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Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating form of pain arising from injury or disease of the nervous system that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain are still not fully understood. Dendritic spines are small protrusions on the surface of neurons that play an important role in synaptic transmission. Recent studies have shown that dendritic spines reorganize in the superficial and deeper laminae of the spinal cord dorsal horn with the development of neuropathic pain in multiple models of disease or injury. Given the importance of dendritic spines in synaptic transmission, it is possible that studying dendritic spines could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing intractable pain. In this review article, we highlight the emergent role of dendritic spines in neuropathic pain, as well as discuss the potential for studying dendritic spines for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis A Benson
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jared F King
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marike L Reimer
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sierra D Kauer
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andrew M Tan
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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Merighi A. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Nociception, and Pain. Biomolecules 2024; 14:539. [PMID: 38785946 PMCID: PMC11118093 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This article examines the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the control of nociception and pain. BDNF, a neurotrophin known for its essential role in neuronal survival and plasticity, has garnered significant attention for its potential implications as a modulator of synaptic transmission. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the multifaceted interactions between BDNF and pain pathways, encompassing both physiological and pathological pain conditions. I delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying BDNF's involvement in pain processing and discuss potential therapeutic applications of BDNF and its mimetics in managing pain. Furthermore, I highlight recent advancements and challenges in translating BDNF-related research into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalberto Merighi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Turin, Italy
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3
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Baptista-de-Souza D, Tavares-Ferreira D, Megat S, Sankaranarayanan I, Shiers S, Flores CM, Ghosh S, Luiz Nunes-de-Souza R, Canto-de-Souza A, Price TJ. Sex differences in the role of atypical PKC within the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala in a mouse hyperalgesic priming model. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2020; 8:100049. [PMID: 32548337 PMCID: PMC7284072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2020.100049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Though sex differences in chronic pain have been consistently described in the literature, their underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood. Previous work in humans has demonstrated that men and women differentially invoke distinct brain regions and circuits in coping with subjective pain unpleasantness. The goal of the present work was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) that modulate hyperalgesic priming, a pain plasticity model, in males and females. We used plantar incision as the first, priming stimulus and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as the second stimulus. We sought to assess whether hyperalgesic priming can be prevented or reversed by pharmacologically manipulating molecular targets in the BLA of male or female mice. We found that administering ZIP, a cell-permeable inhibitor of aPKC, into the BLA attenuated aspects of hyperalgesic priming induced by plantar incision in males and females. However, incision only upregulated PKCζ/PKMζ immunoreactivity in the BLA of male mice, and deficits in hyperalgesic priming were seen only when we restricted our analysis to male Prkcz-/- mice. On the other hand, intra-BLA microinjections of pep2m, a peptide that interferes with the trafficking and function of GluA2-containing AMPA receptors, a downstream target of aPKC, reduced mechanical hypersensitivity after plantar incision and disrupted the development of hyperalgesic priming in both male and female mice. In addition, pep2m treatment reduced facial grimacing and restored aberrant behavioral responses in the sucrose splash test in male and female primed mice. Immunofluorescence results demonstrated upregulation of GluA2 expression in the BLA of male and female primed mice, consistent with pep2m findings. We conclude that, in a model of incision-induced hyperalgesic priming, PKCζ/PKMζ in the BLA is critical for the development of hyperalgesic priming in males, while GluA2 in the BLA is crucial for the expression of both reflexive and affective pain-related behaviors in both male and female mice in this model. Our findings add to a growing body of evidence of sex differences in molecular pain mechanisms in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baptista-de-Souza
- Dept. Psychology, Federal University of Sao Carlos-UFSCar, Sao Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Diana Tavares-Ferreira
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Salim Megat
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Ishwarya Sankaranarayanan
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Stephanie Shiers
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
| | - Christopher M. Flores
- Janssen Research & Development, Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Sourav Ghosh
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, United States
| | - Ricardo Luiz Nunes-de-Souza
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences UFSCar/UNESP, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
- Lab. Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univ. Estadual Paulista – UNESP, Araraquara, SP 14800-903, Brazil
| | - Azair Canto-de-Souza
- Dept. Psychology, Federal University of Sao Carlos-UFSCar, Sao Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
- Joint Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences UFSCar/UNESP, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychology UFSCar, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Theodore J. Price
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, United States
- Corresponding author at: University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 W Campbell Rd., BSB 14.102, Richardson, TX 75080, United States.
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George NC, Laferrière A, Coderre TJ. Sex differences in the contributions of spinal atypical PKCs and downstream targets to the maintenance of nociceptive sensitization. Mol Pain 2020; 15:1744806919840582. [PMID: 30857476 PMCID: PMC6537080 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919840582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic pain has been shown to depend on nociceptive sensitization in the spinal cord, and while multiple mechanisms involved in the initiation of plastic changes have been established, the molecular targets which maintain spinal nociceptive sensitization are still largely unknown. Building upon the established neurobiology underlying the maintenance of long-term potentiation in the hippocampus, this present study investigated the contributions of spinal atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms PKCι/λ and PKMζ and their downstream targets (p62/GluA1 and NSF/GluA2 interactions, respectively) to the maintenance of spinal nociceptive sensitization in male and female rats. Results Pharmacological inhibition of atypical PKCs by ZIP reversed established allodynia produced by repeated intramuscular acidic saline injections in male animals only, replicating previously demonstrated sex differences. Inhibition of both PKCι/λ and downstream substrates p62/GluA1 resulted in male-specific reversals of intramuscular acidic saline-induced allodynia, while female animals continued to display allodynia. Inhibition of NSF/GluA2, the downstream target to PKMζ, reversed allodynia induced by intramuscular acidic saline in both sexes. Neither PKCι/λ, p62/GluA1 or NSF/GluA2 inhibition had any effect on formalin response for either sex. Conclusion This study provides novel behavioural evidence for the male-specific role of PKCι/λ and downstream target p62/GluA1, highlighting the potential influence of ongoing afferent input. The sexually divergent pathways underlying persistent pain are shown here to converge at the interaction between NSF and the GluA2 subunit of the AMPA receptor. Although this interaction is thought to be downstream of PKMζ in males, these findings and previous work suggest that females may rely on a factor independent of atypical PKCs for the maintenance of spinal nociceptive sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C George
- 1 Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Montreal, QC, Canada.,2 Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Montreal, QC, Canada.,3 Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - André Laferrière
- 1 Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Montreal, QC, Canada.,3 Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Terence J Coderre
- 1 Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Montreal, QC, Canada.,2 Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Montreal, QC, Canada.,3 Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Fan F, Tang Y, Dai H, Cao Y, Sun P, Chen Y, Chen A, Lin C. Blockade of BDNF signalling attenuates chronic visceral hypersensitivity in an IBS-like rat model. Eur J Pain 2020; 24:839-850. [PMID: 31976585 PMCID: PMC7154558 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional disease characterized by chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Effective therapy for visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients remains challenging. This study investigated the roles of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) and the effect of ANA‐12 (a selective antagonist of TrkB) on chronic visceral hypersensitivity in an IBS‐like rat model. Methods An IBS‐like rat model was established through neonatal maternal separation (NMS), and visceral hypersensitivity was assessed by electromyographic (EMG) responses of the abdominal external oblique muscles to colorectal distention (CRD). Different doses of ANA‐12 were injected intrathecally to investigate the effect of that drug on visceral hypersensitivity, and the open field test was performed to determine whether ANA‐12 had side effects on movement. Thoracolumbar spinal BDNF, TrkB receptor and Protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) expression were measured to investigate their roles in chronic visceral hypersensitivity. Whole‐cell recordings were made from thoracolumbar superficial dorsal horn (SDH) neurons of lamina II. Results The expression of BDNF and TrkB was enhanced in the thoracolumbar spinal cord of the NMS animals. ANA‐12 attenuated visceral hypersensitivity without side effects on motricity in NMS rats. PKMζ expression significantly decreased after the administration of ANA‐12. The frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) increased in the thoracolumbar SDH neurons of lamina II in NMS rats. The amplitude and frequency of sEPSCs were reduced after perfusion with ANA‐12 in NMS rats. Conclusions Neonatal maternal separation caused visceral hypersensitivity and increased synaptic activity by activating BDNF‐TrkB‐PKMζ signalling in the thoracolumbar spinal cord of adult rats. PKMζ was able to potentiate AMPA receptor (AMPAR)‐mediated sEPSCs in NMS rats. ANA‐12 attenuated visceral hypersensitivity and synaptic activity by blocking BDNF/TrkB signalling in NMS rats. Significance ANA‐12 attenuates visceral hypersensitivity via BDNF‐TrkB‐PKMζ signalling and reduces synaptic activity through AMPARs in NMS rats. This knowledge suggests that ANA‐12 could represent an interesting novel therapeutic medicine for chronic visceral hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Fan
- School of basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Pain Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Tang
- School of basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Pain Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hengfen Dai
- School of basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Pain Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Affiliated Fuzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yang Cao
- School of basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Pain Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Pei Sun
- School of basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Pain Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Pain Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Aiqin Chen
- School of basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Pain Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chun Lin
- School of basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Pain Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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aPKC in neuronal differentiation, maturation and function. Neuronal Signal 2019; 3:NS20190019. [PMID: 32269838 PMCID: PMC7104321 DOI: 10.1042/ns20190019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The atypical Protein Kinase Cs (aPKCs)—PRKCI, PRKCZ and PKMζ—form a subfamily within the Protein Kinase C (PKC) family. These kinases are expressed in the nervous system, including during its development and in adulthood. One of the aPKCs, PKMζ, appears to be restricted to the nervous system. aPKCs are known to play a role in a variety of cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, polarity, migration, survival and key metabolic functions such as glucose uptake, that are critical for nervous system development and function. Therefore, these kinases have garnered a lot of interest in terms of their functional role in the nervous system. Here we review the expression and function of aPKCs in neural development and in neuronal maturation and function. Despite seemingly paradoxical findings with genetic deletion versus gene silencing approaches, we posit that aPKCs are likely candidates for regulating many important neurodevelopmental and neuronal functions, and may be associated with a number of human neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Sex differences in learned conditioned pain sensitivity. Lab Anim (NY) 2019; 48:119-120. [DOI: 10.1038/s41684-019-0266-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Martin LJ, Acland EL, Cho C, Gandhi W, Chen D, Corley E, Kadoura B, Levy T, Mirali S, Tohyama S, Khan S, MacIntyre LC, Carlson EN, Schweinhardt P, Mogil JS. Male-Specific Conditioned Pain Hypersensitivity in Mice and Humans. Curr Biol 2019; 29:192-201.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Knezevic NN, Yekkirala A, Yaksh TL. Basic/Translational Development of Forthcoming Opioid- and Nonopioid-Targeted Pain Therapeutics. Anesth Analg 2017; 125:1714-1732. [PMID: 29049116 PMCID: PMC5679134 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000002442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Opioids represent an efficacious therapeutic modality for some, but not all pain states. Singular reliance on opioid therapy for pain management has limitations, and abuse potential has deleterious consequences for patient and society. Our understanding of pain biology has yielded insights and opportunities for alternatives to conventional opioid agonists. The aim is to have efficacious therapies, with acceptable side effect profiles and minimal abuse potential, which is to say an absence of reinforcing activity in the absence of a pain state. The present work provides a nonexclusive overview of current drug targets and potential future directions of research and development. We discuss channel activators and blockers, including sodium channel blockers, potassium channel activators, and calcium channel blockers; glutamate receptor-targeted agents, including N-methyl-D-aspartate, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid, and metabotropic receptors. Furthermore, we discuss therapeutics targeted at γ-aminobutyric acid, α2-adrenergic, and opioid receptors. We also considered antagonists of angiotensin 2 and Toll receptors and agonists/antagonists of adenosine, purine receptors, and cannabinoids. Novel targets considered are those focusing on lipid mediators and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Of interest is development of novel targeting strategies, which produce long-term alterations in pain signaling, including viral transfection and toxins. We consider issues in the development of druggable molecules, including preclinical screening. While there are examples of successful translation, mechanistically promising preclinical candidates may unexpectedly fail during clinical trials because the preclinical models may not recapitulate the particular human pain condition being addressed. Molecular target characterization can diminish the disconnect between preclinical and humans' targets, which should assist in developing nonaddictive analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- From the *Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Chicago, Illinois; Departments of †Anesthesiology and ‡Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois; §Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; ‖Blue Therapeutics, Harvard Innovation Launch Lab, Allston, Massachusetts; and Departments of ¶Anesthesiology and #Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Yaksh TL, Fisher CJ, Hockman TM, Wiese AJ. Current and Future Issues in the Development of Spinal Agents for the Management of Pain. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:232-259. [PMID: 26861470 PMCID: PMC5412694 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160307145542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting analgesic drugs for spinal delivery reflects the fact that while the conscious experience of pain is mediated supraspinally, input initiated by high intensity stimuli, tissue injury and/or nerve injury is encoded at the level of the spinal dorsal horn and this output informs the brain as to the peripheral environment. This encoding process is subject to strong upregulation resulting in hyperesthetic states and downregulation reducing the ongoing processing of nociceptive stimuli reversing the hyperesthesia and pain processing. The present review addresses the biology of spinal nociceptive processing as relevant to the effects of intrathecally-delivered drugs in altering pain processing following acute stimulation, tissue inflammation/injury and nerve injury. The review covers i) the major classes of spinal agents currently employed as intrathecal analgesics (opioid agonists, alpha 2 agonists; sodium channel blockers; calcium channel blockers; NMDA blockers; GABA A/B agonists; COX inhibitors; ii) ongoing developments in the pharmacology of spinal therapeutics focusing on less studied agents/targets (cholinesterase inhibition; Adenosine agonists; iii) novel intrathecal targeting methodologies including gene-based approaches (viral vectors, plasmids, interfering RNAs); antisense, and toxins (botulinum toxins; resniferatoxin, substance P Saporin); and iv) issues relevant to intrathecal drug delivery (neuraxial drug distribution), infusate delivery profile, drug dosing, formulation and principals involved in the preclinical evaluation of intrathecal drug safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony L. Yaksh
- University of California, San Diego, Anesthesia Research Lab 0818, 9500 Gilman Dr. LaJolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Casey J. Fisher
- University of California, San Diego, Anesthesia Research Lab 0818, 9500 Gilman Dr. LaJolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tyler M. Hockman
- University of California, San Diego, Anesthesia Research Lab 0818, 9500 Gilman Dr. LaJolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ashley J. Wiese
- University of California, San Diego, Anesthesia Research Lab 0818, 9500 Gilman Dr. LaJolla, CA 92093, USA
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Khodorova A, Nicol GD, Strichartz G. The TrkA receptor mediates experimental thermal hyperalgesia produced by nerve growth factor: Modulation by the p75 neurotrophin receptor. Neuroscience 2016; 340:384-397. [PMID: 27826102 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and its activation of the sphingomyelin signaling cascade are essential for mechanical hypersensitivity resulting from locally injected nerve growth factor (NGF). Here the roles of the same effectors, and of the tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) receptor, are evaluated for thermal hyperalgesia from NGF. Sensitivity of rat hind paw plantar skin to thermal stimulation after local sub-cutaneous injection of NGF (500ng) was measured by the latency for paw withdrawal (PWL) from a radiant heat source. PWL was reduced from baseline values at 0.5-22h by ∼40% from that in naïve or vehicle-injected rats, and recovered to pre-injection levels by 48h. Local pre-injection with a p75NTR blocking antibody did not affect the acute thermal hyperalgesia (0.5-3.5h) but hastened its recovery so that it had reversed to baseline by 22h. In addition, GW4869 (2mM), an inhibitor of the neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase) that is an enzyme in the p75NTR pathway, also failed to prevent thermal hyperalgesia. However, C2-ceramide, an analog of the ceramide produced by sphingomyelinase, did cause thermal hyperalgesia. Injection of an anti-TrkA antibody known to promote dimerization and activation of that receptor, independent of NGF, also caused thermal hyperalgesia, and prevented the further reduction of PWL from subsequently injected NGF. A non-specific inhibitor of tropomyosin receptor kinases, K252a, prevented thermal hyperalgesia from NGF, but not that from the anti-TrkA antibody. These findings suggest that the TrkA receptor has a predominant role in thermal hypersensitivity induced by NGF, while p75NTR and its pathway intermediates serve a modulatory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Khodorova
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grant D Nicol
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Gary Strichartz
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Abstract
Primary headache is a common malady that is often under-recognized and frequently inadequately managed in spite of the fact that it affects up to 95 % of the population in a lifetime. Many forms of headache, including episodic tension and migraine headaches, if properly diagnosed, are reasonably amenable to treatment, but a smaller, though not insignificant, percent of the population suffer daily from a chronic, intractable form of headache that destroys one's productivity and quality of life. These patients are frequently seen in neurological practices at a point when treatment options are limited and largely ineffective. In the following review, we will discuss mechanisms drawn from recent studies that address the transition from acute to chronic pain that may apply to the transformation from episodic to chronic daily headaches which may offer opportunities for preempting headache transformation.
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13
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Ko MH, Yang ML, Youn SC, Lan CT, Tseng TJ. Intact subepidermal nerve fibers mediate mechanical hypersensitivity via the activation of protein kinase C gamma in spared nerve injury. Mol Pain 2016; 12:12/0/1744806916656189. [PMID: 27296621 PMCID: PMC4956387 DOI: 10.1177/1744806916656189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spared nerve injury is an important neuropathic pain model for investigating the role of intact primary afferents in the skin on pain hypersensitivity. However, potential cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In phosphoinositide-3 kinase pathway, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) participates in the regulation of neuronal plasticity for central sensitization. The downstream cascades of PDK1 include: (1) protein kinase C gamma (PKCg) controls the trafficking and phosphorylation of ionotropic glutamate receptor; (2) protein kinase B (Akt)/the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is responsible for local protein synthesis. Under these statements, we therefore hypothesized that an increase of PKCg activation and mTOR-dependent PKCg synthesis in intact primary afferents after SNI might contribute to pain hypersensitivity. RESULTS The variants of spared nerve injury were performed in Sprague-Dawley rats by transecting any two of the three branches of the sciatic nerve, leaving only one branch intact. Following SNIt (spared tibial branch), mechanical hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia, but not thermal hyperalgesia, were significantly induced. In the first footpad, normal epidermal innervations were verified by the protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5)- and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43)-immunoreactive (IR) intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENFs) densities. Furthermore, the rapid increases of phospho-PKCg- and phosphomTOR-IR subepidermal nerve fibers (SENFs) areas were distinct gathered from the results of PGP9.5-, GAP43-, and neurofilament 200 (NF200)-IR SENFs areas. The efficacy of PKC inhibitor (GF 109203X) or mTOR complex 1 inhibitor (rapamycin) for attenuating mechanical hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia by intraplantar injection was dose-dependent. CONCLUSIONS From results obtained in this study, we strongly recommend that the intact SENFs persistently increase PKCg activation and mTOR-dependent PKCg synthesis participate in the initiation and maintenance of mechanical hypersensitivity in spared nerve injury, which represents as a novel insight into the therapeutic strategy of pain in the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miau-Hwa Ko
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ling Yang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Su-Chung Youn
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chyn-Tair Lan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Chyn-Tair Lan, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Jian-Guo N. R., Sec. 1, Taichung 40201, Taiwan. To-Jung Tseng, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Jian-Guo N. R., Sec. 1, Taichung 40201, Taiwan.
| | - To-Jung Tseng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Protease-activated receptor 2 activation is sufficient to induce the transition to a chronic pain state. Pain 2016; 156:859-867. [PMID: 25734998 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Protease-activated receptor type 2 (PAR2) is known to play an important role in inflammatory, visceral, and cancer-evoked pain based on studies using PAR2 knockout (PAR2(-/-)) mice. We have tested the hypothesis that specific activation of PAR2 is sufficient to induce a chronic pain state through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling to protein synthesis machinery. We have further tested whether the maintenance of this chronic pain state involves a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin-related kinase B (trkB)/atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) signaling axis. We observed that intraplantar injection of the novel highly specific PAR2 agonist, 2-aminothiazol-4-yl-LIGRL-NH2 (2-at), evokes a long-lasting acute mechanical hypersensitivity (median effective dose ∼12 pmoles), facial grimacing, and causes robust hyperalgesic priming as revealed by a subsequent mechanical hypersensitivity and facial grimacing to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) injection. The promechanical hypersensitivity effect of 2-at is completely absent in PAR2(-/-) mice as is hyperalgesic priming. Intraplantar injection of the upstream ERK inhibitor, U0126, and the eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4F complex inhibitor, 4EGI-1, prevented the development of acute mechanical hypersensitivity and hyperalgesic priming after 2-at injection. Systemic injection of the trkB antagonist ANA-12 similarly inhibited PAR2-mediated mechanical hypersensitivity, grimacing, and hyperalgesic priming. Inhibition of aPKC (intrathecal delivery of ZIP) or trkB (systemic administration of ANA-12) after the resolution of 2-at-induced mechanical hypersensitivity reversed the maintenance of hyperalgesic priming. Hence, PAR2 activation is sufficient to induce neuronal plasticity leading to a chronic pain state, the maintenance of which is dependent on a BDNF/trkB/aPKC signaling axis.
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15
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Mah IK, Soloff R, Hedrick SM, Mariani FV. Atypical PKC-iota Controls Stem Cell Expansion via Regulation of the Notch Pathway. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 5:866-880. [PMID: 26527382 PMCID: PMC4649379 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of stem/progenitor cells available can profoundly impact tissue homeostasis and the response to injury or disease. Here, we propose that an atypical PKC, Prkci, is a key player in regulating the switch from an expansion to a differentiation/maintenance phase via regulation of Notch, thus linking the polarity pathway with the control of stem cell self-renewal. Prkci is known to influence symmetric cell division in invertebrates; however a definitive role in mammals has not yet emerged. Using a genetic approach, we find that loss of Prkci results in a marked increase in the number of various stem/progenitor cells. The mechanism used likely involves inactivation and symmetric localization of NUMB, leading to the activation of NOTCH1 and its downstream effectors. Inhibition of atypical PKCs may be useful for boosting the production of pluripotent stem cells, multipotent stem cells, or possibly even primordial germ cells by promoting the stem cell/progenitor fate. PRKCi, a polarity protein, regulates expansion of various stem/progenitor cells PRKCi acts in this capacity via a Notch-dependent pathway Thus, PRKCi acts as a link between polarity and stem cell self-renewal Inhibition of aPKCs may be generally useful for expanding progenitor populations
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Affiliation(s)
- In Kyoung Mah
- Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1425 San Pablo St., Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Rachel Soloff
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Stephen M Hedrick
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Francesca V Mariani
- Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1425 San Pablo St., Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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16
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Plasticity-Related PKMζ Signaling in the Insular Cortex Is Involved in the Modulation of Neuropathic Pain after Nerve Injury. Neural Plast 2015; 2015:601767. [PMID: 26457205 PMCID: PMC4592717 DOI: 10.1155/2015/601767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The insular cortex (IC) is associated with important functions linked with pain and emotions. According to recent reports, neural plasticity in the brain including the IC can be induced by nerve injury and may contribute to chronic pain. Continuous active kinase, protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ), has been known to maintain the long-term potentiation. This study was conducted to determine the role of PKMζ in the IC, which may be involved in the modulation of neuropathic pain. Mechanical allodynia test and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of zif268, an activity-dependent transcription factor required for neuronal plasticity, were performed after nerve injury. After ζ-pseudosubstrate inhibitory peptide (ZIP, a selective inhibitor of PKMζ) injection, mechanical allodynia test and immunoblotting of PKMζ, phospho-PKMζ (p-PKMζ), and GluR1 and GluR2 were observed. IHC demonstrated that zif268 expression significantly increased in the IC after nerve injury. Mechanical allodynia was significantly decreased by ZIP microinjection into the IC. The analgesic effect lasted for 12 hours. Moreover, the levels of GluR1, GluR2, and p-PKMζ were decreased after ZIP microinjection. These results suggest that peripheral nerve injury induces neural plasticity related to PKMζ and that ZIP has potential applications for relieving chronic pain.
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17
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Abstract
Nociceptors and neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) that receive nociceptive input show remarkable plasticity in response to injury. This plasticity is thought to underlie the development of chronic pain states. Hence, further understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving and maintaining this plasticity has the potential to lead to novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of chronic pain states. An important concept in pain plasticity is the presence and persistence of "hyperalgesic priming." This priming arises from an initial injury and results in a remarkable susceptibility to normally subthreshold noxious inputs causing a prolonged pain state in primed animals. Here we describe our current understanding of how this priming is manifested through changes in signaling in the primary nociceptor as well as through memory like alterations at CNS synapses. Moreover, we discuss how commonly utilized analgesics, such as opioids, enhance priming therefore potentially contributing to the development of persistent pain states. Finally we highlight where these priming models draw parallels to common human chronic pain conditions. Collectively, these advances in our understanding of pain plasticity reveal a variety of targets for therapeutic intervention with the potential to reverse rather than palliate chronic pain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Kandasamy
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
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18
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Spinal dopaminergic projections control the transition to pathological pain plasticity via a D1/D5-mediated mechanism. J Neurosci 2015; 35:6307-17. [PMID: 25904784 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3481-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that lead to the maintenance of chronic pain states are poorly understood, but their elucidation could lead to new insights into how pain becomes chronic and how it can potentially be reversed. We investigated the role of spinal dorsal horn neurons and descending circuitry in plasticity mediating a transition to pathological pain plasticity suggesting the presence of a chronic pain state using hyperalgesic priming. We found that when dorsal horn neurokinin 1 receptor-positive neurons or descending serotonergic neurons were ablated before hyperalgesic priming, IL-6- and carrageenan-induced mechanical hypersensitivity was impaired, and subsequent prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) response was blunted. However, when these neurons were lesioned after the induction of priming, they had no effect on the PGE2 response, reflecting differential mechanisms driving plasticity in a primed state. In stark contrast, animals with a spinally applied dopaminergic lesion showed intact IL-6- and carrageenan-induced mechanical hypersensitivity, but the subsequent PGE2 injection failed to cause mechanical hypersensitivity. Moreover, ablating spinally projecting dopaminergic neurons after the resolution of the IL-6- or carrageenan-induced response also reversed the maintenance of priming as assessed through mechanical hypersensitivity and the mouse grimace scale. Pharmacological antagonism of spinal dopamine D1/D5 receptors reversed priming, whereas D1/D5 agonists induced mechanical hypersensitivity exclusively in primed mice. Strikingly, engagement of D1/D5 coupled with anisomycin in primed animals reversed a chronic pain state, consistent with reconsolidation-like effects in the spinal dorsal horn. These findings demonstrate a novel role for descending dopaminergic neurons in the maintenance of pathological pain plasticity.
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19
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Price TJ, Inyang KE. Commonalities between pain and memory mechanisms and their meaning for understanding chronic pain. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 131:409-34. [PMID: 25744681 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Pain sensing neurons in the periphery (called nociceptors) and the central neurons that receive their projections show remarkable plasticity following injury. This plasticity results in amplification of pain signaling that is now understood to be crucial for the recovery and survival of organisms following injury. These same plasticity mechanisms may drive a transition to a nonadaptive chronic pain state if they fail to resolve following the termination of the healing process. Remarkable advances have been achieved in the past two decades in understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie pain plasticity following injury. The mechanisms bear a striking resemblance to molecular mechanisms involved in learning and memory processes in other brain regions, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Here those mechanisms, their commonalities and subtle differences, will be highlighted and their role in causing chronic pain will be discussed. Arising from these data is the striking argument that chronic pain is a disease of the nervous system, which distinguishes this phenomena from acute pain that is frequently a symptom alerting the organism to injury. This argument has important implications for the development of disease modifying therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore J Price
- Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA.
| | - Kufreobong E Inyang
- Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
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20
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Gonçalves L, Friend LV, Dickenson AH. The influence of μ-opioid and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition in the modulation of pain responsive neurones in the central amygdala by tapentadol in rats with neuropathy. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 749:151-60. [PMID: 25576174 PMCID: PMC4339205 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Treatments for neuropathic pain are either not fully effective or have problematic side effects. Combinations of drugs are often used. Tapentadol is a newer molecule that produces analgesia in various pain models through two inhibitory mechanisms, namely central μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonism and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition. These two components interact synergistically, resulting in levels of analgesia similar to opioid analgesics such as oxycodone and morphine, but with more tolerable side effects. The right central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is critical for the lateral spinal ascending pain pathway, regulates descending pain pathways and is key in the emotional-affective components of pain. Few studies have investigated the pharmacology of limbic brain areas in pain models. Here we determined the actions of systemic tapentadol on right CeA neurones of animals with neuropathy and which component of tapentadol contributes to its effect. Neuronal responses to multimodal peripheral stimulation of animals with spinal nerve ligation or sham surgery were recorded before and after two doses of tapentadol. After the higher dose of tapentadol either naloxone or yohimbine were administered. Systemic tapentadol resulted in dose-dependent decrease in right CeA neuronal activity only in neuropathy. Both naloxone and yohimbine reversed this effect to an extent that was modality selective. The interactions of the components of tapentadol are not limited to the synergy between the MOR and α2-adrenoceptors seen at spinal levels, but are seen at this supraspinal site where suppression of responses may relate to the ability of the drug to alter affective components of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Gonçalves
- Neuroscience Physiology & Pharmacology, Medical Sciences Building, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Lauren V Friend
- Neuroscience Physiology & Pharmacology, Medical Sciences Building, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Anthony H Dickenson
- Neuroscience Physiology & Pharmacology, Medical Sciences Building, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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21
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Nettleship JE, Watson PJ, Rahman-Huq N, Fairall L, Posner MG, Upadhyay A, Reddivari Y, Chamberlain JMG, Kolstoe SE, Bagby S, Schwabe JWR, Owens RJ. Transient expression in HEK 293 cells: an alternative to E. coli for the production of secreted and intracellular mammalian proteins. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1258:209-22. [PMID: 25447866 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2205-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Transient transfection of human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293) enables the rapid and affordable lab-scale production of recombinant proteins. In this chapter protocols for the expression and purification of both secreted and intracellular proteins using transient expression in HEK 293 cells are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E Nettleship
- OPPF-UK, Research Complex at Harwell, R92 Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK,
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22
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Melemedjian OK, Tillu DV, Moy JK, Asiedu MN, Mandell EK, Ghosh S, Dussor G, Price TJ. Local translation and retrograde axonal transport of CREB regulates IL-6-induced nociceptive plasticity. Mol Pain 2014; 10:45. [PMID: 24993495 PMCID: PMC4091745 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-10-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation of genes by cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) is essential for the maintenance of long-term memory. Moreover, retrograde axonal trafficking of CREB in response to nerve growth factor (NGF) is critical for the survival of developing primary sensory neurons. We have previously demonstrated that hindpaw injection of interleukin-6 (IL-6) induces mechanical hypersensitivity and hyperalgesic priming that is prevented by the local injection of protein synthesis inhibitors. However, proteins that are locally synthesized that might lead to this effect have not been identified. We hypothesized that retrograde axonal trafficking of nascently synthesized CREB might link local, activity-dependent translation to nociceptive plasticity. To test this hypothesis, we determined if IL-6 enhances the expression of CREB and if it subsequently undergoes retrograde axonal transport. IL-6 treatment of sensory neurons in vitro caused an increase in CREB protein and in vivo treatment evoked an increase in CREB in the sciatic nerve consistent with retrograde transport. Importantly, co-injection of IL-6 with the methionine analogue azido-homoalanine (AHA), to assess nascently synthesized proteins, revealed an increase in CREB containing AHA in the sciatic nerve 2 hrs post injection, indicating retrograde transport of nascently synthesized CREB. Behaviorally, blockade of retrograde transport by disruption of microtubules or inhibition of dynein or intrathecal injection of cAMP response element (CRE) consensus sequence DNA oligonucleotides, which act as decoys for CREB DNA binding, prevented the development of IL-6-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and hyperalgesic priming. Consistent with previous studies in inflammatory models, intraplantar IL-6 enhanced the expression of BDNF in dorsal root ganglion (DRG). This effect was blocked by inhibition of retrograde axonal transport and by intrathecal CRE oligonucleotides. Collectively, these findings point to a novel mechanism of axonal translation and retrograde trafficking linking locally-generated signals to long-term nociceptive sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Theodore J Price
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona School of Medicine, Tucson, USA.
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23
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Zhang H, Neimanis S, Lopez-Garcia LA, Arencibia JM, Amon S, Stroba A, Zeuzem S, Proschak E, Stark H, Bauer AF, Busschots K, Jørgensen TJD, Engel M, Schulze JO, Biondi RM. Molecular mechanism of regulation of the atypical protein kinase C by N-terminal domains and an allosteric small compound. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:754-65. [PMID: 24836908 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinases play important regulatory roles in cells and organisms. Therefore, they are subject to specific and tight mechanisms of regulation that ultimately converge on the catalytic domain and allow the kinases to be activated or inhibited only upon the appropriate stimuli. AGC protein kinases have a pocket in the catalytic domain, the PDK1-interacting fragment (PIF)-pocket, which is a key mediator of the activation. We show here that helix αC within the PIF-pocket of atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) is the target of the interaction with its inhibitory N-terminal domains. We also provide structural evidence that the small compound PS315 is an allosteric inhibitor that binds to the PIF-pocket of aPKC. PS315 exploits the physiological dynamics of helix αC for its binding and allosteric inhibition. The results will support research on allosteric mechanisms and selective drug development efforts against PKC isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- Research Group PhosphoSites, Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sonja Neimanis
- Research Group PhosphoSites, Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Laura A Lopez-Garcia
- Research Group PhosphoSites, Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - José M Arencibia
- Research Group PhosphoSites, Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sabine Amon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Adriana Stroba
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Saarland, 66041 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Research Group PhosphoSites, Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ewgen Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Holger Stark
- Research Group PhosphoSites, Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Angelika F Bauer
- Research Group PhosphoSites, Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Katrien Busschots
- Research Group PhosphoSites, Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas J D Jørgensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Matthias Engel
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Saarland, 66041 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jörg O Schulze
- Research Group PhosphoSites, Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ricardo M Biondi
- Research Group PhosphoSites, Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
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24
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An K, Zhen C, Liu ZH, Zhao Q, Liu HP, Zhong XL, Huang WQ. Spinal protein kinase Mζ contributes to the maintenance of peripheral inflammation-primed persistent nociceptive sensitization after plantar incision. Eur J Pain 2014; 19:39-47. [PMID: 24782097 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) is correlated with preoperative pain status and amplification of central sensitization. Protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) is an essential substrate of the late long-term potentiation underlying central sensitization, which is one mechanism of pain memory formation. However, the potential contributions of spinal PKMζ to PPSP, a condition in which preoperative pain is prevalent, are not known. METHODS Here, a modified 'hyperalgesia priming' model was established to simulate the clinical situation. This model used intraplantar injections of carrageenan (Car) as priming stimuli to elicit persistent nociceptive sensitization after plantar incision in rats. Upon treatment with PKMζ inhibitor ZIP, Scr-ZIP or protein kinase Cs (PKCs) inhibitor NPC-15437, altered behaviour and spinal PKMζ/PKCs expression were observed. RESULTS A long-lasting hypersensitivity induced by Car-priming was identified and precipitated by subsequent plantar incision in this 'two-hit' paradigm. Post-treatment with ZIP, but not Scr-ZIP and NPC-15437, after the resolution of Car-priming selectively relieved hypersensitivity. In contrast, pre-priming NPC-15437 treatment only prevented Car-induced initial transient hyperalgesia. Immunoassays showed a significant decrease in spinal PKMζ expression after plantar incision with post-priming ZIP treatment as compared with Scr-ZIP and NPC-15437, but no notable differences in PKCs expression were observed. CONCLUSIONS Spinal PKCs solely contribute to the initial induction of persistent pain, whereas PKMζ plays an essential role in spinal plasticity storage. PKMζ is responsible for the maintenance of peripheral inflammation-primed PPSP. Therefore, spinal PKMζ may be a therapeutic target to prevent surgery-induced chronic pain in patients with preoperative pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- K An
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Perry AS, Furusato B, Nagle RB, Ghosh S. Increased aPKC Expression Correlates with Prostatic Adenocarcinoma Gleason Score and Tumor Stage in the Japanese Population. Prostate Cancer 2014; 2014:481697. [PMID: 24868468 PMCID: PMC4020167 DOI: 10.1155/2014/481697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Levels of the protein kinase aPKC have been previously correlated with prostate cancer prognosis in a British cohort. However, prostate cancer incidence and progression rates, as well as genetic changes in this disease, show strong ethnic variance, particularly in Asian populations. Objective. The aim of this study was to validate association of aPKC expression with prostatic adenocarcinoma stages in a Japanese cohort. Methods. Tissue microarrays consisting of 142 malignant prostate cancer cases and 21 benign prostate tissues were subject to immunohistological staining for aPKC. aPKC staining intensity was scored by three independent pathologists and categorized as absent (0), dim (1+), intermediate (2+), and bright (3+). aPKC staining intensities were correlated with Gleason score and tumor stage. Results. Increased aPKC staining was observed in malignant prostate cancer, in comparison to benign tissue. Additionally, aPKC staining levels correlated with Gleason score and tumor stage. Our results extend the association of aPKC with prostate cancer to a Japanese population and establish the suitability of aPKC as a universal prostate cancer biomarker that performs consistently across ethnicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S. Perry
- Department of Pathology, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
| | - Bungo Furusato
- Department of Pathology, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Raymond B. Nagle
- Department of Pathology, The University of Arizona and Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724-5044, USA
| | - Sourav Ghosh
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona and Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724-5044, USA
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26
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Hernández AI, Oxberry WC, Crary JF, Mirra SS, Sacktor TC. Cellular and subcellular localization of PKMζ. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 369:20130140. [PMID: 24298142 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to protein kinases that participate in long-term potentiation (LTP) induction and memory consolidation, the autonomously active atypical protein kinase C isoform, protein kinase Mzeta (PKMζ), functions in the core molecular mechanism of LTP maintenance and long-term memory storage. Here, using multiple complementary techniques for light and electron microscopic immunolocalization, we present the first detailed characterization of the cellular and subcellular distribution of PKMζ in rat hippocampus and neocortex. We find that PKMζ is widely expressed in forebrain with prominent immunostaining in hippocampal and neocortical grey matter, and weak label in white matter. In hippocampal and cortical pyramidal cells, PKMζ expression is predominantly somatodendritic, and electron microscopy highlights the kinase at postsynaptic densities and in clusters within spines. In addition, nuclear label and striking punctate immunopositive structures in a paranuclear and dendritic distribution are seen by confocal microscopy, occasionally at dendritic bifurcations. PKMζ immunoreactive granules are observed by electron microscopy in cell bodies and dendrites, including endoplasmic reticulum. The widespread distribution of PKMζ in nuclei, nucleoli and endoplasmic reticulum suggests potential roles of this kinase in cell-wide mechanisms involving gene expression, biogenesis of ribosomes and new protein synthesis. The localization of PKMζ within postsynaptic densities and spines suggests sites where the kinase stores information during LTP maintenance and long-term memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Iván Hernández
- Department of Pathology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, , Brooklyn, NY, USA
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27
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Zhuo M. Long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex and chronic pain. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 369:20130146. [PMID: 24298148 PMCID: PMC3843878 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the primary excitatory transmitter of sensory transmission and perception in the central nervous system. Painful or noxious stimuli from the periphery ‘teach’ humans and animals to avoid potentially dangerous objects or environments, whereas tissue injury itself causes unnecessary chronic pain that can even last for long periods of time. Conventional pain medicines often fail to control chronic pain. Recent neurobiological studies suggest that synaptic plasticity taking place in sensory pathways, from spinal dorsal horn to cortical areas, contributes to chronic pain. Injuries trigger long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn and anterior cingulate cortex, and such persistent potentiation does not require continuous neuronal activity from the periphery. At the synaptic level, potentiation of excitatory transmission caused by injuries may be mediated by the enhancement of glutamate release from presynaptic terminals and potentiated postsynaptic responses of AMPA receptors. Preventing, ‘erasing’ or reducing such potentiation may serve as a new mechanism to inhibit chronic pain in patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Life Science, Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, , Xi'an 710049, People's Republic of China
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28
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Khodorova A, Nicol GD, Strichartz G. The p75NTR signaling cascade mediates mechanical hyperalgesia induced by nerve growth factor injected into the rat hind paw. Neuroscience 2013; 254:312-23. [PMID: 24095693 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) augments the excitability of isolated rat sensory neurons through activation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)) and its downstream sphingomyelin signaling cascade, wherein neutral sphingomyelinase(s) (nSMase), ceramide, and the atypical protein-kinase C (aPKC), protein-kinase M zeta (PKMζ), are key mediators. Here we examined these same receptor-pathways in vivo for their role in mechanical hyperalgesia from exogenous NGF. Mechanical sensitivity was tested by the number of paw withdrawals in response to 10 stimuli (PWF=n/10) by a 4-g von Frey hair (VFH, testing "allodynia") and by 10 and 15g VFHs (testing "hyperalgesia"). NGF (500ng/10μL) injected into the male rat's plantar hind paw induced long-lasting ipsilateral mechanical hypersensitivity. Mechano-hypersensitivity, relative to baseline responses and to those of the contralateral paw, developed by 0.5-1.5h and remained elevated at least for 21-24h, Acute intraplantar pre-treatment with nSMase inhibitors, glutathione (GSH) or GW4869, prevented the acute hyperalgesia from NGF (at 1.5h) but not that at 24h. A single injection of N-acetyl sphingosine (C2-ceramide), simulating the ceramide produced by nSMase activity, induced ipsilateral allodynia that persisted for 24h, and transient hyperalgesia that resolved by 2h. Intraplantar injection of hydrolysis-resistant mPro-NGF, selective for the p75(NTR) over the tyrosine kinase (TrkA) receptor, gave very similar results to NGF and was susceptible to the same inhibitors. Hyperalgesia from both NGF and mPro-NGF was prevented by paw pre-injection with blocking antibodies to rat p75(NTR) receptor. Finally, intraplantar (1day before NGF) injection of mPSI, the myristolated pseudosubstrate inhibitor of PKCζ/PKMζ, decreased the hyperalgesia resulting from NGF or C2-ceramide, although scrambled mPSI was ineffective. The findings indicate that mechano-hypersensitivity from peripheral NGF involves the sphingomyelin signaling cascade activated via p75(NTR), and that a peripheral aPKC is essential for this sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Khodorova
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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29
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Abstract
Pain is an intricate phenomenon composed of not only sensory-discriminative aspects but also of emotional, cognitive, motivational, and affective components. There has been ample evidence for the existence of an extensive cortical network associated with pain processing over the last few decades. This network includes the anterior cingulate cortex, forebrain, insular cortex, ventrolateral orbital cortex, somatosensory cortex, occipital cortex, retrosplenial cortex, motor cortex, and prefrontal cortex. Diverse neurotransmitters participate in the cortical circuits associated with pain processing, including glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and opioids. This work examines recent rodent studies about cortical modulation of pain, mainly at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel C Quintero
- Florida State University - Panama, Neuroscience, Republic of Panama; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), Balboa, Republic of Panama
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Melemedjian OK, Tillu DV, Asiedu MN, Mandell EK, Moy JK, Blute VM, Taylor CJ, Ghosh S, Price TJ. BDNF regulates atypical PKC at spinal synapses to initiate and maintain a centralized chronic pain state. Mol Pain 2013; 9:12. [PMID: 23510079 PMCID: PMC3608966 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-9-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic pain is an important medical problem affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Mechanisms underlying the maintenance of chronic pain states are poorly understood but the elucidation of such mechanisms have the potential to reveal novel therapeutics capable of reversing a chronic pain state. We have recently shown that the maintenance of a chronic pain state is dependent on an atypical PKC, PKMζ, but the mechanisms involved in controlling PKMζ in chronic pain are completely unknown. Here we have tested the hypothesis that brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates PKMζ, and possibly other aPKCs, to maintain a centralized chronic pain state. Results We first demonstrate that although other kinases play a role in the initiation of persistent nociceptive sensitization, they are not involved in the maintenance of this chronic pain state indicating that a ZIP-reversible process is responsible for the maintenance of persistent sensitization. We further show that BDNF plays a critical role in initiating and maintaining persistent nociceptive sensitization and that this occurs via a ZIP-reversible process. Moreover, at spinal synapses, BDNF controls PKMζ and PKCλ nascent synthesis via mTORC1 and BDNF enhances PKMζ phosphorylaton. Finally, we show that BDNF signaling to PKMζ and PKCλ is conserved across CNS synapses demonstrating molecular links between pain and memory mechanisms. Conclusions Hence, BDNF is a key regulator of aPKC synthesis and phosphorylation and an essential mediator of the maintenance of a centralized chronic pain state. These findings point to BDNF regulation of aPKC as a potential therapeutic target for the permanent reversal of a chronic pain state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohannes K Melemedjian
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona School of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
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