑VIVIT promotes fracture healing in osteoporotic rats and enhances the osteogenic differentiation of osteoporotic BMSCs by dysregulating the AKT/NFATc1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changju Hou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Xuepeng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Wu Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Zhenyu Bian
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Liulong Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Maoqiang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
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Liu M, Zhang SB, Luo YX, Yang YL, Zhang XZ, Li B, Meng Y, Chen YJ, Guo RX, Xiong YC, Xin WJ, Li D. NFATc2-dependent epigenetic upregulation of CXCL14 is involved in the development of neuropathic pain induced by paclitaxel. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:310. [PMID: 33070779 PMCID: PMC7570122 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01992-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The major dose-limiting toxicity of paclitaxel, one of the most commonly used drugs to treat solid tumor, is painful neuropathy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying paclitaxel-induced painful neuropathy are largely unclarified. Methods Paw withdrawal threshold was measured in the rats following intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel. The qPCR, western blotting, protein or chromatin immunoprecipitation, ChIP-seq identification of NFATc2 binding sites, and microarray analysis were performed to explore the molecular mechanism. Results We found that paclitaxel treatment increased the nuclear expression of NFATc2 in the spinal dorsal horn, and knockdown of NFATc2 with NFATc2 siRNA significantly attenuated the mechanical allodynia induced by paclitaxel. Further binding site analysis utilizing ChIP-seq assay combining with gene expression profile revealed a shift of NFATc2 binding site closer to TTS of target genes in dorsal horn after paclitaxel treatment. We further found that NFATc2 occupancy may directly upregulate the chemokine CXCL14 expression in dorsal horn, which was mediated by enhanced interaction between NFATc2 and p300 and consequently increased acetylation of histone H4 in CXCL14 promoter region. Also, knockdown of CXCL14 in dorsal horn significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia induced by paclitaxel. Conclusion These results suggested that enhanced interaction between p300 and NFATc2 mediated the epigenetic upregulation of CXCL14 in the spinal dorsal horn, which contributed to the chemotherapeutic paclitaxel-induced chronic pain. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-020-01992-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Liu
- Neuroscience Program, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Su-Bo Zhang
- Neuroscience Program, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Luo
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yan-Ling Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiang-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yan Meng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Rui-Xian Guo
- Neuroscience Program, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Department of Physiology and Pain Research Center, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yuan-Chang Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Neuroscience Program, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Dai Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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LRRC8A-dependent volume-regulated anion channels contribute to ischemia-induced brain injury and glutamatergic input to hippocampal neurons. Exp Neurol 2020; 332:113391. [PMID: 32598930 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) are critically involved in regulating cell volume, and leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 8A (LRRC8A, SWELL1) is an obligatory subunit of VRACs. Cell swelling occurs early after brain ischemia, but it is unclear whether neuronal LRRC8a contributes to ischemia-induced glutamate release and brain injury. We found that Lrrc8a conditional knockout (Lrrc8a-cKO) mice produced by crossing NestinCre+/- with Lrrc8aflox+/+ mice died 7-8 weeks of age, indicating an essential role of neuronal LRRC8A for survival. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) caused an early increase in LRRC8A protein levels in the hippocampus in wild-type (WT) mice. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording in brain slices revealed that oxygen-glucose deprivation significantly increased the amplitude of VRAC currents in hippocampal CA1 neurons in WT but not in Lrrc8a-cKO mice. Hypotonicity increased the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in hippocampal CA1 neurons in WT mice, and this was abolished by DCPIB, a VRAC blocker. But in Lrrc8a-cKO mice, hypotonic solution had no effect on the frequency of sEPSCs in these neurons. Furthermore, the brain infarct volume and neurological severity score induced by MCAO were significantly lower in Lrrc8a-cKO mice than in WT mice. In addition, MCAO-induced increases in cleaved caspase-3 and calpain activity, two biochemical markers of neuronal apoptosis and death, in brain tissues were significantly attenuated in Lrrc8a-cKO mice compared with WT mice. These new findings indicate that cerebral ischemia increases neuronal LRRC8A-dependent VRAC activity and that VRACs contribute to increased glutamatergic input to hippocampal neurons and brain injury caused by ischemic stroke.
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Calcineurin Inhibition Causes α2δ-1-Mediated Tonic Activation of Synaptic NMDA Receptors and Pain Hypersensitivity. J Neurosci 2020; 40:3707-3719. [PMID: 32269108 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0282-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus (FK506) and cyclosporine, are widely used as standard immunosuppressants in organ transplantation recipients. However, these drugs can cause severe pain in patients, commonly referred to as calcineurin inhibitor-induced pain syndrome (CIPS). Although calcineurin inhibition increases NMDAR activity in the spinal cord, the underlying mechanism remains enigmatic. Using an animal model of CIPS, we found that systemic administration of FK506 in male and female mice significantly increased the amount of α2δ-1-GluN1 complexes in the spinal cord and the level of α2δ-1-bound GluN1 proteins in spinal synaptosomes. Treatment with FK506 significantly increased the frequency of mEPSCs and the amplitudes of monosynaptic EPSCs evoked from the dorsal root and puff NMDAR currents in spinal dorsal horn neurons. Inhibiting α2δ-1 with gabapentin or disrupting the α2δ-1-NMDAR interaction with α2δ-1Tat peptide completely reversed the effects of FK506. In α2δ-1 gene KO mice, treatment with FK506 failed to increase the frequency of NMDAR-mediated mEPSCs and the amplitudes of evoked EPSCs and puff NMDAR currents in spinal dorsal horn neurons. Furthermore, systemic administration of gabapentin or intrathecal injection of α2δ-1Tat peptide reversed thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in FK506-treated mice. In addition, genetically deleting GluN1 in dorsal root ganglion neurons or α2δ-1 genetic KO similarly attenuated FK506-induced thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity. Together, our findings indicate that α2δ-1-bound NMDARs mediate calcineurin inhibitor-induced tonic activation of presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDARs at the spinal cord level and that presynaptic NMDARs play a prominent role in the development of CIPS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Calcineurin inhibitors are immunosuppressants used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs and tissues. However, these drugs can cause severe, unexplained pain. We showed that calcineurin inhibition enhances physical interaction between α2δ-1 and NMDARs and their synaptic trafficking in the spinal cord. α2δ-1 is essential for calcineurin inhibitor-induced aberrant activation of presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDARs in the spinal cord. Furthermore, inhibiting α2δ-1 or disrupting α2δ-1-NMDAR interaction reduces calcineurin inhibitor-induced pain hypersensitivity. Eliminating NMDARs in primary sensory neurons or α2δ-1 KO also attenuates calcineurin inhibitor-induced pain hypersensitivity. This new information extends our mechanistic understanding of the role of endogenous calcineurin in regulating synaptic plasticity and nociceptive transmission and suggests new strategies for treating this painful condition.
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α2δ-1-Bound N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptors Mediate Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance by Potentiating Glutamatergic Input in Rodents. Anesthesiology 2020; 130:804-819. [PMID: 30839350 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000002648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic use of μ-opioid receptor agonists paradoxically causes both hyperalgesia and the loss of analgesic efficacy. Opioid treatment increases presynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity to potentiate nociceptive input to spinal dorsal horn neurons. However, the mechanism responsible for this opioid-induced activation of presynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors remains unclear. α2δ-1, formerly known as a calcium channel subunit, interacts with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and is primarily expressed at presynaptic terminals. This study tested the hypothesis that α2δ-1-bound N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors contribute to presynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hyperactivity associated with opioid-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. METHODS Rats (5 mg/kg) and wild-type and α2δ-1-knockout mice (10 mg/kg) were treated intraperitoneally with morphine twice/day for 8 consecutive days, and nociceptive thresholds were examined. Presynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity was recorded in spinal cord slices. Coimmunoprecipitation was performed to examine protein-protein interactions. RESULTS Chronic morphine treatment in rats increased α2δ-1 protein amounts in the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord. Chronic morphine exposure also increased the physical interaction between α2δ-1 and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors by 1.5 ± 0.3 fold (means ± SD, P = 0.009, n = 6) and the prevalence of α2δ-1-bound N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors at spinal cord synapses. Inhibiting α2δ-1 with gabapentin or genetic knockout of α2δ-1 abolished the increase in presynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity in the spinal dorsal horn induced by morphine treatment. Furthermore, uncoupling the α2δ-1-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor interaction with an α2δ-1 C terminus-interfering peptide fully reversed morphine-induced tonic activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors at the central terminal of primary afferents. Finally, intraperitoneal injection of gabapentin or intrathecal injection of an α2δ-1 C terminus-interfering peptide or α2δ-1 genetic knockout abolished the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia induced by chronic morphine exposure and largely preserved morphine's analgesic effect during 8 days of morphine treatment. CONCLUSIONS α2δ-1-Bound N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors contribute to opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance by augmenting presynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor expression and activity at the spinal cord level.
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Fakhfouri G, Rahimian R, Dyhrfjeld-Johnsen J, Zirak MR, Beaulieu JM. 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonists in Neurologic and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: The Iceberg Still Lies beneath the Surface. Pharmacol Rev 2019; 71:383-412. [PMID: 31243157 DOI: 10.1124/pr.118.015487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
5-HT3 receptor antagonists, first introduced to the market in the mid-1980s, are proven efficient agents to counteract chemotherapy-induced emesis. Nonetheless, recent investigations have shed light on unappreciated dimensions of this class of compounds in conditions with an immunoinflammatory component as well as in neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The promising findings from multiple studies have unveiled several beneficial effects of these compounds in multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer disease, and Parkinson disease. Reports continue to uncover important roles for 5-HT3 receptors in the physiopathology of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, drug abuse, and schizophrenia. This review addresses the potential of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in neurology- and neuropsychiatry-related disorders. The broad therapeutic window and high compliance observed with these agents position them as suitable prototypes for the development of novel pharmacotherapeutics with higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gohar Fakhfouri
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada (G.F., R.R.); Sensorion SA, Montpellier, France (J.D.-J.); Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (M.R.Z.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (J.-M.B.)
| | - Reza Rahimian
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada (G.F., R.R.); Sensorion SA, Montpellier, France (J.D.-J.); Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (M.R.Z.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (J.-M.B.)
| | - Jonas Dyhrfjeld-Johnsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada (G.F., R.R.); Sensorion SA, Montpellier, France (J.D.-J.); Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (M.R.Z.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (J.-M.B.)
| | - Mohammad Reza Zirak
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada (G.F., R.R.); Sensorion SA, Montpellier, France (J.D.-J.); Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (M.R.Z.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (J.-M.B.)
| | - Jean-Martin Beaulieu
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada (G.F., R.R.); Sensorion SA, Montpellier, France (J.D.-J.); Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (M.R.Z.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (J.-M.B.)
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Abstract
This study was designed to characterize morphologic stages during neuroma development post amputation with an eye toward developing better treatment strategies that intervene before neuromas are fully formed. Right forelimbs of 30 Sprague Dawley rats were amputated and limb stumps were collected at 3, 7, 28, 60 and 90 Days Post Amputation (DPA). Morphology of newly formed nerves and neuromas were assessed via general histology and neurofilament protein antibody staining. Analysis revealed six morphological characteristics during nerve and neuroma development; 1) normal nerve, 2) degenerating axons, 3) axonal sprouts, 4) unorganized bundles of axons, 5) unorganized axon growth into muscles, and 6) unorganized axon growth into fibrotic tissue (neuroma). At early stages (3 & 7 DPA) after amputation, normal nerves could be identified throughout the limb stump and small areas of axonal sprouts were present near the site of injury. Signs of degenerating axons were evident from 7 to 90 DPA. From day 28 on, variability of nerve characteristics with signs of unorganized axon growth into muscle and fibrotic tissue and neuroma formation became visible in multiple areas of stump tissue. These pathological features became more evident on days 60 and 90. At 90 DPA frank neuroma formation was present in all stump tissue. By following nerve regrowth and neuroma formation after amputation we were able to identify 6 separate histological stages of nerve regrowth and neuroma development. Axonal regrowth was observed as early as 3 DPA and signs of unorganized axonal growth and neuroma formation were evident by 28 DPA. Based on these observations we speculate that neuroma treatment and or prevention strategies might be more successful if targeted at the initial stages of development and not after 28 DPA.
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Tai LW, Pan Z, Sun L, Li H, Gu P, Wong SSC, Chung SK, Cheung CW. Suppression of Pax2 Attenuates Allodynia and Hyperalgesia through ET-1-ETAR-NFAT5 Signaling in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain. Neuroscience 2018; 384:139-151. [PMID: 29847776 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptors (ETAR/ETBR) emerge to be a key signaling axis in neuropathic pain processing and are recognized as new therapeutic targets. Yet, little is known on the functional regulation of ET-1 axis during neuropathic pain. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that paired box gene 2 (Pax2) or nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5), two transcription factors involved in the modulation of neurotransmission, may regulate ET-1. Therefore, we hypothesized that ET-1 axis may be regulated by Pax2 or NFAT5 in the development of neuropathic pain. After partial sciatic nerve ligation (pSNL), rats displayed allodynia and hyperalgesia, which was associated with increased mRNA and protein expressions of spinal Pax2, NFAT5, and mRNA levels of ET-1 and ETAR, but not ETBR. Knockdown of Pax2 or NFAT5 with siRNA, or inhibition of ETAR with BQ-123 attenuated pSNL-induced pain-like behaviors. At molecular level, Pax2 siRNA, but not NFAT5 siRNA, downregulated ET-1 and ETAR, while ETAR inhibitor reduced NFAT5, indicating Pax2 in the upstream of ET-1 axis with NFAT5 in the downstream. Further, suppression of Pax2 (inhibiting ET-1) or impairment of ET-1 signaling (inhibition of ETAR and/or decrease of NFAT5) deactivated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, supporting the significance of functional regulation of ET-1 axis in neuropathic pain signaling. These findings demonstrate that Pax2 targeting ET-1-ETAR-NFAT5 is a novel regulatory mechanism underlying neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Wai Tai
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Liting Sun
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haobo Li
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pan Gu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stanley Sau Ching Wong
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sookja K Chung
- Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, Hormone and Healthy Aging, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Research Center of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Wai Cheung
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Nie B, Liu C, Bai X, Chen X, Wu S, Zhang S, Huang Z, Xie M, Xu T, Xin W, Zeng W, Ouyang H. AKAP150 involved in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain via inhibiting CN/NFAT2 pathway and downregulating IL-4. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 68:158-168. [PMID: 29056557 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Antitubulin chemotherapeutics agents, such as paclitaxel, are effective chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment. However, painful neuropathy is a major adverse effect limiting the wider application of chemotherapeutics. In this study, we found that A-kinase anchor protein 150 (AKAP150) was significantly upregulated after paclitaxel injection. Inhibition of AKAP150 via siRNA or AKAP150flox/flox in rodents alleviated the pain behavior induced by paclitaxel, and partly restored the decreased calcineurin (CN) phosphatase activity after paclitaxel treatment. Paclitaxel decreased the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4), and intrathecal injections of IL-4 effectively alleviated paclitaxel-induced hypersensitivity and the frequency of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons action potential. The decreased CN enzyme activity, resulted in reduced protein expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFAT2) in cell nuclei. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that, NFAT2 binds to the IL-4 gene promoter regulating the protein expression of IL-4. Overexpression of NFAT2 by intrathecal injection of the AAV5-NFAT2-GFP virus alleviated the pain behavior induced by paclitaxel via increasing the expression of IL-4. Knocked down AKAP150 by siRNA or AAV5-Cre-GFP partly restored the expression of IL-4 in DRG. Our results indicated that regulation of IL-4 via the CN/NFAT2 pathway mediated by AKAP150 could be a pivotal treatment target for paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain and or other neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilin Nie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China; Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cuicui Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Bai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodi Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoyong Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Subo Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuxi Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manxiu Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Zhongshan Medicine School, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenjun Xin
- Zhongshan Medicine School, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weian Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Handong Ouyang
- Department of Anesthesiology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Genetic Susceptibility to Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuroropathy: Replication of the Reported Candidate Susceptibility Loci. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:925-931. [PMID: 27422265 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) patients has been a therapeutic success. Peripheral neuropathy (PNP) remains one of the most frequent side-effects experienced by patients who receive these novel agents. Recent investigations on the mechanisms of PNP in patients treated with bortezomib have suggested genetic susceptibility to neurotoxicity. We used data from a genome-wide association study conducted on 646 bortezomib-treated German MM patients to replicate the previously reported associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes and PNP in MM patients, including 298 SNPs with a nominal significance (p value <0.05). Twelve associations were confirmed at a significance level p value <0.05. The corresponding SNPs are located in genes involved in drug metabolism (ABCC1, ABCC6), development and function of the nervous system (POGZ, NFAT pathway, EDN1), modulation of immune responses (IL17RD, IL10RA) and the NF-κB signaling pathway (PSMB4, BTCR, F2). We systematically investigated functional consequences of those variants using several bioinformatics tools, such as HaploRegV4.1, RegulomeDB and UCSC Genome Browser. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data suggested that some of the identified SNPs might influence gene expression through a differential recruitment of transcription factors. In conclusion, we confirmed some of the recently reported associations between germline variation and PNP. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying these associations will contribute to the development of new strategies for the prevention or reduction of PNP.
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16
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Vihma H, Luhakooder M, Pruunsild P, Timmusk T. Regulation of different human NFAT isoforms by neuronal activity. J Neurochem 2016; 137:394-408. [PMID: 26851544 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is a family of transcription factors comprising four calcium-regulated members: NFATc1, NFATc2, NFATc3, and NFATc4. Upon activation by the calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin (CaN), NFATs translocate from cytosol to the nucleus and regulate their target genes, which in the nervous system are involved in axon growth, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival. We have shown previously that there are a number of different splice variants of NFAT genes expressed in the brain. Here, we studied the subcellular localizations and transactivation capacities of alternative human NFAT isoforms in rat primary cortical or hippocampal neurons in response to membrane depolarization and compared the induced transactivation levels in neurons to those obtained from HEK293 cells in response to calcium signaling. We confirm that in neurons the translocation to the nucleus of all NFAT isoforms is reliant on the activity of CaN. However, our results suggest that both the regulation of subcellular localization and transcriptional activity of NFAT proteins in neurons is isoform specific. We show that in primary hippocampal neurons NFATc2 isoforms have very fast translocation kinetics, whereas NFATc4 isoforms translocate relatively slowly to the nucleus. Moreover, we demonstrate that the strongest transcriptional activators in HEK293 cells are NFATc1 and NFATc3, but in neurons NFATc3 and NFATc4 lead to the highest induction, and NFATc2 and NFATc1 display isoform-specific transcription activation capacities. Altogether, our results indicate that the effects of calcium signaling on the action of NFAT proteins are isoform-specific and can differ between cell types. We show that the effects of calcium signaling on the action of NFAT proteins are isoform-specific and differ between cell types. Although nuclear localization of all NFAT isoforms in neurons requires calcineurin, the subcellular distributions, neuronal activity-induced nuclear translocation extent and kinetics, and transcription activation capacities of alternative NFAT proteins vary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Vihma
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Mirjam Luhakooder
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Priit Pruunsild
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Tõnis Timmusk
- Department of Gene Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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17
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Nutter T, Johnson R, Cooper B. A delayed chronic pain like condition with decreased Kv channel activity in a rat model of Gulf War Illness pain syndrome. Neurotoxicology 2015; 51:67-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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18
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Cai YQ, Wang W, Hou YY, Pan ZZ. Optogenetic activation of brainstem serotonergic neurons induces persistent pain sensitization. Mol Pain 2014; 10:70. [PMID: 25410898 PMCID: PMC4247651 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-10-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a key brainstem structure that conveys powerful descending influence of the central pain-modulating system on spinal pain transmission and processing. Serotonergic (5-HT) neurons are a major component in the heterogeneous populations of RVM neurons and in the descending pathways from RVM. However, the descending influence of RVM 5-HT neurons on pain behaviors remains unclear. Results In this study using optogenetic stimulation in tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2)- Channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) transgenic mice, we determined the behavioral effects of selective activation of RVM 5-HT neurons on mechanical and thermal pain behaviors in vivo. We found that ChR2-EYFP-positive neurons strongly co-localized with TPH2-positive (5-HT) neurons in RVM. Optogenetic stimulation significantly increased c-fos expression in 5-HT cells in the RVM of TPH2-ChR2 mice, but not in wild type mice. Behaviorally, the optogenetic stimulation decreased both mechanical and thermal pain threshold in an intensity-dependent manner, with repeated stimulation producing sensitized pain behavior for up to two weeks. Conclusions These results suggest that selective activation of RVM 5-HT neurons exerts a predominant effect of pain facilitation under control conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhizhong Z Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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19
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Kim MS, Shutov LP, Gnanasekaran A, Lin Z, Rysted JE, Ulrich JD, Usachev YM. Nerve growth factor (NGF) regulates activity of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) in neurons via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) pathway. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:31349-60. [PMID: 25231981 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.587188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ca(2+)/calcineurin-dependent transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) plays an important role in regulating many neuronal functions, including excitability, axonal growth, synaptogenesis, and neuronal survival. NFAT can be activated by action potential firing or depolarization that leads to Ca(2+)/calcineurin-dependent dephosphorylation of NFAT and its translocation to the nucleus. Recent data suggest that NFAT and NFAT-dependent functions in neurons can also be potently regulated by NGF and other neurotrophins. However, the mechanisms of NFAT regulation by neurotrophins are not well understood. Here, we show that in dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons, NGF markedly facilitates NFAT-mediated gene expression induced by mild depolarization. The effects of NGF were not associated with changes in [Ca(2+)]i and were independent of phospholipase C activity. Instead, the facilitatory effect of NGF depended on activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway downstream of the TrkA receptor and on inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), a protein kinase known to phosphorylate NFAT and promote its nuclear export. Knockdown or knockout of NFATc3 eliminated this facilitatory effect. Simultaneous monitoring of EGFP-NFATc3 nuclear translocation and [Ca(2+)]i changes in dorsal root ganglion neurons indicated that NGF slowed the rate of NFATc3 nuclear export but did not affect its nuclear import rate. Collectively, our data suggest that NGF facilitates depolarization-induced NFAT activation by stimulating PI3K/Akt signaling, inactivating GSK3β, and thereby slowing NFATc3 export from the nucleus. We propose that NFAT serves as an integrator of neurotrophin action and depolarization-driven calcium signaling to regulate neuronal gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Su Kim
- From the Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and the College of Pharmacy, Inje University, Gimhae 621-749, Korea
| | - Leonid P Shutov
- From the Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and
| | - Aswini Gnanasekaran
- From the Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and
| | - Zhihong Lin
- From the Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and
| | - Jacob E Rysted
- From the Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and
| | - Jason D Ulrich
- From the Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and
| | - Yuriy M Usachev
- From the Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 and
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20
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Wang F, Stefano GB, Kream RM. Epigenetic modification of DRG neuronal gene expression subsequent to nerve injury: etiological contribution to complex regional pain syndromes (Part II). Med Sci Monit 2014; 20:1188-200. [PMID: 25027291 PMCID: PMC4106931 DOI: 10.12659/msm.890707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cumulating evidence indicated that nerve injury-associated cellular and molecular changes play an essential role in contributing to the development of pathological pain, and more recent findings implicated the critical role of epigenetic mechanisms in pain-related sensitization in the DRG subsequent to nerve injury. In this part of the dyad review (Part II), we reviewed and paid special attention on the etiological contribution of DGR gene expression modulated by epigenetic mechanisms of CRPS. As essential effectors to different molecular activation, we first discussed the activation of various signaling pathways that subsequently from nerve injury, and in further illustrated the fundamental and functional underpinnings of nerve injury-induced pain, in which we argued for the potential epigenetic mechanisms in response to sensitizing stimuli or injury. Therefore, understanding the specific mediating factors that influence individual epigenetic differences contributing to pain sensitivity and responsiveness to analgesics possesses crucial clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuzhou Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China (mainland)
| | - George B Stefano
- Neuroscience Research Institute, State University of New York at Old Westbury, Old Westbury, China (mainland)
| | - Richard M Kream
- Neuroscience Research Institute, State University of New York at Old Westbury, Old Westbury, China (mainland)
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21
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Du X, Gamper N. Potassium channels in peripheral pain pathways: expression, function and therapeutic potential. Curr Neuropharmacol 2013; 11:621-40. [PMID: 24396338 PMCID: PMC3849788 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x113119990042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical excitation of peripheral somatosensory nerves is a first step in generation of most pain signals in mammalian nervous system. Such excitation is controlled by an intricate set of ion channels that are coordinated to produce a degree of excitation that is proportional to the strength of the external stimulation. However, in many disease states this coordination is disrupted resulting in deregulated peripheral excitability which, in turn, may underpin pathological pain states (i.e. migraine, neuralgia, neuropathic and inflammatory pains). One of the major groups of ion channels that are essential for controlling neuronal excitability is potassium channel family and, hereby, the focus of this review is on the K+ channels in peripheral pain pathways. The aim of the review is threefold. First, we will discuss current evidence for the expression and functional role of various K+ channels in peripheral nociceptive fibres. Second, we will consider a hypothesis suggesting that reduced functional activity of K+ channels within peripheral nociceptive pathways is a general feature of many types of pain. Third, we will evaluate the perspectives of pharmacological enhancement of K+ channels in nociceptive pathways as a strategy for new analgesic drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Nikita Gamper
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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22
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Chen SR, Hu YM, Chen H, Pan HL. Calcineurin inhibitor induces pain hypersensitivity by potentiating pre- and postsynaptic NMDA receptor activity in spinal cords. J Physiol 2013; 592:215-27. [PMID: 24081160 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.263814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin inhibitors, such as cyclosporin A and tacrolimus (FK506), have played a pivotal role in the preservation of allograft function. However, these drugs can cause unexplained severe pain in patients, often referred to as calcineurin inhibitor-induced pain syndrome (CIPS). Although calcineurin can regulate NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activity, the causal relationship between spinal synaptic plasticity and CIPS remains unknown. In this study, we showed that systemic administration of FK506 (1.5 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) for 7 days in rats led to long-lasting nociceptive and mechanical hypersensitivity. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in spinal cord slices revealed that FK506 treatment caused a large increase in the amplitude of NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) of dorsal horn neurons evoked by dorsal root stimulation. The amplitude of NMDAR currents elicited by puff NMDA application to dorsal horn neurons was also significantly greater in FK506-treated than in vehicle-treated rats. The frequency of spontaneous and miniature EPSCs in most dorsal horn neurons was profoundly increased in FK506-treated rats and was reduced by blocking NMDARs. Furthermore, blocking GluN2A or GluN2B subunits similarly reduced the amplitude of evoked EPSCs and the frequency of miniature EPSCs in dorsal horn neurons of FK506-treated rats. In addition, intrathecal injection of an NMDAR antagonist or systemic administration of memantine effectively reversed nociceptive and mechanical hypersensitivity in FK506-treated rats. Our findings indicate that calcineurin inhibition increases glutamate-mediated nociceptive input by potentiating presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDAR activity in spinal cords. NMDAR antagonists may represent a new therapeutic option for the treatment of CIPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Rui Chen
- H.-L. Pan: Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Unit 110, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA.
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Chen SR, Zhou HY, Byun HS, Pan HL. Nerve injury increases GluA2-lacking AMPA receptor prevalence in spinal cords: functional significance and signaling mechanisms. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 347:765-72. [PMID: 24030012 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.208363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The glutamate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPARs) are critically involved in the excitatory synaptic transmission, and blocking AMPARs at the spinal level reverses neuropathic pain. However, little is known about changes in the composition of synaptic AMPARs in the spinal dorsal horn after peripheral nerve injury. AMPARs lacking the GluA2 subunit are permeable to Ca(2+), and their currents show unique inward rectification. We found that AMPAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (AMPAR-EPSCs) of spinal dorsal horn neurons exhibited a linear current-voltage relationship in control rats, whereas AMPAR-EPSCs of dorsal horn neurons displayed inward rectification in rats with spinal nerve injury. In nerve-injured rats, compared with control rats, the GluA2 protein level was significantly less in the plasma membrane but was greater in the cytosolic vesicle fraction in the dorsal spinal cord. However, the GluA1 protein levels in these fractions did not differ significantly between nerve-injured and control rats. Blocking N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) abolished inward rectification of AMPAR-EPSCs of dorsal horn neurons in nerve-injured rats. Furthermore, inhibition of calpain or calcineurin, but not protein kinase C, completely blocked nerve injury-induced inward rectification of AMPAR-EPSCs of dorsal horn neurons. In addition, blocking GluA2-lacking AMPARs at the spinal cord level reduced nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivity. Our study suggests that nerve injury increases GluA2 internalization and the prevalence of GluA2-lacking AMPARs in the spinal dorsal horn to maintain chronic neuropathic pain. Increased prevalence of spinal GluA2-lacking AMPARs in neuropathic pain is mediated by NMDARs and subsequent stimulation of calpain and calcineurin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (S.-R.C., H.-Y.Z., H.S.B., H.-L.P.); Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas (H.-L.P.)
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24
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Bangaru ML, Weihrauch D, Tang QB, Zoga V, Hogan Q, Wu HE. Sigma-1 receptor expression in sensory neurons and the effect of painful peripheral nerve injury. Mol Pain 2013; 9:47. [PMID: 24015960 PMCID: PMC3847629 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-9-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sigma-1 receptor (σ1R), an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein, is widely distributed and regulates numerous intracellular processes in neurons. Nerve injury alters the structure and function of axotomized dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, contributing to the development of pain. The σ1R is enriched in the spinal cord and modulates pain after peripheral nerve injury. However, σ1R expression in the DRG has not been studied. We therefore characterized σ1R expression in DRGs at baseline and following spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats. RESULTS Immunohistochemical (IHC) studies in DRG sections show σ1R in both neuronal somata and satellite glial cells. The punctate distribution of σ1R in the neuronal cytoplasm suggests expression in the endoplasmic reticulum. When classified by neuronal size, large neurons (>1300 μm) showed higher levels of σ1R staining than other groups (700-1300 μm, <700 μm). Comparing σ1R expression in neuronal groups characterized by expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), isolectin-B4 (IB4) and neurofilament-200 (NF-200), we found σ1R expression in all three neuronal subpopulations, with highest levels of σ1R expression in the NF-200 group. After SNL, lysates from L5 DRGs that contains axotomized neurons showed decreased σ1R protein but unaffected transcript level, compared with Control DRGs. IHC images also showed decreased σ1R protein expression, in SNL L5 DRGs, and to a lesser extent in the neighboring SNL L4 DRGs. Neurons labeled by CGRP and NF-200 showed decreased σ1R expression in L5 and, to a lesser extent, L4 DRGs. In IB4-labeled neurons, σ1R expression decreased only in axotomized L5 DRGs. Satellite cells also showed decreased σ1R expression in L5 DRGs after SNL. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that σ1R is present in both sensory neurons and satellite cells in rat DRGs. Expression of σ1R is down-regulated in axotomized neurons as well as in their accompanying satellite glial cells, while neighboring uninjured neurons show a lesser down-regulation. Therefore, elevated σ1R expression in neuropathic pain is not an explanation for pain relief after σ1R blockade. This implies that increased levels of endogenous σ1R agonists may play a role, and diminished neuroprotection from loss of glial σ1R may be a contributing factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhavi L Bangaru
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Dorothee Weihrauch
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Qing-Bo Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Vasiliki Zoga
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Quinn Hogan
- Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Hsiang-en Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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