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Konnova EA, Deftu AF, Chu Sin Chung P, Kirschmann G, Decosterd I, Suter MR. Potassium channel modulation in macrophages sensitizes dorsal root ganglion neurons after nerve injury. Glia 2024; 72:677-691. [PMID: 38108588 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24496] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages and satellite glial cells are found between injured and uninjured neurons in the lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG). We explored the mechanism of neuro-immune and neuron-glia crosstalk leading to hyperexcitability of DRG neurons. After spared nerve injury (SNI), CX3CR1+ resident macrophages became activated, proliferated, and increased inward-rectifying potassium channel Kir 2.1 currents. Conditioned medium (CM) by macrophages, obtained from DRG of SNI mice, sensitized small DRG neurons from naïve mice. However, treatment with CM from GFAP+ glial cells did not affect neuronal excitability. When subjected to this macrophage-derived CM, DRG neurons had increased spontaneous activity, current-evoked responses and voltage-gated NaV 1.7 and NaV 1.8 currents. Silencing Kir 2.1 in macrophages after SNI prevented the induction of neuronal hyperexcitability from their CM. Blocking vesicular exocytosis or soluble tumor necrosis factor in CM or interfering with the downstream intracellular p38 pathway in neurons, also prevented neuronal hyperexcitability. Blocking protein trafficking in neurons reduced the effect of CM, suggesting that the hyperexcitable state resulted from changes in NaV channel trafficking. These results suggest that DRG macrophages, primed by peripheral nerve injury, contribute to neuron-glia crosstalk, NaV channel dysregulation and neuronal hyperexcitability implicated in the development of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A Konnova
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandru-Florian Deftu
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paul Chu Sin Chung
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Guylène Kirschmann
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Decosterd
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marc R Suter
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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2
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Ruan Y, Cheng J, Dai J, Ma Z, Luo S, Yan R, Wang L, Zhou J, Yu B, Tong X, Shen H, Zhou L, Yuan TF, Han Q. Chronic stress hinders sensory axon regeneration via impairing mitochondrial cristae and OXPHOS. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh0183. [PMID: 37801508 PMCID: PMC10558127 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to physical limitations, persistent pain, and major lifestyle shifts, enhancing the likelihood of prolonged psychological stress and associated disorders such as anxiety and depression. The mechanisms linking stress with regeneration remain elusive, despite understanding the detrimental impact of chronic stress on SCI recovery. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic stress on primary sensory axon regeneration using a preconditioning lesions mouse model. Our data revealed that chronic stress-induced mitochondrial cristae loss and a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) within primary sensory neurons, impeding central axon regrowth. Corticosterone, a stress hormone, emerged as a pivotal player in this process, affecting satellite glial cells by reducing Kir4.1 expression. This led to increased neuronal hyperactivity and reactive oxygen species levels, which, in turn, deformed mitochondrial cristae and impaired OXPHOS, crucial for axonal regeneration. Our study underscores the need to manage psychological stress in patients with SCI for effective sensory-motor rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ruan
- Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Jiafeng Dai
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zhengwen Ma
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shiyu Luo
- Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Run Yan
- Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Lizhao Wang
- Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Jinrui Zhou
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaoping Tong
- Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Hongxing Shen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ti-Fei Yuan
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qi Han
- Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Cellular Homeostasis and Human Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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3
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Miguel-Quesada C, Zaforas M, Herrera-Pérez S, Lines J, Fernández-López E, Alonso-Calviño E, Ardaya M, Soria FN, Araque A, Aguilar J, Rosa JM. Astrocytes adjust the dynamic range of cortical network activity to control modality-specific sensory information processing. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112950. [PMID: 37543946 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical neuron-astrocyte communication in response to peripheral sensory stimulation occurs in a topographic-, frequency-, and intensity-dependent manner. However, the contribution of this functional interaction to the processing of sensory inputs and consequent behavior remains unclear. We investigate the role of astrocytes in sensory information processing at circuit and behavioral levels by monitoring and manipulating astrocytic activity in vivo. We show that astrocytes control the dynamic range of the cortical network activity, optimizing its responsiveness to incoming sensory inputs. The astrocytic modulation of sensory processing contributes to setting the detection threshold for tactile and thermal behavior responses. The mechanism of such astrocytic control is mediated through modulation of inhibitory transmission to adjust the gain and sensitivity of responding networks. These results uncover a role for astrocytes in maintaining the cortical network activity in an optimal range to control behavior associated with specific sensory modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Miguel-Quesada
- Neuronal Circuits and Behaviour Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain; Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Marta Zaforas
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Salvador Herrera-Pérez
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Justin Lines
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Elena Fernández-López
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Elena Alonso-Calviño
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Maria Ardaya
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), 20018 San Sebastian, Spain; Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Federico N Soria
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Juan Aguilar
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain.
| | - Juliana M Rosa
- Neuronal Circuits and Behaviour Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain.
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Yang R, Du J, Li L, Xu X, Liang S. Central role of purinergic receptors with inflammation in neuropathic pain-related macrophage-SGC-neuron triad. Neuropharmacology 2023; 228:109445. [PMID: 36740014 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts on P2 purinergic receptors as an extracellular signaling molecule. P2 purinergic receptors include P2X ionotropic receptors and P2Y metabotropic receptors. Satellite glial cells (SGCs) and macrophages express P2X and P2Y receptors. Inflammatory cytokines and pro-nociceptive mediators are released by activated macrophages and SGCs, which can act on neurons to promote excitability and firing. In the primary sensory ganglia, in response to signals of injury, SGCs and macrophages accumulate around primary sensory neurons, forming a macrophage-SGC-neuron triad. In addition to affecting the pathological alterations of inflammation-related neuropathic pain, inflammatory cytokines and pro-nociceptive mediators are released by the action of ATP on P2X and P2Y receptors in macrophages and SGCs. Macrophages and SGCs work together to enhance and prolong neuropathic pain. The macrophage-SGC-neuron triad communicates with each other through ATP and other inflammatory mediators and maintains and promotes the initiation and development of inflammation related-neuropathic pain. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Purinergic Signaling: 50 years".
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Affiliation(s)
- Runan Yang
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory of Physiology Department, Basic Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Junpei Du
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory of Physiology Department, Basic Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Li
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory of Physiology Department, Basic Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiumei Xu
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory of Physiology Department, Basic Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangdong Liang
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory of Physiology Department, Basic Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China.
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Abstract
Satellite glial cells (SGCs) that surround sensory neurons in the peripheral nervous system ganglia originate from neural crest cells. Although several studies have focused on SGCs, the origin and characteristics of SGCs are unknown, and their lineage remains unidentified. Traditionally, it has been considered that SGCs regulate the environment around neurons under pathological conditions, and perform functions of supporting, nourishing, and protecting neurons. However, recent studies demonstrated that SGCs may have the characteristics of stem cells. After nerve injury, SGCs up-regulate the expression of stem cell markers and can differentiate into functional sensory neurons. Moreover, SGCs express several markers of Schwann cell precursors and Schwann cells, such as CDH19, MPZ, PLP1, SOX10, ERBB3, and FABP7. Schwann cell precursors have also been proposed as a potential source of neurons in the peripheral nervous system. The similarity in function and markers suggests that SGCs may represent a subgroup of Schwann cell precursors. Herein, we discuss the roles and functions of SGCs, and the lineage relationship between SGCs and Schwann cell precursors. We also describe a new perspective on the roles and functions of SGCs. In the DRG located on the posterior root of spinal nerves, satellite glial cells wrap around each sensory neuron to form an anatomically and functionally distinct unit with the sensory neurons. Following nerve injury, satellite glial cells up-regulate the expression of progenitor markers, and can differentiate into neurons.
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Avraham O, Feng R, Ewan EE, Rustenhoven J, Zhao G, Cavalli V. Profiling sensory neuron microenvironment after peripheral and central axon injury reveals key pathways for neural repair. eLife 2021; 10:e68457. [PMID: 34586065 PMCID: PMC8480984 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons with cell bodies in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) represent a useful model to study axon regeneration. Whereas regeneration and functional recovery occurs after peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord injury or dorsal root injury is not followed by regenerative outcomes. Regeneration of sensory axons in peripheral nerves is not entirely cell autonomous. Whether the DRG microenvironment influences the different regenerative capacities after injury to peripheral or central axons remains largely unknown. To answer this question, we performed a single-cell transcriptional profiling of mouse DRG in response to peripheral (sciatic nerve crush) and central axon injuries (dorsal root crush and spinal cord injury). Each cell type responded differently to the three types of injuries. All injuries increased the proportion of a cell type that shares features of both immune cells and glial cells. A distinct subset of satellite glial cells (SGC) appeared specifically in response to peripheral nerve injury. Activation of the PPARα signaling pathway in SGC, which promotes axon regeneration after peripheral nerve injury, failed to occur after central axon injuries. Treatment with the FDA-approved PPARα agonist fenofibrate increased axon regeneration after dorsal root injury. This study provides a map of the distinct DRG microenvironment responses to peripheral and central injuries at the single-cell level and highlights that manipulating non-neuronal cells could lead to avenues to promote functional recovery after CNS injuries or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshri Avraham
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of MedicineSaint LouisUnited States
| | - Rui Feng
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of MedicineSaint LouisUnited States
| | - Eric Edward Ewan
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of MedicineSaint LouisUnited States
| | - Justin Rustenhoven
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of MedicineSt LouisUnited States
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Washington University School of MedicineSt LouisUnited States
| | - Guoyan Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of MedicineSaint LouisUnited States
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of MedicineSt LouisUnited States
| | - Valeria Cavalli
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of MedicineSaint LouisUnited States
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
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Fan X, Wang C, Han J, Ding X, Tang S, Ning L. Role of TRPV4-P2X7 Pathway in Neuropathic Pain in Rats with Chronic Compression of the Dorsal Root Ganglion. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2143-2153. [PMID: 34014488 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03352-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca2+-permeable non-selective cation channel that is involved in the development of neuropathic pain. P2X7 receptor (P2X7) belongs to a class of ATP-gated nonselective cation channels that plays an important role in neuropathic pain. Nevertheless, little is known about the interaction between them for neuropathic pain. In this paper, we investigated role of TRPV4-P2X7 pathway in neuropathic pain. We evaluated the effect of TRPV4-P2X7 pathway on neuropathic pain in a chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) (hereafter termed CCD) model. We analyzed the effect of P2X7 on mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia mediated by TRPV4 in CCD. Furthermore, we assessed the effect of TRPV4 on the expression of P2X7 and the release of IL-1β and IL-6 in DRG after CCD. We found that intraperitoneal injection of TRPV4 agonist GSK-1016790A led to a significant increase of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in CCD, which was partially suppressed by P2X7 blockade with antagonist Brilliant Blue G (BBG). Then, we further noticed that GSK-1016790A injection increased the P2X7 expression of CCD, which was decreased by TRPV4 blockade with antagonist RN-1734 and HC-067047. Furthermore, we also discovered that the expressions of IL-1β and IL-6 were upregulated by GSK-1016790A injection but reduced by RN-1734 and HC-067047. Our results provide evidence that P2X7 contributes to development of neuropathic pain mediated by TRPV4 in the CCD model, which may be the basis for treatment of neuropathic pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Fan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, 324 Jing Wu Wei Qi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 250012, China
| | - Chuanwei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital Affiliated To Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Junting Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 250012, China
| | - Xinli Ding
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, 324 Jing Wu Wei Qi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 250012, China
| | - Shaocan Tang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, 324 Jing Wu Wei Qi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 250012, China
| | - Liping Ning
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, 324 Jing Wu Wei Qi Road, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 250012, China.
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Gazerani P. Satellite Glial Cells in Pain Research: A Targeted Viewpoint of Potential and Future Directions. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2021; 2:646068. [PMID: 35295432 PMCID: PMC8915641 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.646068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is known to be caused by sensitization within the pain circuits. An imbalance occurs between excitatory and inhibitory transmission that enables this sensitization to form. In addition to neurons, the contribution of central glia, especially astrocytes and microglia, to the pathogenesis of pain induction and maintenance has been identified. This has led to the targeting of astrogliosis and microgliosis to restore the normal functions of astrocytes and microglia to help reverse chronic pain. Gliosis is broadly defined as a reactive response of glial cells in response to insults to the central nervous system (CNS). The role of glia in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) has been less investigated. Accumulating evidence, however, points to the contribution of satellite glial cells (SGCs) to chronic pain. Hence, understanding the potential role of these cells and their interaction with sensory neurons has become important for identifying the mechanisms underlying pain signaling. This would, in turn, provide future therapeutic options to target pain. Here, a viewpoint will be presented regarding potential future directions in pain research, with a focus on SGCs to trigger further research. Promising avenues and new directions include the potential use of cell lines, cell live imaging, computational analysis, 3D tissue prints and new markers, investigation of glia–glia and macrophage–glia interactions, the time course of glial activation under acute and chronic pathological pain compared with spontaneous pain, pharmacological and non-pharmacological responses of glia, and potential restoration of normal function of glia considering sex-related differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Gazerani
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Pharmacy, Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Parisa Gazerani
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