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Hui SE, Westlund KN. Role of HDAC5 Epigenetics in Chronic Craniofacial Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6889. [PMID: 38999998 PMCID: PMC11241576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136889] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The information provided from the papers reviewed here about the role of epigenetics in chronic craniofacial neuropathic pain is critically important because epigenetic dysregulation during the development and maintenance of chronic neuropathic pain is not yet well characterized, particularly for craniofacial pain. We have noted that gene expression changes reported vary depending on the nerve injury model and the reported sample collection time point. At a truly chronic timepoint of 10 weeks in our model of chronic neuropathic pain, functional groupings of genes examined include those potentially contributing to anti-inflammation, nerve repair/regeneration, and nociception. Genes altered after treatment with the epigenetic modulator LMK235 are discussed. All of these differentials are key in working toward the development of diagnosis-targeted therapeutics and likely for the timing of when the treatment is provided. The emphasis on the relevance of time post-injury is reiterated here.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karin N. Westlund
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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2
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Cao B, Xu Q, Shi Y, Zhao R, Li H, Zheng J, Liu F, Wan Y, Wei B. Pathology of pain and its implications for therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:155. [PMID: 38851750 PMCID: PMC11162504 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01845-w] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is estimated to affect more than 20% of the global population, imposing incalculable health and economic burdens. Effective pain management is crucial for individuals suffering from pain. However, the current methods for pain assessment and treatment fall short of clinical needs. Benefiting from advances in neuroscience and biotechnology, the neuronal circuits and molecular mechanisms critically involved in pain modulation have been elucidated. These research achievements have incited progress in identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review, we first introduce fundamental knowledge about pain, setting the stage for the subsequent contents. The review next delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying pain disorders, including gene mutation, epigenetic modification, posttranslational modification, inflammasome, signaling pathways and microbiota. To better present a comprehensive view of pain research, two prominent issues, sexual dimorphism and pain comorbidities, are discussed in detail based on current findings. The status quo of pain evaluation and manipulation is summarized. A series of improved and innovative pain management strategies, such as gene therapy, monoclonal antibody, brain-computer interface and microbial intervention, are making strides towards clinical application. We highlight existing limitations and future directions for enhancing the quality of preclinical and clinical research. Efforts to decipher the complexities of pain pathology will be instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice, thereby improving pain management from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qixuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yajiao Shi
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruiyang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hanghang Li
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fengyu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - You Wan
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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3
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Manengu C, Zhu CH, Zhang GD, Tian MM, Lan XB, Tao LJ, Ma L, Liu Y, Yu JQ, Liu N. HDAC inhibitors as a potential therapy for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Inflammopharmacology 2024:10.1007/s10787-024-01488-x. [PMID: 38761314 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01488-x] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer, a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled cell development, kills millions of people globally. The WHO reported over 10 million cancer deaths in 2020. Anticancer medications destroy healthy and malignant cells. Cancer treatment induces neuropathy. Anticancer drugs cause harm to spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerve somatosensory neurons, causing chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. The chemotherapy-induced mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain are not fully understood. However, neuroinflammation has been identified as one of the various pathways associated with the onset of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. The neuroinflammatory processes may exhibit varying characteristics based on the specific type of anticancer treatment delivered. Neuroinflammatory characteristics have been observed in the spinal cord, where microglia and astrocytes have a significant impact on the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The patient's quality of life might be affected by sensory deprivation, loss of consciousness, paralysis, and severe disability. High cancer rates and ineffective treatments are associated with this disease. Recently, histone deacetylases have become a novel treatment target for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain may be treated with histone deacetylase inhibitors. Histone deacetylase inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Common chemotherapeutic drugs, mechanisms, therapeutic treatments for neuropathic pain, and histone deacetylase and its inhibitors in chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain are covered in this paper. We propose that histone deacetylase inhibitors may treat several aspects of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, and identifying these inhibitors as potentially unique treatments is crucial to the development of various chemotherapeutic combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chalton Manengu
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- School of International Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chun-Hao Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Guo-Dong Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Miao-Miao Tian
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Lan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Li-Jun Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lin Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yue Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Ning Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.
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4
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Zhang W, Jiao B, Yu S, Zhang C, Zhang K, Liu B, Zhang X. Histone deacetylase as emerging pharmacological therapeutic target for neuropathic pain: From epigenetic to selective drugs. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14745. [PMID: 38715326 PMCID: PMC11077000 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain remains a formidable challenge for modern medicine. The first-line pharmacological therapies exhibit limited efficacy and unfavorable side effect profiles, highlighting an unmet need for effective therapeutic medications. The past decades have witnessed an explosion in efforts to translate epigenetic concepts into pain therapy and shed light on epigenetics as a promising avenue for pain research. Recently, the aberrant activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC) has emerged as a key mechanism contributing to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. AIMS In this review, we highlight the distinctive role of specific HDAC subtypes in a cell-specific manner in pain nociception, and outline the recent experimental evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of HDACi in neuropathic pain. METHODS We have summarized studies of HDAC in neuropathic pain in Pubmed. RESULTS HDACs, widely distributed in the neuronal and non-neuronal cells of the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord, regulate gene expression by deacetylation of histone or non-histone proteins and involving in increased neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation, thus promoting peripheral and central sensitization. Importantly, pharmacological manipulation of aberrant acetylation using HDAC-targeted inhibitors (HDACi) has shown promising pain-relieving properties in various preclinical models of neuropathic pain. Yet, many of which exhibit low-specificity that may induce off-target toxicities, underscoring the necessity for the development of isoform-selective HDACi in pain management. CONCLUSIONS Abnormally elevated HDACs promote neuronal excitability and neuroinflammation by epigenetically modulating pivotal gene expression in neuronal and immune cells, contributing to peripheral and central sensitization in the progression of neuropathic pain, and HDACi showed significant efficacy and great potential for alleviating neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Bo Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Shangchen Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Caixia Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Baowen Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric AnesthesiaTongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Shen CL, Santos JM, Elmassry MM, Bhakta V, Driver Z, Ji G, Yakhnitsa V, Kiritoshi T, Lovett J, Hamood AN, Sang S, Neugebauer V. Ginger Polyphenols Reverse Molecular Signature of Amygdala Neuroimmune Signaling and Modulate Microbiome in Male Rats with Neuropathic Pain: Evidence for Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:502. [PMID: 38790607 PMCID: PMC11118883 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050502] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence shows that the gut microbiota plays an important role in neuropathic pain (NP) via the gut-brain axis. Male rats were divided into sham, spinal nerve ligation (SNL), SNL + 200 mg GEG/kg BW (GEG200), and SNL + 600 mg GEG/kg BW (GEG600) for 5 weeks. The dosages of 200 and 600 mg GEG/kg BW for rats correspond to 45 g and 135 g raw ginger for human daily consumption, respectively. Both GEG groups mitigated SNL-induced NP behavior. GEG-supplemented animals had a decreased abundance of Rikenella, Muribaculaceae, Clostridia UCG-014, Mucispirillum schaedleri, RF39, Acetatifactor, and Clostridia UCG-009, while they had an increased abundance of Flavonifactor, Hungatella, Anaerofustis stercorihominis, and Clostridium innocuum group. Relative to sham rats, Fos and Gadd45g genes were upregulated, while Igf1, Ccl2, Hadc2, Rtn4rl1, Nfkb2, Gpr84, Pik3cg, and Abcc8 genes were downregulated in SNL rats. Compared to the SNL group, the GEG200 group and GEG600 group had increases/decreases in 16 (10/6) genes and 11 (1/10) genes, respectively. GEG downregulated Fos and Gadd45g genes and upregulated Hdac2 genes in the amygdala. In summary, GEG alleviates NP by modulating the gut microbiome and reversing a molecular neuroimmune signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chwan-Li Shen
- Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (J.M.S.)
- Center of Excellence for Integrative Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA;
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Julianna Maria Santos
- Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (J.M.S.)
| | - Moamen M. Elmassry
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Viren Bhakta
- Department of Biology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA
| | - Zarek Driver
- Department of Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA
| | - Guangchen Ji
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (G.J.); (V.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Vadim Yakhnitsa
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (G.J.); (V.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Takaki Kiritoshi
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (G.J.); (V.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Jacob Lovett
- Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (J.M.S.)
| | - Abdul Naji Hamood
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA;
| | - Shengmin Sang
- Laboratory for Functional Foods and Human Health, Center for Excellence in Post Harvest Technologies, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Research Campus, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA;
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Center of Excellence for Integrative Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA;
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (G.J.); (V.Y.); (T.K.)
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Subedi A, Tiwari A, Etemad AF, Huang Y, Chatterjee B, McLeod SL, Lu Y, Gonzalez D, Ghosh K, Singh SK, Ruiz Echartea ME, Grimm SL, Coarfa C, Pan HL, Majumder S. Nerve injury inhibits Oprd1 and Cnr1 transcription through REST in primary sensory neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.17.579842. [PMID: 38585789 PMCID: PMC10996832 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.17.579842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The transcription repressor REST in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is upregulated by peripheral nerve injury and promotes the development of chronic pain. However, the genes targeted by REST in neuropathic pain development remain unclear. The expression levels of 4 opioid receptor (Oprm1, Oprd1, Oprl1, Oprk1) and the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (Cnr1) genes in the DRG regulate nociception. In this study, we determined the role of REST in the control of their expression in the DRG induced by spared nerve injury (SNI) in both male and female mice. Transcriptomic analyses of male mouse DRGs followed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses of both male and female mouse DRGs showed that SNI upregulated expression of Rest and downregulated mRNA levels of all 4 opioid receptor and Cnr1 genes, but Oprm1 was upregulated in female mice. Analysis of publicly available bioinformatic data suggested that REST binds to the promoter regions of Oprm1 and Cnr1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses indicated differing levels of REST at these promoters in male and female mice. Full-length Rest conditional knockout in primary sensory neurons reduced SNI-induced pain hypersensitivity and rescued the SNI-induced reduction in the expression of Oprd1 and Cnr1 in the DRG in both male and female mice. Our results suggest that nerve injury represses the transcription of Oprd1 and Cnr1 via REST in primary sensory neurons and that REST is a potential therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.
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Wang M, Wei X, Jia Y, Wang C, Wang X, Zhang X, Li D, Wang Y, Gao Y. Quercetin alleviates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behavior by inhibiting NMDAR1 with α2δ-1 in rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14724. [PMID: 38615365 PMCID: PMC11016343 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14724] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a serious mental disorder and the most prevalent cause of disability and suicide worldwide. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) can lead to a significant acceleration of depression development. Quercetin (Que) is a flavonoid compound with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Recent studies have shown that quercetin can improve CUMS-induced depression-like behavior, but the mechanism of its improvement is still unclear. α2δ-1 is a regulatory subunit of voltage-gated calcium channel, which can interact with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) to form a complex. OBJECTIVE In this study, we found that Que could inhibit the increase of α2δ-1 and NMDAR expression in rat hypothalamus induced by CUMS. In pain, chronic hypertension and other studies have shown that α2δ-1 interacts with the NMDAR to form a complex, which subsequently affects the expression level of NMDAR. Consequently, the present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of Que in vivo and in vitro and to explore its mechanism of action in terms of the interaction between α2δ-1 and NMDAR. METHODS Rats were randomly exposed to two stressors every day for 4 weeks to establish a CUMS rat model, then sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test (OFT) were performed to detect the behavior of CUMS rats, so as to evaluate whether the CUMS rat model was successfully established and the improvement effect of Que on CUMS-induced depression-like behavior in rats. Experimental techniques such as serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation, as well as in vitro experiments, were used to investigate the mechanisms by which Que exerts its antidepressant effects. RESULTS Behavioral and ELISA test results showed that Que could produce a reduction in the excitability of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in CUMS rats and lead to significant improvements in their depressive behavior. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that Que produced a decrease in NMDAR1 and α2δ-1 expression levels and interfered with α2δ-1 and NMDAR1 binding. In addition, the neural regulation mechanism of Que on antidepressant effect in PC12 cells knocked out α2δ-1 gene was further verified. Cellular experiments demonstrated that Que led to a reversal of up-regulation of NMDAR1 and α2δ-1 expression levels in corticosterone-injured PC12 cells, while Que had no effects on NMDAR1 expression in PC12 cells with the α2δ-1 gene knockout. CONCLUSIONS Que has a good antidepressant effect and can significantly improve the depression-like behavior caused by CUMS. It exerts antidepressant effects by inhibiting the expression level of α2δ-1, interfering with the interaction between α2δ-1 and NMDAR, and then reducing the excitability of the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyan Wang
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Xin Wei
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yugai Jia
- College of Basic Medical SciencesHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Chaonan Wang
- College of Basic Medical SciencesHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Xinliu Wang
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Xin Zhang
- College of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Depei Li
- Department of MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- College of Basic Medical SciencesHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yonggang Gao
- College of Basic Medical SciencesHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
- Hebei International Cooperation Center for Ion channel Function and Innovative Traditional Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangChina
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio‐Cerebrovascular DiseaseShijiazhuangChina
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Huang Z, Zhang Y, Wang S, Qi R, Tao Y, Sun Y, Jiang D, Jiang X, Tao J. FOXD3-mediated transactivation of ALKBH5 promotes neuropathic pain via m 6A-dependent stabilization of 5-HT3A mRNA in sensory neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312861121. [PMID: 38285939 PMCID: PMC10861880 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312861121] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA is an emerging epigenetic regulatory mechanism that has been shown to participate in various pathophysiological processes. However, its involvement in modulating neuropathic pain is still poorly understood. In this study, we elucidate a functional role of the m6A demethylase alkylation repair homolog 5 (ALKBH5) in modulating trigeminal-mediated neuropathic pain. Peripheral nerve injury selectively upregulated the expression level of ALKBH5 in the injured trigeminal ganglion (TG) of rats. Blocking this upregulation in injured TGs alleviated trigeminal neuropathic pain, while mimicking the upregulation of ALKBH5 in intact TG neurons sufficiently induced pain-related behaviors. Mechanistically, histone deacetylase 11 downregulation induced by nerve injury increases histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), facilitating the binding of the transcription factor forkhead box protein D3 (FOXD3) to the Alkbh5 promoter and promoting Alkbh5 transcription. The increased ALKBH5 erases m6A sites in Htr3a messenger RNA (mRNA), resulting in an inability of YT521-B homology domain 2 (YTHDF2) to bind to Htr3a mRNA, thus causing an increase in 5-HT3A protein expression and 5-HT3 channel currents. Conversely, blocking the increased expression of ALKBH5 in the injured TG destabilizes nerve injury-induced 5-HT3A upregulation and reverses mechanical allodynia, and the effect can be blocked by 5-HT3A knockdown. Together, FOXD3-mediated transactivation of ALKBH5 promotes neuropathic pain through m6A-dependent stabilization of Htr3a mRNA in TG neurons. This mechanistic understanding may advance the discovery of new therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Huang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou215004, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shoupeng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Renfei Qi
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yufang Sun
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Jiang
- Institute of Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich81377, Germany
| | - Xinghong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
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Westlund KN, Montera M, Goins AE, Shilling MW, Afaghpour-Becklund M, Alles SR, Hui SE. Epigenetic HDAC5 Inhibitor Reverses Craniofacial Neuropathic Pain in Mice. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:428-450. [PMID: 37777035 PMCID: PMC10842645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Identifying and resolving molecular complexities underlying chronic neuropathic pain is a significant challenge. Among the numerous classes of histone deacetylases, Class I (HDAC 1-3) and Class III (sirtuins) have been best studied in experimental pain models where inhibitor pre-treatments but not post-treatments abrogate the development of pain-related behaviors. Post-treatment here in week 3 with less well-studied Class IIa HDAC4/5 selective inhibitor LMK235 diminishes the trigeminal ganglia increases of HDAC5 RNA and protein in two chronic orofacial neuropathic pain models to levels measured in naïve mice at week 10 post-model induction. HDAC4 RNA reported in lower limb inflammatory pain models is not evident in the trigeminal models. Many other gene alterations persisting at week 10 in the trigeminal ganglia (TG) are restored to naïve levels in mice treated with LMK235. Important pain-related upregulated genes Hoxc8,b9,d8; P2rx4, Cckbr, growth hormone (Gh), and schlafen (Slfn4) are greatly reduced in LMK235-treated mice. Fold increase in axon regeneration/repair genes Sostdc1, TTr, and Folr1 after injury are doubled by LMK235 treatment. LMK235 reduces the excitability of trigeminal ganglia neurons in culture isolated from nerve injured mice compared to vehicle-treated controls, with no effect on neurons from naïve mice. Electrophysiological characterization profile includes a shift where ∼20% of the small neurons recorded under LMK235-treated conditions are high threshold, whereas none of the neurons under control conditions have high thresholds. LMK235 reverses long-standing mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in chronic trigeminal neuropathic pain models in males and females (5,10 mg/kg), preventing development of anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. PERSPECTIVE: Data here support HDAC5 as key epigenetic factor in chronic trigeminal neuropathic pain persistence, validated with the study of RNA alterations, TG neuronal excitability, and pain-related behaviors. HDAC5 inhibitor given in week 3 restores RNA balance at 10 weeks, while upregulation remains for response to wound healing and chronic inflammation RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin N. Westlund
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Marena Montera
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Aleyah E. Goins
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Mark W. Shilling
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Mitra Afaghpour-Becklund
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Sascha R.A. Alles
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - S. Elise Hui
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
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Pethő G, Kántás B, Horváth Á, Pintér E. The Epigenetics of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Update. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17143. [PMID: 38138971 PMCID: PMC10743356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417143] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics deals with alterations to the gene expression that occur without change in the nucleotide sequence in the DNA. Various covalent modifications of the DNA and/or the surrounding histone proteins have been revealed, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and methylation, which can either stimulate or inhibit protein expression at the transcriptional level. In the past decade, an exponentially increasing amount of data has been published on the association between epigenetic changes and the pathomechanism of pain, including its most challenging form, neuropathic pain. Epigenetic regulation of the chromatin by writer, reader, and eraser proteins has been revealed for diverse protein targets involved in the pathomechanism of neuropathic pain. They include receptors, ion channels, transporters, enzymes, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, inflammasome proteins, etc. Most work has been invested in clarifying the epigenetic downregulation of mu opioid receptors and various K+ channels, two types of structures mediating neuronal inhibition. Conversely, epigenetic upregulation has been revealed for glutamate receptors, growth factors, and lymphokines involved in neuronal excitation. All these data cannot only help better understand the development of neuropathic pain but outline epigenetic writers, readers, and erasers whose pharmacological inhibition may represent a novel option in the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Pethő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Boglárka Kántás
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Édesanyák Str. 17., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Horváth
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
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11
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Tao Y, Zhang Y, Jin X, Hua N, Liu H, Qi R, Huang Z, Sun Y, Jiang D, Snutch TP, Jiang X, Tao J. Epigenetic regulation of beta-endorphin synthesis in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons modulates neuropathic pain in a rodent pain model. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7234. [PMID: 37945654 PMCID: PMC10636187 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although beta-endorphinergic neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) synthesize beta-endorphin (β-EP) to alleviate nociceptive behaviors, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we elucidated an epigenetic pathway driven by microRNA regulation of β-EP synthesis in ARC neurons to control neuropathic pain. In pain-injured rats miR-203a-3p was the most highly upregulated miRNA in the ARC. A similar increase was identified in the cerebrospinal fluid of trigeminal neuralgia patients. Mechanistically, we found histone deacetylase 9 was downregulated following nerve injury, which decreased deacetylation of histone H3 lysine-18, facilitating the binding of NR4A2 transcription factor to the miR-203a-3p gene promoter, thereby upregulating miR-203a-3p expression. Further, increased miR-203a-3p was found to maintain neuropathic pain by targeting proprotein convertase 1, an endopeptidase necessary for the cleavage of proopiomelanocortin, the precursor of β-EP. The identified mechanism may provide an avenue for the development of new therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics & Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Jin
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, PR China
| | - Nan Hua
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, PR China
| | - Renfei Qi
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Zitong Huang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yufang Sun
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Jiang
- Institute of Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Terrance P Snutch
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Xinghong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Jin Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China.
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Ślęczkowska M, Misra K, Santoro S, Gerrits MM, Hoeijmakers JGJ. Ion Channel Genes in Painful Neuropathies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2680. [PMID: 37893054 PMCID: PMC10604193 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102680] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a typical symptom of peripheral nerve disorders, including painful neuropathy. The biological mechanisms that control ion channels are important for many cell activities and are also therapeutic targets. Disruption of the cellular mechanisms that govern ion channel activity can contribute to pain pathophysiology. The voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) is the most researched ion channel in terms of NP; however, VGSC impairment is detected in only <20% of painful neuropathy patients. Here, we discuss the potential role of the other peripheral ion channels involved in sensory signaling (transient receptor potential cation channels), neuronal excitation regulation (potassium channels), involuntary action potential generation (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels), thermal pain (anoctamins), pH modulation (acid sensing ion channels), and neurotransmitter release (calcium channels) related to pain and their prospective role as therapeutic targets for painful neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Ślęczkowska
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kaalindi Misra
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, 20132 Milan, Italy; (K.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Santoro
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, INSPE, 20132 Milan, Italy; (K.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Monique M. Gerrits
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Zhou JJ, Shao JY, Chen SR, Pan HL. Brain α2δ-1-Bound NMDA Receptors Drive Calcineurin Inhibitor-Induced Hypertension. Circ Res 2023; 133:611-627. [PMID: 37605933 PMCID: PMC10529656 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.322562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcineurin is highly enriched in immune T cells and the nervous system. Calcineurin inhibitors, including cyclosporine and tacrolimus (FK506), are the cornerstone of immunosuppressive regimens for preserving transplanted organs and tissues. However, these drugs often cause persistent hypertension owing to excess sympathetic outflow, which is maintained by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated excitatory input to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). It is unclear how calcineurin inhibitors increase NMDAR activity in the PVN to augment sympathetic vasomotor activity. α2δ-1 (encoded by the Cacna2d1 gene), known colloquially as a calcium channel subunit, is a newly discovered NMDAR-interacting protein. In this study, we determined whether α2δ-1 plays a role in calcineurin inhibitor-induced synaptic NMDAR hyperactivity in the PVN and hypertension development. METHODS Immunoblotting and coimmunoprecipitation assays were used to quantify synaptic protein levels and the physical interaction between GluN1 (the obligatory NMDAR subunit) and α2δ-1. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of retrogradely labeled, spinally projecting PVN were conducted in perfused brain slices to measure presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDAR activity. Radio-telemetry was implanted in rodents to continuously record arterial blood pressure in conscious states. RESULTS Prolonged treatment with FK506 in rats significantly increased protein levels of α2δ-1, GluN1, and the α2δ-1-GluN1 complex in PVN synaptosomes. These effects were blocked by inhibiting α2δ-1 with gabapentin or interrupting the α2δ-1-NMDAR interaction with an α2δ-1 C-terminus peptide. Treatment with FK506 potentiated the activity of presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDARs in spinally projecting PVN neurons; such effects were abolished by gabapentin, Cacna2d1 knockout, or α2δ-1 C-terminus peptide. Furthermore, microinjection of α2δ-1 C-terminus peptide into the PVN diminished renal sympathetic nerve discharges and arterial blood pressure that had been increased by FK506 treatment. Remarkably, concurrent administration of gabapentin prevented the development of FK506-induced hypertension in rats. Additionally, FK506 treatment induced sustained hypertension in wild-type mice but not in Cacna2d1 knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS α2δ-1 is essential for calcineurin inhibitor-induced increases in synaptic NMDAR activity in PVN presympathetic neurons and sympathetic outflow. Thus, α2δ-1 and α2δ-1-bound NMDARs represent new targets for treating calcineurin inhibitor-induced hypertension. Gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) could be repurposed for treating calcineurin inhibitor-induced neurogenic hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Zhou
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jian-Ying Shao
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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14
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Jin D, Chen H, Zhou MH, Chen SR, Pan HL. mGluR5 from Primary Sensory Neurons Promotes Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Tolerance by Interacting with and Potentiating Synaptic NMDA Receptors. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5593-5607. [PMID: 37451981 PMCID: PMC10401648 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0601-23.2023] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of presynaptic NMDARs in the spinal dorsal horn is integral to opioid-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. However, the signaling mechanisms responsible for opioid-induced NMDAR hyperactivity remain poorly identified. Here, we show that repeated treatment with morphine or fentanyl reduced monomeric mGluR5 protein levels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) but increased levels of mGluR5 monomers and homodimers in the spinal cord in mice and rats of both sexes. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis revealed that monomeric and dimeric mGluR5 in the spinal cord, but not monomeric mGluR5 in the DRG, directly interacted with GluN1. By contrast, mGluR5 did not interact with μ-opioid receptors in the DRG or spinal cord. Repeated morphine treatment markedly increased the mGluR5-GluN1 interaction and protein levels of mGluR5 and GluN1 in spinal synaptosomes. The mGluR5 antagonist MPEP reversed morphine treatment-augmented mGluR5-GluN1 interactions, GluN1 synaptic expression, and dorsal root-evoked monosynaptic EPSCs of dorsal horn neurons. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9-induced conditional mGluR5 knockdown in DRG neurons normalized mGluR5 levels in spinal synaptosomes and NMDAR-mediated EPSCs of dorsal horn neurons increased by morphine treatment. Correspondingly, intrathecal injection of MPEP or conditional mGluR5 knockdown in DRG neurons not only potentiated the acute analgesic effect of morphine but also attenuated morphine treatment-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance. Together, our findings suggest that opioid treatment promotes mGluR5 trafficking from primary sensory neurons to the spinal dorsal horn. Through dimerization and direct interaction with NMDARs, presynaptic mGluR5 potentiates and/or stabilizes NMDAR synaptic expression and activity at primary afferent central terminals, thereby maintaining opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Opioids are essential analgesics for managing severe pain caused by cancer, surgery, and tissue injury. However, these drugs paradoxically induce pain hypersensitivity and tolerance, which can cause rapid dose escalation and even overdose mortality. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that opioids promote trafficking of mGluR5, a G protein-coupled glutamate receptor, from peripheral sensory neurons to the spinal cord; there, mGluR5 proteins dimerize and physically interact with NMDARs to augment their synaptic expression and activity. Through dynamic interactions, the two distinct glutamate receptors mutually amplify and sustain nociceptive input from peripheral sensory neurons to the spinal cord. Thus, inhibiting mGluR5 activity or disrupting mGluR5-NMDAR interactions could reduce opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance and potentiate opioid analgesic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daozhong Jin
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Meng-Hua Zhou
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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15
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Huang Y, Chen H, Jin D, Chen SR, Pan HL. NMDA Receptors at Primary Afferent-Excitatory Neuron Synapses Differentially Sustain Chemotherapy- and Nerve Trauma-Induced Chronic Pain. J Neurosci 2023; 43:3933-3948. [PMID: 37185237 PMCID: PMC10217996 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0183-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The spinal dorsal horn contains vesicular glutamate transporter-2 (VGluT2)-expressing excitatory neurons and vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT)-expressing inhibitory neurons, which normally have different roles in nociceptive transmission. Spinal glutamate NMDAR hyperactivity is a crucial mechanism of chronic neuropathic pain. However, it is unclear how NMDARs regulate primary afferent input to spinal excitatory and inhibitory neurons in neuropathic pain. Also, the functional significance of presynaptic NMDARs in neuropathic pain has not been defined explicitly. Here we showed that paclitaxel treatment or spared nerve injury (SNI) similarly increased the NMDAR-mediated mEPSC frequency and dorsal root-evoked EPSCs in VGluT2 dorsal horn neurons in male and female mice. By contrast, neither paclitaxel nor SNI had any effect on mEPSCs or evoked EPSCs in VGAT neurons. In mice with conditional Grin1 (gene encoding GluN1) KO in primary sensory neurons (Grin1-cKO), paclitaxel treatment failed to induce pain hypersensitivity. Unexpectedly, SNI still caused long-lasting pain hypersensitivity in Grin1-cKO mice. SNI increased the amplitude of puff NMDA currents in VGluT2 neurons and caused similar depolarizing shifts in GABA reversal potentials in WT and Grin1-cKO mice. Concordantly, spinal Grin1 knockdown diminished SNI-induced pain hypersensitivity. Thus, presynaptic NMDARs preferentially amplify primary afferent input to spinal excitatory neurons in neuropathic pain. Although presynaptic NMDARs are required for chemotherapy-induced pain hypersensitivity, postsynaptic NMDARs in spinal excitatory neurons play a dominant role in traumatic nerve injury-induced chronic pain. Our findings reveal the divergent synaptic connectivity and functional significance of spinal presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDARs in regulating cell type-specific nociceptive input in neuropathic pain with different etiologies.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Spinal excitatory neurons relay input from nociceptors, whereas inhibitory neurons repress spinal nociceptive transmission. Chronic nerve pain is associated with aberrant NMDAR activity in the spinal dorsal horn. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that chemotherapy and traumatic nerve injury preferentially enhance the NMDAR activity at primary afferent-excitatory neuron synapses but have no effect on primary afferent input to spinal inhibitory neurons. NMDARs in primary sensory neurons are essential for chemotherapy-induced chronic pain, whereas nerve trauma causes pain hypersensitivity predominantly via postsynaptic NMDARs in spinal excitatory neurons. Thus, presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDARs at primary afferent-excitatory neuron synapses are differentially engaged in chemotherapy- and nerve injury-induced chronic pain and could be targeted respectively for treating these painful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Huang
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Daozhong Jin
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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Wang X, Song J, Xia P, Lin Q, Chen A, Cheng K, Kong F, Shi Y, Li X. High intensity interval training attenuates osteoarthritis-associated hyperalgesia in rats. J Physiol Sci 2023; 73:8. [PMID: 37118669 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-023-00866-4] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a physical therapy that may benefit patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Cacna2d1 is a calcium channel subunit protein that plays an important role in the activity of nerve cells. However, there is currently no evidence on HIIT relieving OA-associate hyperalgesia by decreased Cacna2d1. Our study established the OA rat models with intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). This experiment was divided into two stages. The first stage comprised three groups: the control, OA, and OA-HIIT groups. The second stage comprised two groups, including the AAV-C and AAV-shRNA-Cacna2d1 groups. OA rats were positioned at the L5-L6 segments, and 20 µl of AAV virus was injected intrathecally. The pain threshold, cartilage analysis, Cacna2d1, and pain neurotransmitters were measured and compared. The pain threshold was significantly lower in OA rats than in control rats from the first to the tenth week. Starting from the sixth week, OA-HIIT rats exhibited significantly increased pain thresholds. The expression of Cacna2d1 increased in OA rats. Moreover, the knockdown of Cacna2d1 significantly down-regulated the expression of c-Fos, SP, and Vglut2 in the posterior horn of the spinal cord. In conclusion, HIIT attenuates OA-associated hyperalgesia, which may be related to the down-regulation of Cacna2d1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiulong Song
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiang Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anliang Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Cheng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fane Kong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueping Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhu C, Zhong W, Gong C, Chen B, Guo J. Global research trends on epigenetics and neuropathic pain: A bibliometric analysis. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1145393. [PMID: 37152435 PMCID: PMC10155611 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1145393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common disease that manifests with pathological changes in the somatosensory system. In recent years, the interactions of NP with the epigenetic mechanism have been increasingly elucidated. However, only a few studies have used bibliometric tools to systematically analyze knowledge in this field. The objective of this study is to visually analyze the trends, hotspots, and frontiers in epigenetics and NP research by using a bibliometric method. Methods Studies related to epigenetics and NP were searched from the Science Citation Index-Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection database. Search time is from inception to November 30, 2022. No restrictions were placed on language. Only articles and reviews were included as document types. Data on institutions, countries, authors, journal distribution, and keywords were imported into CiteSpace software for visual analysis. Results A total of 867 publications met the inclusion criteria, which spanned the period from 2000 to 2022. Over the years, the number of publications and the frequency of citations exhibited a clear upward trend in general, reaching a peak in 2021. The major contributing countries in terms of the number of publications were China, the United States, and Japan. The top three institutions were Rutgers State University, Xuzhou Medical University, and Nanjing Medical University. Molecular Pain, Pain, and Journal of Neuroinflammation contributed significantly to the volume of issues. Among the top 10 authors in terms of the number of publications, Tao Yuan-Xiang contributed 30 entries, followed by Zhang Yi with 24 and Wu Shao-Gen with 20. On the basis of the burst and clusters of keywords, "DNA methylation," "Circular RNA," "acetylation," "long non-coding RNA," and "microglia" are global hotspots in the field. Conclusion The bibliometric analysis indicates that the number of publications related to epigenetics and NP is exhibiting a rapid increase. Keyword analysis shows that "DNA methylation," "Circular RNA," "acetylation," "long non-coding RNA" and "microglia" are the most interesting terms for researchers in the field. More rigorous clinical trials and additional studies that explore relevant mechanisms are required in the future.
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Wu T, Chen SR, Pan HL, Luo Y. The α2δ-1-NMDA receptor complex and its potential as a therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1148697. [PMID: 37153659 PMCID: PMC10157046 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1148697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a critical role in excitotoxicity caused by ischemic stroke, but NMDAR antagonists have failed to be translated into clinical practice for treating stroke patients. Recent studies suggest that targeting the specific protein-protein interactions that regulate NMDARs may be an effective strategy to reduce excitotoxicity associated with brain ischemia. α2δ-1 (encoded by the Cacna2d1 gene), previously known as a subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, is a binding protein of gabapentinoids used clinically for treating chronic neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Recent studies indicate that α2δ-1 is an interacting protein of NMDARs and can promote synaptic trafficking and hyperactivity of NMDARs in neuropathic pain conditions. In this review, we highlight the newly identified roles of α2δ-1-mediated NMDAR activity in the gabapentinoid effects and NMDAR excitotoxicity during brain ischemia as well as targeting α2δ-1-bound NMDARs as a potential treatment for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Hui-Lin Pan
| | - Yi Luo
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Luo
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