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Liu D, Hu SW, Wang D, Zhang Q, Zhang X, Ding HL, Cao JL. An Ascending Excitatory Circuit from the Dorsal Raphe for Sensory Modulation of Pain. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0869232023. [PMID: 38124016 PMCID: PMC10860493 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0869-23.2023] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is an important nucleus in pain regulation. However, the underlying neural pathway and the function of specific cell types remain unclear. Here, we report a previously unrecognized ascending facilitation pathway, the DRN to the mesoaccumbal dopamine (DA) circuit, for regulating pain. Chronic pain increased the activity of DRN glutamatergic, but not serotonergic, neurons projecting to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) (DRNGlu-VTA) in male mice. The optogenetic activation of DRNGlu-VTA circuit induced a pain-like response in naive male mice, and its inhibition produced an analgesic effect in male mice with neuropathic pain. Furthermore, we discovered that DRN ascending pathway regulated pain through strengthened excitatory transmission onto the VTA DA neurons projecting to the ventral part of nucleus accumbens medial shell (vNAcMed), thereby activated the mesoaccumbal DA neurons. Correspondingly, optogenetic manipulation of this three-node pathway bilaterally regulated pain behaviors. These findings identified a DRN ascending excitatory pathway that is crucial for pain sensory processing, which can potentially be exploited toward targeting pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Su-Wan Hu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Di Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Hai-Lei Ding
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
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Vali R, Azadi A, Tizno A, Farkhondeh T, Samini F, Samarghandian S. miRNA contributes to neuropathic pains. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126893. [PMID: 37730007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126893] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a kind of chronic pain caused by direct injury to the peripheral or central nervous system (CNS). microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that mostly interact with the 3 untranslated region of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to regulate the expression of multiple genes. NP is characterized by changes in the expression of receptors and mediators, and there is evidence that miRNAs may contribute to some of these alterations. In this review, we aimed to fully comprehend the connection between NP and miRNA; and also, to establish a link between neurology, biology, and dentistry. Studies have shown that targeting miRNAs may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic pain and potential target for the prevention of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Vali
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Modern Science, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Ali Azadi
- Dental Research Center, Research Institute of Dental Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashkan Tizno
- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kamyab Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fariborz Samini
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
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3
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Jiang W, Zhang LX, Tan XY, Yu P, Dong M. Inflammation and histone modification in chronic pain. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1087648. [PMID: 36713369 PMCID: PMC9880030 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1087648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms have great potential in the field of pain. The changes and roles of epigenetics of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia in the chronic pain process may provide broad insights for future pain management. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines released by microglia and astrocytes, as well as blood-derived macrophages, play critical roles in inducing and maintaining chronic pain, while histone modifications may play an important role in inflammatory metabolism. This review provides an overview of neuroinflammation and chronic pain, and we systematically discuss the regulation of neuroinflammation and histone modifications in the context of chronic pain. Specifically, we analyzed the role of epigenetics in alleviating or exacerbating chronic pain by modulating microglia, astrocytes, and the proinflammatory mediators they release. This review aimed to contribute to the discovery of new therapeutic targets for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li-Xi Zhang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuan-Yu Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Peng Yu, ; Ming Dong,
| | - Ming Dong
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Peng Yu, ; Ming Dong,
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Antagonism of CGRP Receptor: Central and Peripheral Mechanisms and Mediators in an Animal Model of Chronic Migraine. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193092. [PMID: 36231054 PMCID: PMC9562879 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a key role in migraine pathophysiology and more specifically in the mechanisms underlying peripheral and central sensitization. Here, we explored the interaction of CGRP with other pain mediators relevant for neuronal sensitization in an animal model of chronic migraine. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to nitroglycerin (NTG, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle co-administered with the CGRP receptor antagonist olcegepant (2 mg/kg i.p.), or its vehicle, every other day over a 9-day period. Twenty-four hours after the last injection of NTG (or vehicle), behavioral test and ex vivo analysis were performed. Olcegepant attenuated NTG-induced trigeminal hyperalgesia in the second phase of the orofacial formalin test. Interestingly, it also reduced gene expression and protein levels of CGRP, pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory-associated miRNAs (miR-155-5p, miR-382-5p, and miR-34a-5p), and transient receptor potential ankyrin channels in the medulla-pons area, cervical spinal cord, and trigeminal ganglia. Similarly, olcegepant reduced the NTG-induced increase in CGRP and inflammatory cytokines in serum. The findings show that the activation of the CGRP pathway in a migraine animal model was associated to the persistent activation of inflammatory pathways, which was paralleled by a condition of hyperalgesia. These molecular events are relevant for informing us about the mechanisms underlying chronic migraine.
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Guo X, Geng X, Chu Y, Gao J, Jiang L. MiR-204-5p Alleviates Neuropathic Pain by Targeting BRD4 in a Rat Chronic Constrictive Injury Model. J Pain Res 2022; 15:2427-2435. [PMID: 36003288 PMCID: PMC9394659 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s371616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The pathogenesis of neuropathic pain is complex, and previous studies have found that microRNAs are important regulators of neuropathic pain and are associated with the progression of neuropathic pain. This study aims to explore the level and role of miR-204-5p in the chronic constrictive injury (CCI) model of rats. Patients and Methods The CCI rat model was constructed to evaluate paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), paw withdrawal latency (PWL), the expressions of miR-204-5p, and the contents of inflammatory factors in the model. Overexpression of miR-204-5p in rat spinal cord was induced by intrathecal injection of miR-204-5p mimics. PWT and PWL were used to estimate mechanical and thermal pain thresholds. IL-6 and TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Luciferase reporter gene was conducted to verify the targeting relationship between miR-204-5p and BRD4. Results miR-204-5p was abnormally down-regulated in the CCI group. The thresholds of mechanical and thermal pain stimulation in the CCI group were lower, and the levels of inflammatory factors were higher than those in the sham group. Overexpression of miR-204-5p alleviated PWT, PWL and inflammatory factors. Besides, the luciferase reporter gene showed that BRD4 was a target gene of miR-204-5p. Conclusion These results suggested that miR-204-5p may alleviate neuropathic pain and inflammation through targeted regulation of BRD4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Guo
- Pain Department, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Geng
- Pain Department, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunchao Chu
- Pain Department, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfei Gao
- Pain Department, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Linkai Jiang
- Pain Department, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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Mauceri D. Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Chronic Pain. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162613. [PMID: 36010687 PMCID: PMC9406853 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is an unpleasant but essential-to-life sensation, usually resulting from tissue damage. When pain persists long after the injury has resolved, it becomes pathological. The precise molecular and cellular mechanisms causing the transition from acute to chronic pain are not fully understood. A key aspect of pain chronicity is that several plasticity events happen along the neural pathways involved in pain. These long-lasting adaptive changes are enabled by alteration in the expression of relevant genes. Among the different modulators of gene transcription in adaptive processes in the nervous system, epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role. In this review, I will first outline the main classes of epigenetic mediators and then discuss their implications in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mauceri
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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Jiang M, Wang Y, Wang J, Feng S, Wang X. The etiological roles of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in neuropathic pain: A narrative review. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24592. [PMID: 35808924 PMCID: PMC9396192 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in neuropathic pain development. Herein, we systematically searched for neuropathic pain‐related ncRNAs expression changes, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular non‐coding RNAs (circRNAs). Methods We searched two databases, PubMed and GeenMedical, for relevant studies. Results Peripheral nerve injury or noxious stimuli can induce extensive changes in the expression of ncRNAs. For example, higher serum miR‐132‐3p, ‐146b‐5p, and ‐384 was observed in neuropathic pain patients. Either sciatic nerve ligation, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) transaction, or ventral root transection (VRT) could upregulate miR‐21 and miR‐31 while downregulating miR‐668 and miR‐672 in the injured DRG. lncRNAs, such as early growth response 2‐antisense‐RNA (Egr2‐AS‐RNA) and Kcna2‐AS‐RNA, were upregulated in Schwann cells and inflicted DRG after nerve injury, respectively. Dysregulated circRNA homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 3 (circHIPK3) in serum and the DRG, abnormally expressed lncRNAs X‐inactive specific transcript (XIST), nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1), as well as ciRS‐7, zinc finger protein 609 (cirZNF609), circ_0005075, and circAnks1a in the spinal cord were suggested to participate in neuropathic pain development. Dysregulated miRNAs contribute to neuropathic pain via neuroinflammation, autophagy, abnormal ion channel expression, regulating pain‐related mediators, protein kinases, structural proteins, neurotransmission excitatory–inhibitory imbalances, or exosome miRNA‐mediated neuron–glia communication. In addition, lncRNAs and circRNAs are essential in neuropathic pain by acting as antisense RNA and miRNA sponges, epigenetically regulating pain‐related molecules expression, or modulating miRNA processing. Conclusions Numerous dysregulated ncRNAs have been suggested to participate in neuropathic pain development. However, there is much work to be done before ncRNA‐based analgesics can be clinically used for various reasons such as conservation among species, proper delivery, stability, and off‐target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yelong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Gaochun People's Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanwu Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Gada Y, Pandey A, Jadhav N, Ajgaonkar S, Mehta D, Nair S. New Vistas in microRNA Regulatory Interactome in Neuropathic Pain. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:778014. [PMID: 35280258 PMCID: PMC8914318 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.778014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition seen in patients with diabetic neuropathy, cancer chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, idiopathic neuropathy as well as other diseases affecting the nervous system. Only a small percentage of people with neuropathic pain benefit from current medications. The complexity of the disease, poor identification/lack of diagnostic and prognostic markers limit current strategies for the management of neuropathic pain. Multiple genes and pathways involved in human diseases can be regulated by microRNA (miRNA) which are small non-coding RNA. Several miRNAs are found to be dysregulated in neuropathic pain. These miRNAs regulate expression of various genes associated with neuroinflammation and pain, thus, regulating neuropathic pain. Some of these key players include adenylate cyclase (Ac9), toll-like receptor 8 (Tlr8), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (Socs3), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and RAS p21 protein activator 1 (Rasa1). With advancements in high-throughput technology and better computational power available for research in present-day pharmacology, biomarker discovery has entered a very exciting phase. We dissect the architecture of miRNA biological networks encompassing both human and rodent microRNAs involved in the development of neuropathic pain. We delineate various microRNAs, and their targets, that may likely serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic intervention in neuropathic pain. miRNAs mediate their effects in neuropathic pain by signal transduction through IRAK/TRAF6, TLR4/NF-κB, TXIP/NLRP3 inflammasome, MAP Kinase, TGFβ and TLR5 signaling pathways. Taken together, the elucidation of the landscape of signature miRNA regulatory networks in neuropathic pain will facilitate the discovery of novel miRNA/target biomarkers for more effective management of neuropathic pain.
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Hao LY, Zhang M, Tao Y, Xu H, Liu Q, Yang K, Wei R, Zhou H, Jin T, Liu XD, Xue Z, Shen W, Cao JL, Pan Z. miRNA-22 Upregulates Mtf1 in Dorsal Horn Neurons and Is Essential for Inflammatory Pain. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8622388. [PMID: 35242280 PMCID: PMC8886789 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8622388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory pain seriously affects patients' quality of life because of a paucity of effective clinical treatments caused, at least in part, by lack of full understanding of the underlying mechanisms. miRNAs are known to be involved in inflammatory pain via silencing or degrading of target mRNA in the cytoplasm. The present study provides a novel mechanism by which miRNA-22 positively regulates metal-regulatory transcription factor 1 (Mtf1) in the nuclei of neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. We found that miRNA-22 was significantly increased in the dorsal horn of mice with either inflammatory pain induced by plantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or neuropathic pain induced by unilateral sciatic nerve chronic constrictive injury (CCI). Knocking down or blocking miRNA-22 alleviated CFA-induced mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia, whereas overexpressing miRNA-22 produced pain-like behaviors. Mechanistically, the increased miRNA-22 binds directly to the Mtf1 promoter to recruit RNA polymerase II and elevate Mtf1 expression. The increased Mtf1 subsequently enhances spinal central sensitization, as evidenced by increased expression of p-ERK1/2, GFAP, and c-Fos in the dorsal horn. Our findings suggest that the miRNA-22-Mtf1 signaling axis in the dorsal horn plays a critical role in the induction and maintenance of inflammatory pain. This signaling pathway may be a promising therapeutic target in inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yun Hao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yang Tao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Hengjun Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Kehui Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Runa Wei
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Huimin Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Tong Jin
- Department of Pain, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Zhouya Xue
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Wen Shen
- Department of Pain, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Zhiqiang Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221004, China
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Jing PB, Chen XH, Lu HJ, Gao YJ, Wu XB. Enhanced function of NR2C/2D-containing NMDA receptor in the nucleus accumbens contributes to peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain and depression in mice. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069211053255. [PMID: 35057644 PMCID: PMC8785348 DOI: 10.1177/17448069211053255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) dysfunction in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) participates in regulating many neurological and psychiatric disorders such as drug addiction, chronic pain, and depression. NMDARs are heterotetrameric complexes generally composed of two NR1 and two NR2 subunits (NR2A, NR2B, NR2C and NR2D). Much attention has been focused on the role of NR2A and NR2B-containing NMDARs in a variety of neurological disorders; however, the function of NR2C/2D subunits at NAc in chronic pain remains unknown. In this study, spinal nerve ligation (SNL) induced a persistent sensory abnormity and depressive-like behavior. The whole-cell patch clamp recording on medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the NAc showed that the amplitude of NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) was significantly increased when membrane potential held at −40 to 0 mV in mice after 14 days of SNL operation. In addition, selective inhibition of NR2C/2D-containing NMDARs with PPDA caused a larger decrease on peak amplitude of NMDAR-EPSCs in SNL than that in sham-operated mice. Appling of selective potentiator of NR2C/2D, CIQ, markedly enhanced the evoked NMDAR-EPSCs in SNL-operated mice, but no change in sham-operated mice. Finally, intra-NAc injection of PPDA significantly attenuated SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and depressive-like behavior. These results for the first time showed that the functional change of NR2C/2D subunits-containing NMDARs in the NAc might contribute to the sensory and affective components in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Bo Jing
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University and Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huan-Jun Lu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong-Jing Gao
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Wu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Ye L, Morse LR, Falci SP, Olson JK, Shrivastava M, Nguyen N, Linnman C, Troy KL, Battaglino RA. hsa-MiR-19a-3p and hsa-MiR-19b-3p Are Associated with Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain: Findings from a Genome-Wide MicroRNA Expression Profiling Screen. Neurotrauma Rep 2021; 2:424-439. [PMID: 34755149 PMCID: PMC8570675 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2021.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with inflammation in both the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS), which may contribute to the initiation and maintenance of persistent pain. An understanding of factors contributing to neuroinflammation may lead to new therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain. Moreover, novel circulating biomarkers of neuropathic pain may facilitate earlier and more effective treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding single-stranded RNA that have emerged as important biomarkers and molecular mediators in physiological and pathological conditions. Using a genome-wide miRNA screening approach, we studied differential miRNA expression in plasma from 68 healthy, community-dwelling adults with and without SCI enrolled in ongoing clinical studies. We detected 2367 distinct miRNAs. Of these, 383 miRNAs were differentially expressed in acute SCI or chronic SCI versus no SCI and 71 were differentially expressed in chronic neuropathic pain versus no neuropathic pain. We selected homo sapiens (hsa)-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-19b-3p for additional analysis based on p-value, fold change, and their known role as regulators of neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation. Both hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-19b-3p levels were significantly higher in those with chronic SCI and severe neuropathic pain versus those with chronic SCI and no neuropathic pain. In confirmatory studies, both hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-19b-3p have moderate to strong discriminative ability to distinguish between those with and without pain. After adjusting for opioid use, hsa-miR-19b-3p levels were positively associated with pain interference with mood. Because hsa-miR-19 levels have been shown to change in response to exercise, folic acid, and resveratrol, these studies suggest that miRNAs are potential targets of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ye
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Leslie R Morse
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Scott P Falci
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, Colorado, USA
| | - Julie K Olson
- Department of Diagnostics and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mayank Shrivastava
- Department of Diagnostics and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Nguyen Nguyen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Clas Linnman
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen L Troy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ricardo A Battaglino
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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12
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Cámara MS, Martín Bujanda M, Mendioroz Iriarte M. Epigenetic changes in headache. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2021; 36:369-376. [PMID: 34714235 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple factors, including both genetic and environmental mechanisms, appear to play a role in the aetiology of headache. An interesting area of study is the possible involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in headache development and the transformation to chronic headache, and the potential role of these factors as a therapeutic target. METHODS We performed a literature review of the involvement of different epigenetic mechanisms in headache, mainly using the Medline/PubMed database. To this end, we used the following English search terms: headache, migraine, epigenetics, DNA methylation, histones, non-coding RNA, and miRNA. RESULTS A total of 15 English-language publications related to the above terms were obtained. CONCLUSION There is limited but consistent evidence of the relationship between epigenetics and headache; it is therefore essential to continue research of epigenetic changes in headache. This may help to understand the pathophysiology of headache and even to identify candidate biomarkers and new, more effective, therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Cámara
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - M Martín Bujanda
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - M Mendioroz Iriarte
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain; Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética, Navarrabiomed, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.
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13
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Christensen J, Beveridge JK, Wang M, Orr SL, Noel M, Mychasiuk R. A Pilot Study Investigating the Role of Gender in the Intergenerational Relationships between Gene Expression, Chronic Pain, and Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Clinical Sample of Youth with Chronic Pain. EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:epigenomes5020009. [PMID: 34968296 PMCID: PMC8594698 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a highly prevalent and costly issue that often emerges during childhood or adolescence and persists into adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase risk for several adverse health conditions, including chronic pain. Recent evidence suggests that parental trauma (ACEs, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms) confers risk of poor health outcomes in their children. Intergenerational relationships between parental trauma and child chronic pain may be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. A clinical sample of youth with chronic pain and their parents completed psychometrically sound questionnaires assessing ACEs, PTSD symptoms, and chronic pain, and provided a saliva sample. These were used to investigate the intergenerational relationships between four epigenetic biomarkers (COMT, DRD2, GR, and SERT), trauma, and chronic pain. The results indicated that the significant biomarkers were dependent upon the gender of the child, wherein parental ACEs significantly correlated with changes in DRD2 expression in female children and altered COMT expression in the parents of male children. Additionally, the nature of the ACE (maltreatment vs. household dysfunction) was associated with the specific epigenetic changes. There may be different pathways through which parental ACEs confer risk for poor outcomes for males and females, highlighting the importance of child gender in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennaya Christensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Jaimie K. Beveridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (J.K.B.); (M.N.)
| | - Melinda Wang
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Serena L. Orr
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (J.K.B.); (M.N.)
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (J.K.B.); (M.N.)
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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14
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Liu R, Wu XM, He X, Wang RZ, Yin XY, Zhou F, Ji MH, Shen JC. Contribution of DNA methyltransferases to spared nerve injury induced depression partially through epigenetically repressing Bdnf in hippocampus: Reversal by ketamine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 200:173079. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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15
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16
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Non-coding RNAs in neuropathic pain. Neuronal Signal 2020; 4:NS20190099. [PMID: 32587755 PMCID: PMC7306520 DOI: 10.1042/ns20190099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuro-immune alterations in the peripheral and central nervous system play a role in the pathophysiology of chronic pain in general, and members of the non-coding RNA (ncRNA) family, specifically the short, 22 nucleotide microRNAs (miRNAs) and the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as master switches orchestrating both immune as well as neuronal processes. Several chronic disorders reveal unique ncRNA expression signatures, which recently generated big hopes for new perspectives for the development of diagnostic applications. lncRNAs may offer perspectives as candidates indicative of neuropathic pain in liquid biopsies. Numerous studies have provided novel mechanistic insight into the role of miRNAs in the molecular sequelae involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain along the entire pain pathway. Specific processes within neurons, immune cells, and glia as the cellular components of the neuropathic pain triad and the communication paths between them are controlled by specific miRNAs. Therefore, nucleotide sequences mimicking or antagonizing miRNA actions can provide novel therapeutic strategies for pain treatment, provided their human homologues serve the same or similar functions. Increasing evidence also sheds light on the function of lncRNAs, which converge so far mainly on purinergic signalling pathways both in neurons and glia, and possibly even other ncRNA species that have not been explored so far.
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17
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Sosanya NM, Kumar R, Clifford JL, Chavez R, Dimitrov G, Srinivasan S, Gautam A, Trevino AV, Williams M, Hammamieh R, Cheppudira BP, Christy RJ, Crimmins SL. Identifying Plasma Derived Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Contained Biomarkers in the Development of Chronic Neuropathic Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 21:82-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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18
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Zhang X, Guo H, Xie A, Liao O, Ju F, Zhou Y. MicroRNA-144 relieves chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain via targeting RASA1. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2019; 67:294-302. [PMID: 31737949 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to participate in development of neuropathic pain. However, the role of microRNA-144 (miR-144) in neuropathic pain remains unclear. In the present study, we established a neuropathic pain mouse model via chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induction. The successful establishment of this model was confirmed via evaluation of paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL). By using this model, we found that miR-144 was significantly downregulated in CCI-induced neuropathic pain mice. In addition, intrathecal injection of miR-144 agomiR alleviated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain mice as shown by the increased of PWT and PWL. Moreover, miR-144 negatively regulated neuroinflammation by decreasing the expression of proinflammatory mediators, including TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), IL (interleukin)-1β, and IL-6, thus facilitating the inhibition of neuropathic pain development. Mechanistically, RASA1 (RAS P21 Protein Activator 1) was downregulated following the injection of agomiR-144, and was verified to be a target of miR-144. Furthermore, overexpression of RASA1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-144 on neuropathic pain. Therefore, the present study suggested that miR-144 has the potential to be explored as therapeutic target for treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjie Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hongli Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fifth hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - An Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ou Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Feng Ju
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan Province, China
| | - YuKai Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan Province, China
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19
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Kalpachidou T, Kummer KK, Mitrić M, Kress M. Tissue Specific Reference Genes for MicroRNA Expression Analysis in a Mouse Model of Peripheral Nerve Injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:283. [PMID: 31824261 PMCID: PMC6883285 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as master switch regulators in many biological processes in health and disease, including neuropathy. miRNAs are commonly quantified by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), usually estimated as relative expression through reference genes normalization. Different non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are used for miRNA normalization; however, there is no study identifying the optimal reference genes in animal models for peripheral nerve injury. We evaluated the stability of eleven ncRNAs, commonly used for miRNA normalization, in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), dorsal horn of the spinal cord (dhSC), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the mouse spared nerve injury (SNI) model. After RT-qPCR, the stability of each ncRNA was determined by using four different methods: BestKeeper, the comparative delta-Cq method, geNorm, and NormFinder. The candidates were rated according to their performance in each method and an overall ranking list was compiled. The most stable ncRNAs were: sno420, sno429, and sno202 in DRG; sno429, sno202, and U6 in dhSC; sno202, sno420, and sno142 in mPFC. We provide the first reference genes' evaluation for miRNA normalization in different neuronal tissues in an animal model of peripheral nerve injury. Our results underline the need for careful selection of reference genes for miRNA normalization in different tissues and experimental conditions. We further anticipate that our findings can be used in a broad range of nerve injury related studies, to ensure validity and promote reproducibility in miRNA quantification.
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20
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Tramullas M, Francés R, de la Fuente R, Velategui S, Carcelén M, García R, Llorca J, Hurlé MA. MicroRNA-30c-5p modulates neuropathic pain in rodents. Sci Transl Med 2019; 10:10/453/eaao6299. [PMID: 30089634 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aao6299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating chronic syndrome that is often refractory to currently available analgesics. Aberrant expression of several microRNAs (miRNAs) in nociception-related neural structures is associated with neuropathic pain in rodent models. We have exploited the antiallodynic phenotype of mice lacking the bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI), a transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pseudoreceptor. We used these mice to identify new miRNAs that might be useful for diagnosing, treating, or predicting neuropathic pain. We show that, after sciatic nerve injury in rats, miR-30c-5p was up-regulated in the spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma and that the expression of miR-30c-5p positively correlated with the severity of allodynia. The administration of a miR-30c-5p inhibitor into the cisterna magna of the brain delayed neuropathic pain development and reversed fully established allodynia in rodents. The mechanism was mediated by TGF-β and involved the endogenous opioid system. In patients with neuropathic pain associated with leg ischemia, the expression of miR-30c-5p was increased in plasma and CSF compared to control patients without pain. Logistic regression analysis in our cohort of patients showed that the expression of miR-30c-5p in plasma and CSF, in combination with other clinical variables, might be useful to help to predict neuropathic pain occurrence in patients with chronic peripheral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Tramullas
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla, E-39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Raquel Francés
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla, E-39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Roberto de la Fuente
- Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla, E-39011 Santander, Spain.,Servicio de Anestesiología, Hospital Universitario Valdecilla, E-39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Sara Velategui
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain
| | - María Carcelén
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla, E-39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Raquel García
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla, E-39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Javier Llorca
- Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla, E-39011 Santander, Spain.,Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | - María A Hurlé
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, E-39011 Santander, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla, E-39011 Santander, Spain
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21
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Zhong L, Xiao W, Wang F, Liu J, Zhi L. miR‐21‐5p inhibits neuropathic pain development via directly targeting C‐C motif ligand 1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐3. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:16614-16623. [PMID: 31161659 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science & Technology Wuhan China
| | - Weimin Xiao
- The Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Medicine Tongji University Shanghai China
| | - Juan Liu
- Xuzhou Medical University Huai'an China
| | - Li‐Jun Zhi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huai'an Second People' Hospital and The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University Huai'an Jiangsu China
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22
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Zhong L, Fu K, Xiao W, Wang F, Shen LL. Overexpression of miR-98 attenuates neuropathic pain development via targeting STAT3 in CCI rat models. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:7989-7997. [PMID: 30485529 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) are significant regulators of neuropathic pain development and neuroinflammation can contribute a lot to the progression of neuropathic pain. Recently, miR-98 has been reported to be involved in various diseases. However, little is known about the role of miR-98 in neuropathic pain development and neuroinflammation. Therefore, our study was aimed to investigate the function of miR-98 in neuropathic pain via establishing a rat model using chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Here, we observed that miR-98 was downregulated in CCI rat models. Overexpression of miR-9 was able to inhibit neuropathic pain progression. Recently, STAT3 has been reported to serve a key role in various processes, including inflammation. Interestingly, our study indicated that STAT3 was dramatically upregulated and activated in CCI rats. By using informatics analysis, STAT3 was predicted as a direct target of miR-98 and the direct correlation was confirmed. Then, miR-98 was overexpressed in CCI rats and it was found that miR-98 was able to repress neuropathic pain development via inhibiting the neuroinflammation. As displayed, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression was obviously induced in CCI rats, while miR-98 reduced their protein levels. Finally, we found that overexpression of STAT3 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-98 on neuropathic pain development. Taken these together, we reported that overexpression of miR-98 attenuated neuropathic pain development via targeting STAT3 in CCI rat models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kui Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan Third Hospital), Wuhan, China
| | - Weimin Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu-Lu Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huai'an Second People' Hospital and The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
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23
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated projection-specific regulation of depressive-like and nociceptive behaviors in the mesolimbic reward circuitry. Pain 2019; 159:175. [PMID: 29076919 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that the mesolimbic reward system plays critical roles in the regulation of depression and nociception; however, its circuitry and cellular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the output-specific regulatory roles of dopaminergic (DA) neurons within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in depressive-like and nociceptive behaviors in mice subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress (CMS), using the projection-specific electrophysiological recording, pharmacological manipulation, behavioral test, and molecular biology technologies. We demonstrated that CMS decreased the firing activity in VTA projecting to medial prefrontal cortex (VTA → mPFC), but not in VTA to nucleus accumbens (VTA → NAc), DA neurons. However, both VTA → mPFC and VTA → NAc DA neurons showed increased firing activity in response to morphine perfusion in CMS mice. Behavioral results showed that intra-VTA microinjection of morphine (25.5 ng/0.15 μL) relieved depressive-like behaviors, intriguingly, accompanied by a thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, the relief of depressive-like behaviors induced by intra-VTA injection of morphine in CMS mice could be prevented by blocking brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling and mimicked by the administration of exogenous BDNF in mPFC rather than in NAc shell. Nociceptive responses induced by the activation of VTA DA neurons with morphine in CMS mice could be prevented by blocking BDNF signaling or mimicked by administration of exogenous BDNF in NAc shell, but not in mPFC. These results reveal projection-specific regulatory mechanisms of depression and nociception in the mesolimbic reward circuitry and provide new insights into the neural circuits involved in the processing of depressive and nociceptive information.
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24
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Analyses of the possible anti-tumor effect of yokukansan. J Nat Med 2019; 73:468-479. [PMID: 30739283 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-019-01283-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Kampo medicine yokukansan (YKS) has a wide variety of properties such as anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and is also thought to regulate tumor suppression. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of YKS. We used Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)-bearing mice that were fed food pellets containing YKS and then performed a fecal microbiota analysis, a microarray analysis for microRNAs (miRNAs) and an in vitro anti-tumor assay. The fecal microbiota analysis revealed that treatment with YKS partly reversed changes in the microbiota composition due to LLC implantation. Furthermore, a miRNA array analysis using blood serum showed that treatment with YKS restored the levels of miR-133a-3p/133b-3p, miR-1a-3p and miR-342-3p following LLC implantation to normal levels. A TargetScan analysis revealed that the epidermal growth factor receptor 1 signaling pathway is one of the major target pathways for these miRNAs. Furthermore, treatment with YKS restored the levels of miR-200b-3p and miR-200c-3p, a recognized mediator of cancer progression and controller of emotion, in the hypothalamus of mice bearing LLC. An in vitro assay revealed that a mixture of pachymic acid, saikosaponins a and d and isoliquiritigenin, which are all contained in YKS, exerted direct and additive anti-tumor effects. The present findings constitute novel evidence that YKS may exert an anti-tumor effect by reversing changes in the fecal microbiota and miRNAs circulating in the blood serum and hypothalamus, and the compounds found in YKS could have direct and additive anti-tumor effects.
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25
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Ren Z, Yu J, Wu Z, Si W, Li X, Liu Y, Zhou J, Deng R, Chen D. MicroRNA-210-5p Contributes to Cognitive Impairment in Early Vascular Dementia Rat Model Through Targeting Snap25. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:388. [PMID: 30483048 PMCID: PMC6243094 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VD) is the most common form of dementia in elderly people. However, little is understood about the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in cognitive impairment in early VD. Here, a VD model induced by chronic cerebral ischemia and fetal bovine serum (FBS)-free cell model that detects synapse formation was established to investigate the function of miRNAs in early VD. The microarray analysis and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that miR-210-5p increased significantly in the hippocampus of rats with 4 weeks of ischemia. The VD model rats also displayed significant cognitive deficits and synaptic loss. The overexpression of miR-210-5p decreased the synaptic number in primary hippocampal neurons, whereas specific suppression of miR-210-5p resulted in the formation of more synapses. Additionally, intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of miR-210-5p agomir to VD rats aggravated phenotypes of cognitive impairment and synaptic loss. These VD-induced phenotypes were effectively attenuated by miR-210-5p antagomir. Moreover, bioinformatic prediction revealed that synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 KDa (Snap25) mRNA is targeted by miR-210-5p. The miR-210-5p decreased the luciferase activities of 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of Snap25 mRNA. Mutation of predicted miR-210-5p binding sites in the 3’ UTR of Snap25 mRNA abolished the miR-210-5p-induced decrease in luciferase activity. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining confirmed that miR-210-5p targets Snap25. Finally, RT-quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunofluorescence staining detected that miR-210-5p agomir downregulated Snap25 expression in the cornu ammonis1 (CA1) region of hippocampi in VD rats, whereas miR-210-5p antagomir upregulated Snap25 expression. Altogether, miR-210-5p contributes to cognitive impairment in chronic ischemia-induced VD model through the regulation of Snap25 expression, which potentially provides an opportunity to develop a new therapeutic strategy for VD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Ren
- Department of Anatomy, The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junlong Yu
- College of Basic Medicine, The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zimei Wu
- Department of Anatomy, The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Si
- Department of Anatomy, The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianqian Li
- Department of Anatomy, The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Department of Anatomy, The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhong Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rudong Deng
- Department of Anatomy, The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- Department of Anatomy, The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Xiao X, Zhang YQ. A new perspective on the anterior cingulate cortex and affective pain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 90:200-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Penas C, Navarro X. Epigenetic Modifications Associated to Neuroinflammation and Neuropathic Pain After Neural Trauma. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:158. [PMID: 29930500 PMCID: PMC5999732 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations lie behind the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is usually a chronic condition caused by a lesion, or pathological change, within the nervous system. Neuropathic pain appears frequently after nerve and spinal cord injuries or diseases, producing a debilitation of the patient and a decrease of the quality of life. At the cellular level, neuropathic pain is the result of neuronal plasticity shaped by an increase in the sensitivity and excitability of sensory neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system. One of the mechanisms thought to contribute to hyperexcitability and therefore to the ontogeny of neuropathic pain is the altered expression, trafficking, and functioning of receptors and ion channels expressed by primary sensory neurons. Besides, neuronal and glial cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, together with blood borne macrophages, play a critical role in the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain by releasing powerful neuromodulators such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which enhance neuronal excitability. Altered gene expression of neuronal receptors, ion channels, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, have been associated to epigenetic adaptations of the injured tissue. Within this review, we discuss the involvement of these epigenetic changes, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, and alteration of chromatin modifiers, that have been shown to trigger modification of nociception after neural lesions. In particular, the function on these processes of EZH2, JMJD3, MeCP2, several histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone acetyl transferases (HATs), G9a, DNMT, REST and diverse non-coding RNAs, are described. Despite the effort on developing new therapies, current treatments have only produced limited relief of this pain in a portion of patients. Thus, the present review aims to contribute to find novel targets for chronic neuropathic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Penas
- Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Chronic pain is frequently associated with anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. This review discusses recent work in rodents that contributes to the understanding of their neurobiological links. Brain regions that contain circuits that mediate persistent changes in behavior that are caused by nerve injury or joint inflammation include the rostral anterior cingulate and other parts of the medial prefrontal cortex, the basolateral and central nucleus of the amygdala, and the nucleus accumbens. Functional changes, including increases in the activity within specific neuronal pathways and in the levels of specific synaptic components, that are associated with the behavior changes, or are in some cases necessary for them, have recently been identified. Broadly projecting modulatory systems and widely expressed factors such as cytokines and growth factors also contribute to pain-associated behavior. Integrating these observations and determining their causal relationships is now critical for the identification of therapeutic targets and the design of appropriate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted B Usdin
- Section on Fundamental Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eugene L Dimitrov
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
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Kreth S, Hübner M, Hinske LC. MicroRNAs as Clinical Biomarkers and Therapeutic Tools in Perioperative Medicine. Anesth Analg 2018; 126:670-681. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000002444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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30
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Yan XT, Zhao Y, Cheng XL, He XH, Wang Y, Zheng WZ, Chen H, Wang YL. Inhibition of miR-200b/miR-429 contributes to neuropathic pain development through targeting zinc finger E box binding protein-1. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4815-4824. [PMID: 29150958 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have reported that microRNAs participate in neuropathic pain development. Previously, miR-200b and miR-429 are reported to be involved in various diseases. In our current study, we focused on their roles in neuropathic pain and we found that miR-200b and miR-429 were significantly decreased in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat spinal cords and isolated microglials. miR-200b and miR-429 overexpression were able to relieve neuropathic pain through modulating PWT and PWL in CCI rats. Meanwhile, we observed that both miR-200b and miR-429 upregulation could repress neuroinflammation via inhibiting inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in CCI rats. By carry out bioinformatics technology, Zinc finger E box binding protein-1 (ZEB1) was predicted as target of miR-200b, and miR-429 and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the correlation between them. ZEB1 has been reported to regulate a lot of diseases. Here, we found that ZEB1 was greatly increased in CCI rats and miR-200b and miR-429 overexpression markedly suppressed ZEB1 mRNA expression in rat microglial cells. In addition, knockdown of ZEB1 can reduce neuropathic pain development and co-transfection of LV-anti-miR-200b/miR-429 reversed this phenomenon in vivo. Taken these together, our results suggested that miR-200b/miR-429 can serve as an important regulator of neuropathic pain development by targeting ZEB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Tao Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Bao'an Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huai'an Second People's Hospital, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Xiao-Li Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Bao'an Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiang-Hu He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taihe Hospital, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Zhong Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Bao'an Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Bao'an Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan-Lin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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31
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple factors, including both genetic and environmental mechanisms, appear to play a role in the aetiology of headache. An interesting area of study is the possible involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in headache development and the transformation to chronic headache, and the potential role of these factors as a therapeutic target. METHODS We performed a literature review of the involvement of different epigenetic mechanisms in headache, mainly using the Medline/PubMed database. To this end, we used the following English search terms: headache, migraine, epigenetics, DNA methylation, histones, non-coding RNA, and miRNA. RESULTS A total of 15 English-language publications related to the above terms were obtained. CONCLUSION There is limited but consistent evidence of the relationship between epigenetics and headache; it is therefore essential to continue research of epigenetic changes in headache. This may help to understand the pathophysiology of headache and even to identify candidate biomarkers and new, more effective, therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Cámara
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, España
| | - M Martín Bujanda
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, España
| | - M Mendioroz Iriarte
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, España; Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética, Navarrabiomed, IdiSNA, Pamplona, España.
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32
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DosSantos MF, Moura BDS, DaSilva AF. Reward Circuitry Plasticity in Pain Perception and Modulation. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:790. [PMID: 29209204 PMCID: PMC5702349 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although pain is a widely known phenomenon and an important clinical symptom that occurs in numerous diseases, its mechanisms are still barely understood. Owing to the scarce information concerning its pathophysiology, particularly what is involved in the transition from an acute state to a chronic condition, pain treatment is frequently unsatisfactory, therefore contributing to the amplification of the chronic pain burden. In fact, pain is an extremely complex experience that demands the recruitment of an intricate set of central nervous system components. This includes cortical and subcortical areas involved in interpretation of the general characteristics of noxious stimuli. It also comprises neural circuits that process the motivational-affective dimension of pain. Hence, the reward circuitry represents a vital element for pain experience and modulation. This review article focuses on the interpretation of the extensive data available connecting the major components of the reward circuitry to pain suffering, including the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and the medial prefrontal cortex; with especial attention dedicated to the evaluation of neuroplastic changes affecting these structures found in chronic pain syndromes, such as migraine, trigeminal neuropathic pain, chronic back pain, and fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos F. DosSantos
- Laboratório de Morfogênese Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Brenda de Souza Moura
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Radiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre F. DaSilva
- Headache and Orofacial Pain Effort, Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, Center for Human Growth and Development, Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Increased cutaneous miR-let-7d expression correlates with small nerve fiber pathology in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Pain 2017; 157:2493-2503. [PMID: 27429177 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic widespread pain condition probably comprising subgroups with different underlying pathomechanisms. There is increasing evidence for small nerve fiber impairment in subgroups of patients with FMS. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate molecular factors determining nerve de- and re-generation. We investigated whether systemic and cutaneous miRNA expression in patients with FMS is related to small nerve fiber pathology. We confirmed previous findings of disturbed small fiber function and reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density in subgroups of patients with FMS. We found 51 aberrantly expressed miRNAs in white blood cells of patients with FMS, of which miR-let-7d correlated with reduced small nerve fiber density in patients with FMS. Furthermore, we demonstrated miR-let-7d and its downstream target insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor as being aberrantly expressed in skin of patients with FMS with small nerve fiber impairment. Our study gives further evidence of small nerve fiber pathology in FMS subgroups and provides a missing link in the pathomechanism that may lead to small fiber loss in subgroups of patients with FMS.
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34
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miRNAs: Important Targets for Oral Cancer Pain Research. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:4043516. [PMID: 29214166 PMCID: PMC5682905 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4043516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pain is a symptom shared by an incredible number of diseases. It is also one of the primary conditions that prompt individuals to seek medical treatment. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) corresponds to a heterogeneous disease that may arise from many distinct structures of a large, highly complex, and intricate region. HNSCC affects a great number of patients worldwide and is directly associated with chronic pain, which is especially prominent during the advanced stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), an anatomical and clinical subtype that corresponds to the great majority oral cancers. Although the cellular and molecular bases of oral cancer pain have not been fully established yet, the results of recent studies suggest that different epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to this process. For instance, there is strong scientific evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs), small RNA molecules that do not encode proteins, might act by regulating the mechanisms underlying cancer-related pain. Among the miRNAs that could possibly interfere in pain-signaling pathways, miR-125b, miR-181, and miR-339 emerge as some of the most promising candidates. In fact, such molecules apparently contribute to inflammatory pain. Moreover, these molecules possibly influence the activity of endogenous pain control systems (e.g., opioidergic and serotonergic systems), which could ultimately result in peripheral and central sensitization, central nervous system (CNS) phenomena innately associated with chronic pain. This review paper focuses on the current scientific knowledge regarding the involvement of miRNAs in cancer pain, with special attention dedicated to OSCC-related pain.
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35
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Zhang H, Qian YL, Li C, Liu D, Wang L, Wang XY, Liu MJ, Liu H, Zhang S, Guo XY, Yang JX, Ding HL, Koo JW, Mouzon E, Deisseroth K, Nestler EJ, Zachariou V, Han MH, Cao JL. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Mesolimbic Reward Circuitry Mediates Nociception in Chronic Neuropathic Pain. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:608-618. [PMID: 28390647 PMCID: PMC5788809 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.02.1180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mesolimbic reward system plays a critical role in modulating nociception; however, its underlying molecular, cellular, and neural circuitry mechanisms remain unknown. METHODS Chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve was used to model neuropathic pain. Projection-specific in vitro recordings in mouse brain slices and in vivo recordings from anesthetized animals were used to measure firing of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The role of VTA-nucleus accumbens (NAc) circuitry in nociceptive regulation was assessed using optogenetic and pharmacological manipulations, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated by Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and conditional knockdown techniques. RESULTS c-Fos expression in and firing of contralateral VTA-NAc dopaminergic neurons were elevated in CCI mice, and optogenetic inhibition of these neurons reversed CCI-induced thermal hyperalgesia. CCI increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein but not messenger RNA in the contralateral NAc. This increase was reversed by pharmacological inhibition of VTA dopaminergic neuron activity, which induced an antinociceptive effect that was neutralized by injecting exogenous BDNF into the NAc. Moreover, inhibition of BDNF synthesis in the VTA with anisomycin or selective knockdown of BDNF in the VTA-NAc pathway was antinociceptive in CCI mice. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal a novel mechanism of nociceptive modulation in the mesolimbic reward circuitry and provide new insight into the neural circuits involved in the processing of nociceptive information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Yi-Ling Qian
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Chen Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Di Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Mei-Jun Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - He Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Department of Anesthesiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Guo
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Jun-Xia Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Hai-Lei Ding
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Ja Wook Koo
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Ezekiell Mouzon
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Venetia Zachariou
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Ming-Hu Han
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA,Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
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Melanocortin-4 receptor regulation of pain. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:2515-2522. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Astroglial MicroRNA-219-5p in the Ventral Tegmental Area Regulates Nociception in Rats. Anesthesiology 2017; 127:548-564. [PMID: 28582325 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000001720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The authors previously reported that noncoding microRNA miR-219-5p is down-regulated in the spinal cord in a nociceptive state. The ventral tegmental area also plays critical roles in modulating nociception, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The authors hypothesized that miR-219-5p in the ventral tegmental area also may modulate nociception. METHODS The authors studied the bidirectional regulatory role of ventral tegmental area miR-219-5p in a rat complete Freund's adjuvant model of inflammatory nociception by measuring paw withdrawal latencies. Using molecular biology technologies, the authors measured the effects of astroglial coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 1A/nuclear factor κB cascade and dopamine neuron activity on the down-regulation of ventral tegmental area miR-219-5p-induced nociceptive responses. RESULTS MiR-219-5p expression in the ventral tegmental area was reduced in rats with thermal hyperalgesia. Viral overexpression of ventral tegmental area miR-219-5p attenuated complete Freund's adjuvant-induced nociception from 7 days after complete Freund's adjuvant injection (paw withdrawal latencies: 6.09 ± 0.83 s vs. 3.96 ± 0.76 s; n = 6/group). Down-regulation of ventral tegmental area miR-219-5p in naïve rats was sufficient to induce thermal hyperalgesia from 7 days after lentivirus injection (paw withdrawal latencies: 7.09 ± 1.54 s vs. 11.75 ± 2.15 s; n = 8/group), which was accompanied by increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (fold change: 2.81 ± 0.38; n = 3/group) and reversed by intraventral tegmental area injection of the astroglial inhibitor fluorocitrate. The nociceptive responses induced by astroglial miR-219-5p down-regulation were inhibited by interfering with astroglial coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 1A/nuclear factor-κB signaling. Finally, pharmacologic inhibition of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons alleviated this hyperalgesia. CONCLUSIONS Down-regulation of astroglial miR-219-5p in ventral tegmental area induced nociceptive responses are mediated by astroglial coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 1A/nuclear factor-κB signaling and elevated dopamine neuron activity.
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Aberrant microRNA expression in patients with painful peripheral neuropathies. J Neurol Sci 2017; 380:242-249. [PMID: 28870579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the neuro-immune balance play a major role in the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain. We recently reported pathophysiologically relevant alterations in skin and sural nerve cytokine expression in peripheral neuropathies of different etiologies. Immune processes and cytokine expression are under tight control of microRNAs (miRNAs). To identify potential master switches in the neuro-immune balance, we aimed at characterizing inflammation-regulating miRNA profiles in patients with peripheral neuropathies. In an unselected patient cohort with polyneuropathies of different etiologies seen at our neuromuscular center between 2014 and 2015, we determined the systemic and local relative expression of miR-21-5p, miR-146a, and miR-155. In white blood cells we found higher miR-21 (p<0.001) and miR-146a (p<0.001) expression and lower miR-155 (p<0.001) expression when compared to healthy controls. In sural nerve, miR-21 (p<0.02) was increased in painful compared to painless neuropathies. In painful neuropathies, skin biopsies from the lower leg had reduced miR-146a (p<0.001) and miR-155 (p<0.001) expression compared to the thigh. Thus, peripheral neuropathies are associated with aberrant miRNA expression in white blood cells, sural nerve, and skin. These miRNA patterns may help to identify factors that determine the painfulness of peripheral neuropathies and lead to druggable targets.
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39
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Abstract
More than 20% of adults worldwide experience different types of chronic pain, which are frequently associated with several comorbidities and a decrease in quality of life. Several approved painkillers are available, but current analgesics are often hampered by insufficient efficacy and/or severe adverse effects. Consequently, novel strategies for safe, highly efficacious treatments are highly desirable, particularly for chronic pain. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs (miRNAs) strongly affect the regulation of gene expression, potentially for long periods over years or even generations, and have been associated with pathophysiological pain. Several studies, mostly in animals, revealed that inhibitors of DNA methylation, activators and inhibitors of histone modification and modulators of miRNAs reverse a number of pathological changes in the pain epigenome, which are associated with altered expression of pain-relevant genes. This epigenetic modulation might then reduce the nociceptive response and provide novel therapeutic options for analgesic therapy of chronic pain states. However, a number of challenges, such as nonspecific effects and poor delivery to target cells and tissues, hinder the rapid development of such analgesics. In this Review, we critically summarize data on epigenetics and pain, focusing on challenges in clinical development as well as possible new approaches to the drug modulation of the pain epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Niederberger
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Zentrum für Arzneimittelforschung Entwicklung und Sicherheit (ZAFES), Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eduard Resch
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Project Group for Translational Medicine &Pharmacology, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael J Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Project Group for Translational Medicine &Pharmacology, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Zentrum für Arzneimittelforschung Entwicklung und Sicherheit (ZAFES), Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Project Group for Translational Medicine &Pharmacology, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Ding M, Shen W, Hu Y. The Role of miR-539 in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Chronic Neuropathic Pain. PAIN MEDICINE 2017; 18:2433-2442. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnx004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Boadas-Vaello P, Homs J, Reina F, Carrera A, Verdú E. Neuroplasticity of Supraspinal Structures Associated with Pathological Pain. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2017; 300:1481-1501. [PMID: 28263454 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve and spinal cord injuries, along with other painful syndromes such as fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapeutic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and/or irritable bowel syndrome, cause several neuroplasticity changes in the nervous system along its entire axis affecting the different neuronal nuclei. This paper reviews these changes, focusing on the supraspinal structures that are involved in the modulation and processing of pain, including the periaqueductal gray matter, red nucleus, locus coeruleus, rostral ventromedial medulla, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, habenula, primary, and secondary somatosensory cortex, motor cortex, mammillary bodies, hippocampus, septum, amygdala, cingulated, and prefrontal cortex. Hyperexcitability caused by the modification of postsynaptic receptor expression, central sensitization, and potentiation of presynaptic delivery of neurotransmitters, as well as the reduction of inhibitory inputs, changes in dendritic spine, neural circuit remodeling, alteration of gray matter, and upregulation of proinflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines) by reactivation of astrocytes and microglial cells are the main functional, structural, and molecular neuroplasticity changes observed in the above supraspinal structures, associated with pathological pain. Studying these changes in greater depth may lead to the implementation and improvement of new therapeutic strategies against pathological pain. Anat Rec, 300:1481-1501, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Boadas-Vaello
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
| | - Judit Homs
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain.,Department of Physical Therapy EUSES-Universitat of Girona, Salt (Girona), Catalonia, 17190, Spain
| | - Francisco Reina
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
| | - Ana Carrera
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
| | - Enrique Verdú
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
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DNA methyltransferase DNMT3a contributes to neuropathic pain by repressing Kcna2 in primary afferent neurons. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14712. [PMID: 28270689 PMCID: PMC5344974 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve injury induces changes in gene transcription in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, which may contribute to nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. DNA methylation represses gene expression. Here, we report that peripheral nerve injury increases expression of the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3a in the injured DRG neurons via the activation of the transcription factor octamer transcription factor 1. Blocking this increase prevents nerve injury-induced methylation of the voltage-dependent potassium (Kv) channel subunit Kcna2 promoter region and rescues Kcna2 expression in the injured DRG and attenuates neuropathic pain. Conversely, in the absence of nerve injury, mimicking this increase reduces the Kcna2 promoter activity, diminishes Kcna2 expression, decreases Kv current, increases excitability in DRG neurons and leads to spinal cord central sensitization and neuropathic pain symptoms. These findings suggest that DNMT3a may contribute to neuropathic pain by repressing Kcna2 expression in the DRG.
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Chronic treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer cells with gefitinib leads to an epigenetic loss of epithelial properties associated with reductions in microRNA-155 and -200c. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172115. [PMID: 28225782 PMCID: PMC5321411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib is used in therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its application is limited by resistance-accelerated disease progression, which is accompanied by the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the present study, we performed multiple expression analyses of microRNAs (miRNAs) and quantified the expression of several related EMT players in gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells. Methods and results To establish gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells, gefitinib-sensitive HCC827 cells, which exhibit an in-frame deletion [E746-A750] in EGFR exon 19, were exposed to gefitinib for at least 1.5 months. Next, to profile “gefitinib-resistant HCC827 (HCC827GR)” cells, which have a secondary T790M mutation in EGFR exon 20, a miRNA array analysis was performed in HCC827 and HCC827GR cells. The greatest differences were seen in the levels of miR-155 and miR-200c, which essentially disappeared in HCC827GR cells. In addition to these reductions, the levels of smad2 and zeb1, which are both key players in EMT and targets for miR-155 and miR-200c, respectively, were dramatically increased in HCC827GR cells. In HCC827GR cells, the expression of epithelial-cadherin (E-cadherin) was greatly reduced with repressive histone modifications, whereas vimentin, which is expressed in mesenchymal cells, was dramatically increased with active histone modifications. In another gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell line (H1975 cells), similar to the findings in HCC827GR cells, both miR-155 and miR-200c were absent, and the EMT was induced along with epigenetic modifications. Interestingly, the inhibition of both miR-155 and miR-200c in HCC827 cells without gefitinib induced significant increases in smad2 and zeb1 along with a dramatic decrease in E-cadherin and a slight increase in vimentin. Furthermore, although the inhibition of these miRNAs in HCC827 cells decreased gefitinib sensitivity, this dual-inhibition in HCC827 cells without gefitinib did not produce a secondary T790M mutation in EGFR exon 20. Conclusion and implications These results suggest that chronic treatment of NSCLC cells with gefitinib changes the expression of miRNAs, including dramatic reductions in miR-155 and miR-200c along with an EGFR mutation. Furthermore, this depletion of miR-155 and miR-200c may be associated with the EMT along with histone modifications, and may contribute to the decrease in the sensitivity to gefitinib independent of a secondary EGFR mutation.
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Yang Z, Xu J, Zhu R, Liu L. Down-Regulation of miRNA-128 Contributes to Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury via Activation of P38. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:405-411. [PMID: 28114268 PMCID: PMC5282966 DOI: 10.12659/msm.898788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NPP) arises from a lesion or dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system. Recent studies have demonstrated multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in NPP development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of miR-128 on microglial cells. Material/Methods We established a compressive spinal cord injury (SCI) model and collected the spinal cord segment-derived conditioned medium (CM). We then measured the expression of miR-128 in the murine microglial cell line BV2 treated with CM-SCI or CM obtained from control (CM-NC). Furthermore, lentivirus production of miR-128 and scrambled control were transfected into BV2 cells, which were first treated with CM-SCI or CM-NC. Moreover, the effects of miR-128 on cell viability, M1/M2 microglial gene expression, inflammatory cytokines concentration, and the protein expression of P38 and phosphorylated P38 (P-P38) were investigated. Results The expression of miR-128 was downregulated in murine microglial BV2 cells treated with CM-SCI. Overexpression of miR-128 markedly promoted the viability of murine microglial cells. In addition, miR-128 overexpression significantly decreased the expression levels of microglial M1 phenotypic markers CD86 and CD32, and increased the expression levels of M2 phenotypic markers Arg1 and CD206. Furthermore, miR-128 overexpression obviously decreased the concentration of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. We found that miR-128 overexpression significantly downregulated the expression levels of P38 andP-P38. Conclusions Our findings indicate that down-regulation of miR-128 in murine microglial cells may contribute to the development of NPP following SCI via activation of P38. MiR-128 may be a potential intervention target for NPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Junmei Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Rong Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
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Abstract
UNLABELLED DNA 5-hydroxylmethylcytosine (5hmC) catalyzed by ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase (TET) occurs abundantly in neurons of mammals. However, the in vivo causal link between TET dysregulation and nociceptive modulation has not been established. Here, we found that spinal TET1 and TET3 were significantly increased in the model of formalin-induced acute inflammatory pain, which was accompanied with the augment of genome-wide 5hmC content in spinal cord. Knockdown of spinal TET1 or TET3 alleviated the formalin-induced nociceptive behavior and overexpression of spinal TET1 or TET3 in naive mice produced pain-like behavior as evidenced by decreased thermal pain threshold. Furthermore, we found that TET1 or TET3 regulated the nociceptive behavior by targeting microRNA-365-3p (miR-365-3p). Formalin increased 5hmC in the miR-365-3p promoter, which was inhibited by knockdown of TET1 or TET3 and mimicked by overexpression of TET1 or TET3 in naive mice. Nociceptive behavior induced by formalin or overexpression of spinal TET1 or TET3 could be prevented by downregulation of miR-365-3p, and mimicked by overexpression of spinal miR-365-3p. Finally, we demonstrated that a potassium channel, voltage-gated eag-related subfamily H member 2 (Kcnh2), validated as a target of miR-365-3p, played a critical role in nociceptive modulation by spinal TET or miR-365-3p. Together, we concluded that TET-mediated hydroxymethylation of miR-365-3p regulates nociceptive behavior via Kcnh2. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mounting evidence indicates that epigenetic modifications in the nociceptive pathway contribute to pain processes and analgesia response. Here, we found that the increase of 5hmC content mediated by TET1 or TET3 in miR-365-3p promoter in the spinal cord is involved in nociceptive modulation through targeting a potassium channel, Kcnh2. Our study reveals a new epigenetic mechanism underlying nociceptive information processing, which may be a novel target for development of antinociceptive drugs.
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Increased miR-132-3p expression is associated with chronic neuropathic pain. Exp Neurol 2016; 283:276-86. [PMID: 27349406 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the neuro-immune balance play a major role in the pathophysiology of chronic neuropathic pain. MicroRNAs (miRNA) can regulate both immune and neuronal processes and may function as master switches in chronic pain development and maintenance. We set out to analyze the role of miR-132-3p, first in patients with peripheral neuropathies and second in an animal model of neuropathic pain. We initially determined miR-132-3p expression by measuring its levels in white blood cells (WBC) of 30 patients and 30 healthy controls and next in sural nerve biopsies of 81 patients with painful or painless inflammatory or non-inflammatory neuropathies based on clinical diagnosis. We found a 2.6 fold increase in miR-132-3p expression in WBC of neuropathy patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). MiR-132-3p expression was also slightly up-regulated in sural nerve biopsies from neuropathy patients suffering from neuropathic pain compared to those without pain (1.2 fold; p<0.001). These promising findings were investigated further in an animal model of neuropathic pain, the spared nerve injury model (SNI). For this purpose miR-132-3p expression levels were measured in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord of rats. Subsequently, miR-132-3p expression was pharmacologically modulated with miRNA antagonists or mimetics, and evoked pain and pain aversion were assessed. Spinal miR-132-3p levels were highest 10days after SNI, a time when persistent allodynia was established (p<0.05). Spinal administration of miR-132-3p antagonists via intrathecal (i.t.) catheters dose dependently reversed mechanical allodyina (p<0.001) and eliminated pain behavior in the place escape avoidance paradigm (p<0.001). Intrathecal administration of miR-132-3p mimetic dose-dependently induced pain behavior in naïve rats (p<0.001). Taken together these results indicate a pro-nociceptive effect of miR-132-3p in chronic neuropathic pain.
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Cheng W, Wang JF, Yang CX, Wu L, Yin Q, Liu H, Fu ZJ. Intrathecal Injection of Resveratrol Attenuates Burn Injury Pain by Activating Spinal Sirtuin 1. Pharmacogn Mag 2016; 12:S201-5. [PMID: 27279707 PMCID: PMC4883079 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.182167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The present study sought to detect spinal sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and acetylation of histone H3 (Ac-H3) expression in rats with burn injury pain (BIP model). Procedures and Results: A BIP model was first established. BIP rats showed lower paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) from day 1, which persisted for 21 days following the burn injury. Spinal SIRT1/Ac-H3 expression increased following burn injury. The intrathecal use of resveratrol increased PWT and SIRT1 expression but induced down-regulation of Ac-H3 expression. We first demonstrated that the inhibition of SIRT1 significantly induced mechanical allodynia in naïve rats. The preinjection of SIRT1 inhibitor partly antagonized the analgesic effects of resveratrol in BIP rats. Conclusion: Inhibition of SIRT1 produces pain facilitation in the naïve rats. The expression of spinal SIRT1 increased after burn injury in the BIP model. The activation of spinal SIRT1 might mediate the resveratrol-induced analgesic effects. SUMMARY Burn injury resulted in pain facilitation Resveratrol attenuates pain facilitation induced by burn injury Intrathecal injection of resveratrol attenuates burn injury pain by increasing spinal sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression Inhibition of SIRT1 by selisistat, an SIRT1 inhibitor attenuated analgesic effects of resveratrol
Abbreviations used: SIRT1: Sirtuin 1, Ac-H3: Acetylation of histone H3, SD: Sprague-Dawley, EX527: Selisistat, an SIRT1 inhibitor, BIP: Burn injury pain, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, PWTs: Paw withdrawal thresholds
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Center for Pain Research and Treatment, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Jin-Feng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Center for Pain Research and Treatment, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Cong-Xian Yang
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, PR China
| | - Liang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Center for Pain Research and Treatment, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Qin Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Center for Pain Research and Treatment, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - He Liu
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, PR China
| | - Zhi-Jian Fu
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000, PR China
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Abstract
Biomarkers are measurable characteristics reflective of the physiological or diseased state and a crucial feature in rendering personalized medicine more precise. Dysregulated expression of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in bodily fluids is being explored as noninvasive clinical biomarker for a variety of disorders including chronic pain. High-precision qPCR-based signal amplification of these miRNAs enables the detection of small changes making them ideal biomarker candidates. Presence of circulating miRNAs in exosomes, small vesicles that mediate intercellular communication, opens up novel avenues for target intervention and biomarker discovery. miRNA signatures specific to different pain conditions, and their reversal on treatment in patients and animal models can be beneficial in patient stratification, prognosis, and in bridging preclinical and clinical results. Identification of multiple miRNAs as opposed to reliance on one specific molecule as a biomarker could improve treatment efficacies in an extremely heterogeneous pain patient population. Additionally, owing to the stability of miRNAs, retrospective studies could be performed using banked samples from completed clinical trials. Irrespective of the phase and outcome, these studies can provide insights on molecular underpinnings influencing treatment outcome, or specific therapeutic intervention. Identification of miRNAs altered in chronic pain states will have a significant impact on the identification of right leads, targets, doses, and patients. Effective implementation of miRNA-based biomarkers would provide treatment guidance for clinicians, better clinical trial designs for pharmaceutical companies, all leading to individualized care and better treatment outcome for chronic pain patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujay Ramanathan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Seena K Ajit
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Computational functional genomics based analysis of pain-relevant micro-RNAs. Hum Genet 2015; 134:1221-38. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-015-1600-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Zhang J, Banerjee B. Role of MicroRNA in Visceral Pain. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 21:159-71. [PMID: 25843071 PMCID: PMC4398244 DOI: 10.5056/jnm15027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-lasting nociceptive transmission under various visceral pain conditions involves transcriptional and/or translational alteration in neurotransmitter and receptor expression as well as modification of neuronal function, morphology and synaptic connections. Although it is largely unknown how such changes in posttranscriptional expression induce visceral pain, recent evidence strongly suggests an important role for microRNAs (miRNAs, small non-coding RNAs) in the cellular plasticity underlying chronic visceral pain. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA endogenously produced in our body and act as a major regulator of gene expression by either through cleavage or translational repression of the target gene. This regulation is essential for the normal physiological function but when disturbed can result in pathological conditions. Usually one miRNA has multiple targets and target mRNAs are regulated in a combinatorial fashion by multiple miRNAs. In recent years, many studies have been performed to delineate the posttranscriptional regulatory role of miRNAs in different tissues under various nociceptive stimuli. In this review, we intend to discuss the recent development in miRNA research with special emphases on miRNAs and their targets responsible for long term sensitization in chronic pain conditions. In addition, we review miRNAs expression and function data for different animal pain models and also the recent progress in research on miRNA-based therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee, WI , USA
| | - Banani Banerjee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee, WI , USA
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