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Chichorro JG, Gambeta E, Baggio DF, Zamponi GW. Voltage-gated Calcium Channels as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Migraine. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104514. [PMID: 38522594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Migraine is a complex and highly incapacitating neurological disorder that affects around 15% of the general population with greater incidence in women, often at the most productive age of life. Migraine physiopathology is still not fully understood, but it involves multiple mediators and events in the trigeminovascular system and the central nervous system. The identification of calcitonin gene-related peptide as a key mediator in migraine physiopathology has led to the development of effective and highly selective antimigraine therapies. However, this treatment is neither accessible nor effective for all migraine sufferers. Thus, a better understanding of migraine mechanisms and the identification of potential targets are still clearly warranted. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are widely distributed in the trigeminovascular system, and there is accumulating evidence of their contribution to the mechanisms associated with headache pain. Several drugs used in migraine abortive or prophylactic treatment target VGCCs, which probably contributes to their analgesic effect. This review aims to summarize the current evidence of VGGC contribution to migraine physiopathology and to discuss how current pharmacological options for migraine treatment interfere with VGGC function. PERSPECTIVE: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) represents a major migraine mediator, but few studies have investigated the relationship between CGRP and VGCCs. CGRP release is calcium channel-dependent and VGGCs are key players in familial migraine. Further studies are needed to determine whether VGCCs are suitable molecular targets for treating migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana G Chichorro
- Biological Sciences Sector, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Eder Gambeta
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Darciane F Baggio
- Biological Sciences Sector, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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2
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Zhang W, Zhang X, Lei M, Zhang D, Qin G, Zhou J, Ji L, Chen L. Dopamine D2 Receptor Activation Blocks GluA2/ROS Positive Feedback Loop to Alienate Chronic-Migraine-Associated Pain Sensitization. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:725. [PMID: 38929165 PMCID: PMC11201052 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic migraine is a disabling disorder without effective therapeutic medicine. AMPA receptors have been proven to be essential to pathological pain and headaches, but the related regulatory mechanisms in chronic migraine have not yet been explored. In this study, we found that the level of surface GluA2 was reduced in chronic migraine rats. Tat-GluR23Y (a GluA2 endocytosis inhibitor) reduced calcium inward flow and weakened synaptic structures, thus alleviating migraine-like pain sensitization. In addition, the inhibition of GluA2 endocytosis reduced the calcium influx and alleviated mitochondrial calcium overload and ROS generation in primary neurons. Furthermore, our results showed that ROS can induce allodynia and GluA2 endocytosis in rats, thus promoting migraine-like pain sensitization. In our previous study, the dopamine D2 receptor was identified as a potential target in the treatment of chronic migraine, and here we found that dopamine D2 receptor activation suppressed chronic-migraine-related pain sensitization through blocking the GluA2/ROS positive feedback loop in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, ligustrazine, a core component of ligusticum chuanxiong, was shown to target the dopamine D2 receptor, thereby alleviating ROS production and abnormal nociception in CM rats. This study provides valuable insight into the treatment of chronic migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (W.Z.); (G.Q.)
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ming Lei
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (W.Z.); (G.Q.)
| | - Dunke Zhang
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (W.Z.); (G.Q.)
| | - Guangcheng Qin
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (W.Z.); (G.Q.)
| | - Jiying Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Lichun Ji
- Department of Respiration, The Thirteenth People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lixue Chen
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (W.Z.); (G.Q.)
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3
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Cai H, Chen S, Sun Y, Zheng T, Liu Y, Tao J, Zhang Y. Interleukin-22 receptor 1-mediated stimulation of T-type Ca 2+ channels enhances sensory neuronal excitability through the tyrosine-protein kinase Lyn-dependent PKA pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:307. [PMID: 38831315 PMCID: PMC11145867 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01688-6] [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: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin 24 (IL-24) has been implicated in the nociceptive signaling. However, direct evidence and the precise molecular mechanism underlying IL-24's role in peripheral nociception remain unclear. METHODS Using patch clamp recording, molecular biological analysis, immunofluorescence labeling, siRNA-mediated knockdown approach and behavior tests, we elucidated the effects of IL-24 on sensory neuronal excitability and peripheral pain sensitivity mediated by T-type Ca2+ channels (T-type channels). RESULTS IL-24 enhances T-type channel currents (T-currents) in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons in a reversible and dose-dependent manner, primarily by activating the interleukin-22 receptor 1 (IL-22R1). Furthermore, we found that the IL-24-induced T-type channel response is mediated through tyrosine-protein kinase Lyn, but not its common downstream target JAK1. IL-24 application significantly activated protein kinase A; this effect was independent of cAMP and prevented by Lyn antagonism. Inhibition of PKA prevented the IL-24-induced T-current response, whereas inhibition of protein kinase C or MAPK kinases had no effect. Functionally, IL-24 increased TG neuronal excitability and enhanced pain sensitivity to mechanical stimuli in mice, both of which were suppressed by blocking T-type channels. In a trigeminal neuropathic pain model induced by chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve, inhibiting IL-22R1 signaling alleviated mechanical allodynia, which was reversed by blocking T-type channels or knocking down Cav3.2. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal that IL-24 enhances T-currents by stimulating IL-22R1 coupled to Lyn-dependent PKA signaling, leading to TG neuronal hyperexcitability and pain hypersensitivity. Understanding the mechanism of IL-24/IL-22R1 signaling in sensory neurons may pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies in pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Cai
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P.R. China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P.R. China
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P.R. China
| | - Yufang Sun
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P.R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P.R. China
| | - Yulu Liu
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P.R. China
| | - Jin Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P.R. China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P.R. China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P.R. China.
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P.R. China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P.R. China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P.R. China.
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Jmel H, Boukhalfa W, Gouiza I, Seghaier RO, Dallali H, Kefi R. Pharmacogenetic landscape of pain management variants among Mediterranean populations. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1380613. [PMID: 38813106 PMCID: PMC11134176 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1380613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic pain is a major socioeconomic burden in the Mediterranean region. However, we noticed an under-representation of these populations in the pharmacogenetics of pain management studies. In this context, we aimed 1) to decipher the pharmacogenetic variant landscape among Mediterranean populations compared to worldwide populations in order to identify therapeutic biomarkers for personalized pain management and 2) to better understand the biological process of pain management through in silico investigation of pharmacogenes pathways. Materials and Methods We collected genes and variants implicated in pain response using the Prisma guidelines from literature and PharmGK database. Next, we extracted these genes from genotyping data of 829 individuals. Then, we determined the variant distribution among the studied populations using multivariate (MDS) and admixture analysis with R and STRUCTURE software. We conducted a Chi2 test to compare the interethnic frequencies of the identified variants. We used SNPinfo web server, miRdSNP database to identify miRNA-binding sites. In addition, we investigated the functions of the identified genes and variants using pathway enrichment analysis and annotation tools. Finally, we performed docking analysis to assess the impact of variations on drug interactions. Results We identified 63 variants implicated in pain management. MDS analysis revealed that Mediterranean populations are genetically similar to Mexican populations and divergent from other populations. STRUCTURE analysis showed that Mediterranean populations are mainly composed of European ancestry. We highlighted differences in the minor allele frequencies of three variants (rs633, rs4680, and rs165728) located in the COMT gene. Moreover, variant annotation revealed ten variants with potential miRNA-binding sites. Finally, protein structure and docking analysis revealed that two missense variants (rs4680 and rs6267) induced a decrease in COMT protein activity and affinity for dopamine. Conclusion Our findings revealed that Mediterranean populations diverge from other ethnic groups. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of pain-related pathways and miRNAs to better implement these markers as predictors of analgesic responses in the Mediterranean region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Jmel
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Genetic Typing Service, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wided Boukhalfa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Genetic Typing Service, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ismail Gouiza
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Genetic Typing Service, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- MitoLab Team, Unité MitoVasc, Unité Mixte de Recherche Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1083, SFR ICAT, University of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Roua Ouled Seghaier
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamza Dallali
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Genetic Typing Service, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rym Kefi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Genetic Typing Service, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Antunes FTT, Huang S, Chen L, Zamponi GW. Effect of ABT-639 on Cav3.2 channel activity and its analgesic actions in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176416. [PMID: 38342359 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels are important targets for pain relief in rodent models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Even though many T-type channel blockers have been tested in mice, only one molecule, ABT-639, has been tested in phase II clinical studies and did not produce analgesic effects over placebo. Here we examined the effects of ABT-639 on Cav3.2 channel activity in tsA-201 cells and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, in comparison with another established Cav3.2 inhibitor Z944. These experiments revealed that Z944 mediated ∼100-fold more potent inhibition of Cav3.2 currents than ABT-639, with the latter blocking channel activity by less than 15 percent when applied at a concentration of 30 μM. A slight increase in ABT-639 potency was observed at more depolarized holding potentials, suggesting that this compound may act preferentially on inactivated channels. We tested the effects of both compounds in the Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) model of chronic inflammatory pain, and in partial sciatic nerve injury model of neuropathic pain in mice. In the neuropathic pain model, both Z944 and ABT-639 reversed mechanical hypersensitivity to similar degrees when delivered systemically, but remarkably, when delivered intrathecally, only Z944 was effective. In the CFA model, both compounds reversed thermal hyperalgesia upon systemic delivery, but only Z944 mediated pain relief upon intrathecal delivery, indicating that ABT-639 acts primarily at peripheral sites. ABT-639 lost its analgesic effects in CFA treated Cav3.2 null mice, indicating that these channels are essential for ABT-639-mediated pain relief despite its poor inhibition of Cav3.2 currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sun Huang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Calgary, Canada
| | - Lina Chen
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Calgary, Canada
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Calgary, Canada.
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Leandrou E, Chalatsa I, Anagnostou D, Machalia C, Semitekolou M, Filippa V, Makridakis M, Vlahou A, Anastasiadou E, Vekrellis K, Emmanouilidou E. α-Synuclein oligomers potentiate neuroinflammatory NF-κB activity and induce Ca v3.2 calcium signaling in astrocytes. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:11. [PMID: 38378800 PMCID: PMC10880263 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00401-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is now realized that Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology extends beyond the substantia nigra, affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems, and exhibits a variety of non-motor symptoms often preceding motor features. Neuroinflammation induced by activated microglia and astrocytes is thought to underlie these manifestations. α-Synuclein aggregation has been linked with sustained neuroinflammation in PD, aggravating neuronal degeneration; however, there is still a lack of critical information about the structural identity of the α-synuclein conformers that activate microglia and/or astrocytes and the molecular pathways involved. METHODS To investigate the role of α-synuclein conformers in the development and maintenance of neuroinflammation, we used primary quiescent microglia and astrocytes, post-mortem brain tissues from PD patients and A53T α-synuclein transgenic mice that recapitulate key features of PD-related inflammatory responses in the absence of cell death, i.e., increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and complement proteins. Biochemical and -omics techniques including RNAseq and secretomic analyses, combined with 3D reconstruction of individual astrocytes and live calcium imaging, were used to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying glial responses in the presence of α-synuclein oligomers in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS We found that the presence of SDS-resistant hyper-phosphorylated α-synuclein oligomers, but not monomers, was correlated with sustained inflammatory responses, such as elevated levels of endogenous antibodies and cytokines and microglial activation. Similar oligomeric α-synuclein species were found in post-mortem human brain samples of PD patients but not control individuals. Detailed analysis revealed a decrease in Iba1Low/CD68Low microglia and robust alterations in astrocyte number and morphology including process retraction. Our data indicated an activation of the p38/ATF2 signaling pathway mostly in microglia and a sustained induction of the NF-κB pathway in astrocytes of A53T mice. The sustained NF-κB activity triggered the upregulation of astrocytic T-type Cav3.2 Ca2+ channels, altering the astrocytic secretome and promoting the secretion of IGFBPL1, an IGF-1 binding protein with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential. CONCLUSIONS Our work supports a causative link between the neuron-produced α-synuclein oligomers and sustained neuroinflammation in vivo and maps the signaling pathways that are stimulated in microglia and astrocytes. It also highlights the recruitment of astrocytic Cav3.2 channels as a potential neuroprotective mediator against the α-synuclein-induced neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouela Leandrou
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15772, Athens, Greece
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Chalatsa
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15772, Athens, Greece
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Anagnostou
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15772, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Machalia
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15772, Athens, Greece
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Semitekolou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vicky Filippa
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Manousos Makridakis
- Center for Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonia Vlahou
- Center for Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Ema Anastasiadou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Vekrellis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Emmanouilidou
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 15772, Athens, Greece.
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Soranou Efesiou 4, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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Estivill-Torrús G, Martínez-Padilla AB, Sánchez-Salido L, Evercooren ABV, García-Díaz B. The dorsal root ganglion as a target for neurorestoration in neuropathic pain. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:296-301. [PMID: 37488881 PMCID: PMC10503598 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.374655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a severe and chronic condition widely found in the general population. The reason for this is the extensive variety of damage or diseases that can spark this unpleasant constant feeling in patients. During the processing of pain, the dorsal root ganglia constitute an important region where dorsal root ganglion neurons play a crucial role in the transmission and propagation of sensory electrical stimulation. Furthermore, the dorsal root ganglia have recently exhibited a regenerative capacity that should not be neglected in the understanding of the development and resolution of neuropathic pain and in the elucidation of innovative therapies. Here, we will review the complex interplay between cells (satellite glial cells and inflammatory cells) and factors (cytokines, neurotrophic factors and genetic factors) that takes place within the dorsal root ganglia and accounts for the generation of the aberrant excitation of primary sensory neurons occurring in neuropathic pain. More importantly, we will summarize an updated view of the current pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies targeting the dorsal root ganglia for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Estivill-Torrús
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Unidad Clínica de Neurociencias, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Lourdes Sánchez-Salido
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Unidad Clínica de Neurociencias, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Anne Baron-Van Evercooren
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute-ICM, INSERM, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Beatriz García-Díaz
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, Spain
- Unidad Clínica de Neurociencias, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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8
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Li AH, Kuo YY, Yang SB, Chen PC. Central Channelopathies in Obesity. CHINESE J PHYSIOL 2024; 67:15-26. [PMID: 38780269 DOI: 10.4103/ejpi.ejpi-d-23-00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As obesity has raised heightening awareness, researchers have attempted to identify potential targets that can be treated for therapeutic intervention. Focusing on the central nervous system (CNS), the key organ in maintaining energy balance, a plethora of ion channels that are expressed in the CNS have been inspected and determined through manipulation in different hypothalamic neural subpopulations for their roles in fine-tuning neuronal activity on energy state alterations, possibly acting as metabolic sensors. However, a remaining gap persists between human clinical investigations and mouse studies. Despite having delineated the pathways and mechanisms of how the mouse study-identified ion channels modulate energy homeostasis, only a few targets overlap with the obesity-related risk genes extracted from human genome-wide association studies. Here, we present the most recently discovered CNS-specific metabolism-correlated ion channels using reverse and forward genetics approaches in mice and humans, respectively, in the hope of illuminating the prospects for future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Hsu Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ying Kuo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Bing Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chun Chen
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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9
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Cathenaut L, Schlichter R, Hugel S. Short-term plasticity in the spinal nociceptive system. Pain 2023; 164:2411-2424. [PMID: 37578501 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Somatosensory information is delivered to neuronal networks of the dorsal horn (DH) of the spinal cord by the axons of primary afferent neurons that encode the intensity of peripheral sensory stimuli under the form of a code based on the frequency of action potential firing. The efficient processing of these messages within the DH involves frequency-tuned synapses, a phenomenon linked to their ability to display activity-dependent forms of short-term plasticity (STP). By affecting differently excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmissions, these STP properties allow a powerful gain control in DH neuronal networks that may be critical for the integration of nociceptive messages before they are forwarded to the brain, where they may be ultimately interpreted as pain. Moreover, these STPs can be finely modulated by endogenous signaling molecules, such as neurosteroids, adenosine, or GABA. The STP properties of DH inhibitory synapses might also, at least in part, participate in the pain-relieving effect of nonpharmacological analgesic procedures, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electroacupuncture, or spinal cord stimulation. The properties of target-specific STP at inhibitory DH synapses and their possible contribution to electrical stimulation-induced reduction of hyperalgesic and allodynic states in chronic pain will be reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lou Cathenaut
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
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10
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Yang S, Luo Y, Zhou D, Xiang J, Xi X. RNA 5-Methylcytosine regulators are associated with cell adhesion and predict prognosis of endometrial cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:2556-2571. [PMID: 37969377 PMCID: PMC10643971 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background RNA methylation is a significant form of post-transcriptional modification that has been implicated in various diseases, including cancers. One prominent type of RNA methylation is 5-Methylcytosine (m5C), which primarily regulates RNA stability, transcription, and translation. However, the role of m5C-related gene regulation in cell adhesion within uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) remains unexplored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between RNA m5C methylation and UCEC and develop a prognostic predictive model to forecast survival outcomes in UCEC patients. Methods The RNA datasets were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The dataset was used to explore the interaction relationships of m5C regulators in UCEC. Unsupervised clustering analysis identified clusters with distinct m5C modification patterns. Different clusters underwent Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment level analysis to investigate the effects of pathways related to m5C methylation, which were further validated through in vitro cellular experiments. A prognostic predictive model was developed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate regression analysis. Results Two clusters with distinct m5C modification patterns were identified using unsupervised cluster analysis. Furthermore, the prognosis of cluster 2 was found to be worse. Enrichment analysis showed alterations in cell adhesion-related pathways in both clusters, as well as differences between the clusters. Through this analysis, we identified 25 genes with significant prognostic value. Finally, a prognostic predictive model comprising NSUN2 and YBX1 was constructed. Conclusions In conclusion, diverse m5C modification patterns display distinct cell adhesion properties in UCEC, which are correlated with prognosis and offer significant potential as prognostic markers for UCEC assessment. We developed a prognostic predictive model to accurately predict the prognosis of UCEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimin Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Luo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangdong Xiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Xi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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11
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Chang YW, Chen YC, Chen CC. Identification of Novel Targeting Sites of Calcineurin and CaMKII in Human Ca V3.2 T-Type Calcium Channel. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2891. [PMID: 38001892 PMCID: PMC10669385 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Cav3.2 T-type calcium channel is implicated in various pathological conditions, including cardiac hypertrophy, epilepsy, autism, and chronic pain. Phosphorylation of Cav3.2 by multiple kinases plays a pivotal role in regulating its calcium channel function. The calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase, calcineurin, interacts physically with Cav3.2 and modulates its activity. However, it remains unclear whether calcineurin dephosphorylates Cav3.2, the specific spatial regions on Cav3.2 involved, and the extent of the quantitative impact. In this study, we elucidated the serine/threonine residues on Cav3.2 targeted by calcineurin using quantitative mass spectrometry. We identified six serine residues in the N-terminus, II-III loop, and C-terminus of Cav3.2 that were dephosphorylated by calcineurin. Notably, a higher level of dephosphorylation was observed in the Cav3.2 C-terminus, where calcineurin binds to this channel. Additionally, a previously known CaMKII-phosphorylated site, S1198, was found to be dephosphorylated by calcineurin. Furthermore, we also discovered that a novel CaMKII-phosphorylated site, S2137, underwent dephosphorylation by calcineurin. In CAD cells, a mouse central nervous system cell line, membrane depolarization led to an increase in the phosphorylation of endogenous Cav3.2 at S2137. Mutation of S2137 affected the calcium channel function of Cav3.2. Our findings advance the understanding of Cav3.2 regulation not only through kinase phosphorylation but also via calcineurin phosphatase dephosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wang Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan;
| | | | - Chien-Chang Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan;
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12
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Liu Q, Lu Z, Ren H, Fu L, Wang Y, Bu H, Ma M, Ma L, Huang C, Wang J, Zang W, Cao J, Fan X. Cav3.2 T-Type calcium channels downregulation attenuates bone cancer pain induced by inhibiting IGF-1/HIF-1α signaling pathway in the rat spinal cord. J Bone Oncol 2023; 42:100495. [PMID: 37583441 PMCID: PMC10423893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2023.100495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bone cancer pain (BCP) is one of the most ubiquitous and refractory symptoms of cancer patients that needs to be urgently addressed. Substantial studies have revealed the pivotal role of Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels in chronic pain, however, its involvement in BCP and the specific molecular mechanism have not been fully elucidated. Methods The expression levels of Cav3.2, insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were detected by Western blot in tissues and cells. X-ray and Micro CT used to detect bone destruction in rats. Immunofluorescence was used to detect protein expression and spatial location in the spinal dorsal horn. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay used to verify the interaction between HIF-1α and Cav3.2. Results The results showed that the expression of Cav3.2 channel was upregulated and blockade of this channel alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP rats. Additionally, inhibition of IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling not only reversed the BCP-induced upregulation of Cav3.2 and HIF-1α, but also decreased nociceptive hypersensitivity in BCP rats. Inhibition of IGF-1 increased Cav3.2 expression levels, which were abolished by pretreatment with HIF-1α siRNA in PC12 cells. Furthermore, nuclear HIF-1α bound to the promoter of Cav3.2 to regulate the Cav3.2 transcription level, and knockdown of HIF-1α suppresses the IGF-1-induced upregulation of Cav3.2 and pain behaviors in rats with BCP. Conclusion These findings suggest that spinal Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels play a central role during the development of bone cancer pain in rats via regulation of the IGF-1/IGF-1R/HIF-1α pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingying Liu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhongyuan Lu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Huan Ren
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Lijun Fu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yueliang Wang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Huilian Bu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Minyu Ma
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Letian Ma
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
| | - Xiaochong Fan
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
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13
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Liu H, Lauzadis J, Gunaratna K, Sipple E, Kaczocha M, Puopolo M. Inhibition of T-Type Calcium Channels With TTA-P2 Reduces Chronic Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1681-1695. [PMID: 37169156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced neuropathic pain (SCI-NP) develops in up to 60 to 70% of people affected by traumatic SCI, leading to a major decline in quality of life and increased risk for depression, anxiety, and addiction. Gabapentin and pregabalin, together with antidepressant drugs, are commonly prescribed to treat SCI-NP, but their efficacy is unsatisfactory. The limited efficacy of current pharmacological treatments for SCI-NP likely reflects our limited knowledge of the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for driving the maintenance of SCI-NP. The leading hypothesis in the field supports a major role for spontaneously active injured nociceptors in driving the maintenance of SCI-NP. Recent data from our laboratory provided additional support for this hypothesis and identified the T-type calcium channels as key players in driving the spontaneous activity of SCI-nociceptors, thus providing a rational pharmacological target to treat SCI-NP. To test whether T-type calcium channels contribute to the maintenance of SCI-NP, male and female SCI and sham rats were treated with TTA-P2 (a blocker of T-type calcium channels) to determine its effects on mechanical hypersensitivity (as measured with the von Frey filaments) and spontaneous ongoing pain (as measured with the conditioned place preference paradigm), and compared them to the effects of gabapentin, a blocker of high voltage-activated calcium channels. We found that both TTA-P2 and gabapentin reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in male and females SCI rats, but surprisingly only TTA-P2 reduced spontaneous ongoing pain in male SCI rats. PERSPECTIVES: SCI-induced neuropathic pain, and in particular the spontaneous ongoing pain component, is notoriously very difficult to treat. Our data provide evidence that inhibition of T-type calcium channels reduces spontaneous ongoing pain in SCI rats, supporting a clinically relevant role for T-type channels in the maintenance of SCI-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Justas Lauzadis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Kavindu Gunaratna
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Erin Sipple
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Michelino Puopolo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York.
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14
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Ivasiuk A, Matvieienko M, Kononenko NI, Duzhyy DE, Korogod SM, Voitenko N, Belan P. Diabetes-Induced Amplification of Nociceptive DRG Neuron Output by Upregulation of Somatic T-Type Ca 2+ Channels. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1320. [PMID: 37759720 PMCID: PMC10526307 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of pain symptoms in peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is associated with the upregulation of T-type Ca2+ channels (T-channels) in the soma of nociceptive DRG neurons. Moreover, a block of these channels in DRG neurons effectively reversed mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in animal diabetic models, indicating that T-channel functioning in these neurons is causally linked to PDN. However, no particular mechanisms relating the upregulation of T-channels in the soma of nociceptive DRG neurons to the pathological pain processing in PDN have been suggested. Here we have electrophysiologically identified voltage-gated currents expressed in nociceptive DRG neurons and developed a computation model of the neurons, including peripheral and central axons. Simulations showed substantially stronger sensitivity of neuronal excitability to diabetes-induced T-channel upregulation at the normal body temperature compared to the ambient one. We also found that upregulation of somatic T-channels, observed in these neurons under diabetic conditions, amplifies a single action potential invading the soma from the periphery into a burst of multiple action potentials further propagated to the end of the central axon. We have concluded that the somatic T-channel-dependent amplification of the peripheral nociceptive input to the spinal cord demonstrated in this work may underlie abnormal nociception at different stages of diabetes development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsentii Ivasiuk
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology of NAS of Ukraine, 01024 Kyiv, Ukraine; (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.I.K.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Maksym Matvieienko
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology of NAS of Ukraine, 01024 Kyiv, Ukraine; (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.I.K.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Nikolai I. Kononenko
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology of NAS of Ukraine, 01024 Kyiv, Ukraine; (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.I.K.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Dmytro E. Duzhyy
- Department of Sensory Signaling, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology of NAS of Ukraine, 01024 Kyiv, Ukraine;
| | - Sergiy M. Korogod
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology of NAS of Ukraine, 01024 Kyiv, Ukraine; (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.I.K.); (S.M.K.)
| | - Nana Voitenko
- Department of Biomedicine and Neuroscience, Kyiv Academic University of NAS of Ukraine, 03142 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Research Center, Dobrobut Academy Medical School, 03022 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Pavel Belan
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology of NAS of Ukraine, 01024 Kyiv, Ukraine; (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.I.K.); (S.M.K.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Neuroscience, Kyiv Academic University of NAS of Ukraine, 03142 Kyiv, Ukraine
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15
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Rangel-Galván M, Rangel-Galván V, Rangel-Huerta A. T-type calcium channel modulation by hydrogen sulfide in neuropathic pain conditions. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1212800. [PMID: 37529702 PMCID: PMC10387653 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1212800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain can appear as a direct or indirect nerve damage lesion or disease that affects the somatosensory nervous system. If the neurons are damaged or indirectly stimulated, immune cells contribute significantly to inflammatory and neuropathic pain. After nerve injury, peripheral macrophages/spinal microglia accumulate around damaged neurons, producing endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) through the cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) enzyme. H2S has a pronociceptive modulation on the Cav3.2 subtype, the predominant Cav3 isoform involved in pain processes. The present review provides relevant information about H2S modulation on the Cav3.2 T-type channels in neuropathic pain conditions. We have discussed that the dual effect of H2S on T-type channels is concentration-dependent, that is, an inhibitory effect is seen at low concentrations of 10 µM and an augmentation effect on T-current at 100 µM. The modulation mechanism of the Cav3.2 channel by H2S involves the direct participation of the redox/Zn2+ affinity site located in the His191 in the extracellular loop of domain I of the channel, involving a group of extracellular cysteines, comprising C114, C123, C128, and C1333, that can modify the local redox environment. The indirect interaction pathways involve the regulation of the Cav3.2 channel through cytokines, kinases, and post-translational regulators of channel expression. The findings conclude that the CSE/H2S/Cav3.2 pathway could be a promising therapeutic target for neuropathic pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricruz Rangel-Galván
- Biothecnology Department, Metropolitan Polytechnic University of Puebla, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Violeta Rangel-Galván
- Nursing and Physiotherapy Department, University of Professional Development, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Rangel-Huerta
- Faculty of Computer Science, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
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16
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Munikishore R, Liu R, Zhang S, Zhao QS, Nian Y, Zuo Z. Structurally modified Cyclovirobuxine-D Buxus alkaloids as effective analgesic agents through Ca v3.2 T-Type calcium channel inhibition. Bioorg Chem 2023; 135:106493. [PMID: 36996509 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Cyclovirobuxine-D (CVB-D) is a Buxus alkaloid and a major active constituent in the Chinese medicinal herb Buxus microphylls. Traditionally, the natural alkaloid cyclovirobuxine-D has a long history of use as a traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular diseases as well as to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. As we found that CVB-D inhibited T-type calcium channels, we designed and synthesized a variety of fragments and analogues and evaluated them for the first time as new Cav3.2 inhibitors. Compounds 2-7 exhibited potency against Cav 3.2 channels, and two of them were more active than their parent molecules. As a result of the in vivo experiments, both compounds 3 and 4 showed significantly reduced writhes in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. Studies of molecular modeling have identified possible mechanism(s) of Cav3.2 binding. Moreover, the relationship between structure and activity was studied in a preliminary manner. Our results indicated that compounds 3 and 4 could play an important role in the discovery and development of novel analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachakunta Munikishore
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China; Sadashiva Life Sciences, Research and Development Division, Navodaya Industrial Park, IDA Cherlapally, Hyderabad 500051, India
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuqun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin-Shi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yin Nian
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhili Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China.
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17
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de Maria Gadotti V, Antunes FTT, Zamponi GW. Analgesia by intrathecal delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is dependent on Cav3.2 calcium channels. Mol Brain 2023; 16:47. [PMID: 37231418 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is known to produce systemic analgesia that involves CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. However, there is compelling evidence that Δ9-THC can potently inhibit Cav3.2T-type calcium channels which are highly expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons and in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Here, we investigated whether spinal analgesia produced by Δ9-THC involves Cav3.2 channels vis a vis cannabinoid receptors. We show that spinally delivered Δ9-THC produced dose-dependent and long-lasting mechanical anti-hyperalgesia in neuropathic mice, and showed potent analgesic effects in models of inflammatory pain induced by formalin or Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) injection into the hind paw, with the latter showing no overt sex differences. The Δ9-THC mediated reversal of thermal hyperalgesia in the CFA model was abolished in Cav3.2 null mice, but was unaltered in CB1 and CB2 null animals. Hence, the analgesic effects of spinally delivered Δ9-THC are due to an action on T-type calcium channels, rather than activation of spinal cannabinoid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius de Maria Gadotti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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18
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Antunes FTT, Campos MM, Carvalho VDPR, da Silva Junior CA, Magno LAV, de Souza AH, Gomez MV. Current Drug Development Overview: Targeting Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels for the Treatment of Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119223. [PMID: 37298174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are targeted to treat pain conditions. Since the discovery of their relation to pain processing control, they are investigated to find new strategies for better pain control. This review provides an overview of naturally based and synthetic VGCC blockers, highlighting new evidence on the development of drugs focusing on the VGCC subtypes as well as mixed targets with pre-clinical and clinical analgesic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Maria Martha Campos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiz Alexandre Viana Magno
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (FCMMG), Belo Horizonte 30110-005, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Hubner de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (FCMMG), Belo Horizonte 30110-005, MG, Brazil
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19
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Alaklabi AM, Gambeta E, Zamponi GW. Electrophysiological characterization of a Ca V3.1 calcium channel mutation linked to trigeminal neuralgia. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:711-718. [PMID: 37010626 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02808-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare and debilitating disorder that affects one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve, leading to severe pain attacks and a poor quality of life. It has been reported that the CaV3.1 T-type calcium channel may play an important role in trigeminal pain and a recent study identified a new missense mutation in the CACNA1G gene that encodes the pore forming α1 subunit of the CaV3.1 calcium channel. The mutation leads to a substitution of an Arginine (R) by a Glutamine (Q) at position 706 in the I-II linker region of the channel. Here, we used whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings to evaluate the biophysical properties of CaV3.1 wild-type and R706Q mutant channels expressed in tsA-201 cells. Our data indicate an increase in current density in the R706Q mutant, leading to a gain-of-function effect, without changes in the voltage for half activation. Moreover, voltage clamp using an action potential waveform protocol revealed an increase in the tail current at the repolarization phase in the R706Q mutant. No changes were observed in the voltage-dependence of inactivation. However, the R706Q mutant displayed a faster recovery from inactivation. Hence, the gain-of-function effects in the R706Q CaV3.1 mutant have the propensity to impact pain transmission in the trigeminal system, consistent with a contribution to trigeminal neuralgia pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz M Alaklabi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eder Gambeta
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Ovsepian SV, Waxman SG. Gene therapy for chronic pain: emerging opportunities in target-rich peripheral nociceptors. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:252-265. [PMID: 36658346 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00673-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
With sweeping advances in precision delivery systems and manipulation of the genomes and transcriptomes of various cell types, medical biotechnology offers unprecedented selectivity for and control of a wide variety of biological processes, forging new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. This perspective summarizes state-of-the-art gene therapies enabled by recent innovations, with an emphasis on the expanding universe of molecular targets that govern the activity and function of primary sensory neurons and which might be exploited to effectively treat chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- School of Science, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, UK.
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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21
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Mallet C, Desmeules J, Pegahi R, Eschalier A. An Updated Review on the Metabolite (AM404)-Mediated Central Mechanism of Action of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): Experimental Evidence and Potential Clinical Impact. J Pain Res 2023; 16:1081-1094. [PMID: 37016715 PMCID: PMC10066900 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s393809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracetamol remains the recommended first-line option for mild-to-moderate acute pain in general population and particularly in vulnerable populations. Despite its wide use, debate exists regarding the analgesic mechanism of action (MoA) of paracetamol. A growing body of evidence challenged the notion that paracetamol exerts its analgesic effect through cyclooxygenase (COX)-dependent inhibitory effect. It is now more evident that paracetamol analgesia has multiple pathways and is mediated by the formation of the bioactive AM404 metabolite in the central nervous system (CNS). AM404 is a potent activator of TRPV1, a major contributor to neuronal response to pain in the brain and dorsal horn. In the periaqueductal grey, the bioactive metabolite AM404 activated the TRPV1 channel-mGlu5 receptor-PLC-DAGL-CB1 receptor signaling cascade. The present article provides a comprehensive literature review of the centrally located, COX-independent, analgesic MoA of paracetamol and relates how the current experimental evidence can be translated into clinical practice. The evidence discussed in this review established paracetamol as a central, COX-independent, antinociceptive medication that has a distinct MoA from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a more tolerable safety profile. With the establishment of the central MoA of paracetamol, we believe that paracetamol remains the preferred first-line option for mild-to-moderate acute pain for healthy adults, children, and patients with health concerns. However, safety concerns remain with the high dose of paracetamol due to the NAPQI-mediated liver necrosis. Centrally acting paracetamol/p-aminophenol derivatives could potentiate the analgesic effect of paracetamol without increasing the risk of hepatoxicity. Moreover, the specific central MoA of paracetamol allows its combination with other analgesics, including NSAIDs, with a different MoA. Future experiments to better explain the central actions of paracetamol could pave the way for discovering new central analgesics with a better benefit-to-risk ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Mallet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, NEURO-DOL Basics & Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jules Desmeules
- Faculty of Medicine and The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Alain Eschalier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, NEURO-DOL Basics & Clinical Pharmacology of Pain, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Correspondence: Alain Eschalier, Faculté de Médecine, UMR Neuro-Dol, 49 Bd François Mitterrand, Clermont-Ferrand, 63000, France, Email
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22
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Harding EK, Souza IA, Gandini MA, Gadotti VM, Ali MY, Huang S, Antunes FTT, Trang T, Zamponi GW. Differential regulation of Ca v 3.2 and Ca v 2.2 calcium channels by CB 1 receptors and cannabidiol. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:1616-1633. [PMID: 36647671 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cannabinoids are a promising therapeutic avenue for chronic pain. However, clinical trials often fail to report analgesic efficacy of cannabinoids. Inhibition of voltage gate calcium (Cav ) channels is one mechanism through which cannabinoids may produce analgesia. We hypothesized that cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptor agonists target different types of Cav channels through distinct mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Electrophysiological recordings from tsA-201 cells expressing either Cav 3.2 or Cav 2.2 were used to assess inhibition by HU-210 or cannabidiol (CBD) in the absence and presence of the CB1 receptor. Homology modelling assessed potential interaction sites for CBD in both Cav 2.2 and Cav 3.2. Analgesic effects of CBD were assessed in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. KEY RESULTS HU-210 (1 μM) inhibited Cav 2.2 function in the presence of CB1 receptor but had no effect on Cav 3.2 regardless of co-expression of CB1 receptor. By contrast, CBD (3 μM) produced no inhibition of Cav 2.2 and instead inhibited Cav 3.2 independently of CB1 receptors. Homology modelling supported these findings, indicating that CBD binds to and occludes the pore of Cav 3.2, but not Cav 2.2. Intrathecal CBD alleviated thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in both male and female mice, and this effect was absent in Cav 3.2 null mice. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings reveal differential modulation of Cav 2.2 and Cav 3.2 channels by CB1 receptors and CBD. This advances our understanding of how different cannabinoids produce analgesia through action at different voltage-gated calcium channels and could influence the development of novel cannabinoid-based therapeutics for treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika K Harding
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ivana A Souza
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Maria A Gandini
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Vinícius M Gadotti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Zymedyne Therapeutics, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Md Yousof Ali
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Zymedyne Therapeutics, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sun Huang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Flavia T T Antunes
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tuan Trang
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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23
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Tomita S, Sekiguchi F, Tsubota M, Kawabata A. Dietary Zinc Deficiency Induces Ca v3.2-Dependent Nociceptive Hypersensitivity in Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:1343-1346. [PMID: 37661413 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Cav3.2 channels belong to the T-type calcium channel (T-channel) family, i.e., low voltage-activated calcium channels, and are abundantly expressed in the nociceptors, playing a principal role in the development of pathological pain. The channel activity of Cav3.2 is suppressed by zinc under physiological conditions. We thus tested whether dietary zinc deficiency would cause Cav3.2-dependent nociceptive hypersensitivity in mice. In the mice fed with zinc deficient diet for 2 weeks, plasma zinc levels declined by more than half, and mechanical allodynia developed. The dietary zinc deficiency-induced allodynia was restored by T-channel inhibitors or by Cav3.2 gene silencing. These data demonstrate that zinc deficiency induces Cav3.2-dependent nociceptive hypersensitivity in mice, thereby suggesting that pain experienced by patients with diseases accompanied by zinc deficiency (e.g., chronic kidney disease) might involve the increased Cav3.2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Tomita
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University
| | - Fumiko Sekiguchi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University
| | - Maho Tsubota
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University
| | - Atsufumi Kawabata
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University
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24
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El Ghaleb Y, Flucher BE. Ca V3.3 Channelopathies. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 279:263-288. [PMID: 36592228 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_631] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CaV3.3 is the third member of the low-voltage-activated calcium channel family and the last to be recognized as disease gene. Previously, CACNA1I, the gene encoding CaV3.3, had been described as schizophrenia risk gene. More recently, de novo missense mutations in CACNA1I were identified in patients with variable degrees of neurodevelopmental disease with and without epilepsy. Their functional characterization indicated gain-of-function effects resulting in increased calcium load and hyperexcitability of neurons expressing CaV3.3. The amino acids mutated in the CaV3.3 disease variants are located in the vicinity of the channel's activation gate and thus are classified as gate-modifying channelopathy mutations. A persistent calcium leak during rest and prolonged calcium spikes due to increased voltage sensitivity of activation and slowed kinetics of channel inactivation, respectively, may be causal for the neurodevelopmental defects. The prominent expression of CaV3.3 in thalamic reticular nucleus neurons and its essential role in generating the rhythmic thalamocortical network activity are consistent with a role of the mutated channels in the etiology of epileptic seizures and thus suggest T-type channel blockers as a viable treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousra El Ghaleb
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard E Flucher
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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25
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Calderon-Rivera A, Gomez K, Loya-López S, Wijeratne EK, Stratton H, Tang C, Duran P, Masterson K, Alsbiei O, Gunatilaka AL, Khanna R. Betulinic acid analogs inhibit N- and T-type voltage-gated calcium channels to attenuate nerve-injury associated neuropathic and formalin models of pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 13:100116. [PMID: 36687466 PMCID: PMC9853350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, there has been a significant growth in the use of natural products, with approximately 80% of individuals using them for some aspect of primary healthcare. Our laboratories have identified and studied natural compounds with analgesic effects from dry land plants or their associated fungus during the past ten years. Here, we isolated and characterized thirteen betulin analogs and fifteen betulinic acid analogs for their capacity to prevent calcium influx brought on by depolarization in sensory neurons. The in vitro inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels by the top drugs was then assessed using whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology. In vivo experiments, conducted at two sites, evaluated the best compound in acute and tonic, neuropathic, inflammatory, post-operative and visceral models of pain. We found that the betulinic acid analog 8 inhibited calcium influx in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons by inhibiting N- (CaV2.2) and T- (CaV3) type voltage-gated calcium channels. Moreover, intrathecal delivery of analog 8 had analgesic activity in both spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain and acute and tonic pain induced by formalin. The results presented herein highlight the potential antinociceptive properties of betulinic acid analog 8 and set the stage for the development of novel non-opioid pain therapeutics based on the triterpenoid scaffold of betulinic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Calderon-Rivera
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Santiago Loya-López
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - E.M. Kithsiri Wijeratne
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Harrison Stratton
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Cheng Tang
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Paz Duran
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kyleigh Masterson
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Omar Alsbiei
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - A.A. Leslie Gunatilaka
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- NYU Pain Research Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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26
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Udoh M, Bladen C, Heblinski M, Luo JL, Janve VS, Anderson LL, McGregor IS, Arnold JC. The anticonvulsant phytocannabinoids CBGVA and CBDVA inhibit recombinant T-type channels. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1048259. [PMID: 36386164 PMCID: PMC9664070 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1048259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) has been clinically approved for intractable epilepsies, offering hope that novel anticonvulsants in the phytocannabinoid class might be developed. Looking beyond CBD, we have recently reported that a series of biosynthetic precursor molecules found in cannabis display anticonvulsant properties. However, information on the pharmacological activities of these compounds on CNS drug targets is limited. The current study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by investigating whether anticonvulsant phytocannabinoids affect T-type calcium channels, which are known to modulate neuronal excitability, and may be relevant to the anti-seizure effects of this class of compounds. Materials and methods: A fluorescence-based assay was used to screen the ability of the phytocannabinoids to inhibit human T-type calcium channels overexpressed in HEK-293 cells. A subset of compounds was further examined using patch-clamp electrophysiology. Alphascreen technology was used to characterise selected compounds against G-protein coupled-receptor 55 (GPR55) overexpressed in HEK-293 cells, as GPR55 is another target of the phytocannabinoids. Results: A single 10 µM concentration screen in the fluorescence-based assay showed that phytocannabinoids inhibited T-type channels with substantial effects on Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 channels compared to the Cav3.3 channel. The anticonvulsant phytocannabinoids cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA) and cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA) had the greatest magnitudes of effect (≥80% inhibition against Cav3.1 and Cav3.2), so were fully characterized in concentration-response studies. CBGVA and CBDVA had IC50 values of 6 μM and 2 µM on Cav3.1 channels; 2 μM and 11 µM on Cav3.2 channels, respectively. Biophysical studies at Cav3.1 showed that CBGVA caused a hyperpolarisation shift of steady-state inhibition. Both CBGVA and CBDVA had a use-dependent effect and preferentially inhibited Cav3.1 current in a slow inactivated state. CBGVA and CBDVA were also shown to antagonise GPR55. Conclusion and implications: These findings show that CBGVA and CBDVA inhibit T-type calcium channels and GPR55. These compounds should be further investigated to develop novel therapeutics for treating diseases associated with dysfunctional T-type channel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Udoh
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris Bladen
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Chris Bladen, ; Jonathon C. Arnold,
| | - Marika Heblinski
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jia Lin Luo
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vaishali S. Janve
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lyndsey L. Anderson
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S. McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Chris Bladen, ; Jonathon C. Arnold,
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27
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Discovery of pimozide derivatives as novel T-type calcium channel inhibitors with little binding affinity to dopamine D2 receptors for treatment of somatic and visceral pain. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114716. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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28
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Harding EK, Zamponi GW. The calcium channel terminator: hasta la vista pain. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:801-803. [PMID: 35753846 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain remains a major burden and is difficult to treat. N-type calcium channels may be a suitable therapeutic target for analgesics, and a new study from Colecraft and colleagues utilizes a clever new way to modulate their expression to achieve therapeutic benefits in preclinical models of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika K Harding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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