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Wang Y, Zhang L, Lyu T, Cui L, Zhao S, Wang X, Wang M, Wang Y, Li Z. Association of DNA methylation/demethylation with the functional outcome of stroke in a hyperinflammatory state. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2229-2239. [PMID: 38488557 PMCID: PMC11034580 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.392890] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00024/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff Inflammation is closely related to stroke prognosis, and high inflammation status leads to poor functional outcome in stroke. DNA methylation is involved in the pathogenesis and prognosis of stroke. However, the effect of DNA methylation on stroke at high levels of inflammation is unclear. In this study, we constructed a hyperinflammatory cerebral ischemia mouse model and investigated the effect of hypomethylation and hypermethylation on the functional outcome. We constructed a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and treated the mice with lipopolysaccharide to induce a hyperinflammatory state. To investigate the effect of DNA methylation on stroke, we used small molecule inhibitors to restrain the function of key DNA methylation and demethylation enzymes. 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, neurological function scores, neurobehavioral tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blot assay were used to evaluate the effects after stroke in mice. We assessed changes in the global methylation status by measuring DNA 5-mc and DNA 5-hmc levels in peripheral blood after the use of the inhibitor. In the group treated with the DNA methylation inhibitor, brain tissue 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining showed an increase in infarct volume, which was accompanied by a decrease in neurological scores and worsening of neurobehavioral performance. The levels of inflammatory factors interleukin 6 and interleukin-1 beta in ischemic brain tissue and plasma were elevated, indicating increased inflammation. Related inflammatory pathway exploration showed significant overactivation of nuclear factor kappa B. These results suggested that inhibiting DNA methylation led to poor functional outcome in mice with high inflammation following stroke. Further, the effects were reversed by inhibition of DNA demethylation. Our findings suggest that DNA methylation regulates the inflammatory response in stroke and has an important role in the functional outcome of hyperinflammatory stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Wang
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianjie Lyu
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Cui
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shunying Zhao
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuechun Wang
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Wang
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Artificial Intelligence in Cerebrovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Digital Healthcare for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zixiao Li
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Artificial Intelligence in Cerebrovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Digital Healthcare for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
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2
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Lu ZJ, Pan QL, Lin FX. Epigenetic modifications of inflammation in spinal cord injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117306. [PMID: 39153436 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117306] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a central nervous system injury that leads to neurological dysfunction or paralysis, which seriously affects patients' quality of life and causes a heavy social and economic burden. The pathological mechanism of SCI has not been fully revealed, resulting in unsatisfactory clinical treatment. Therefore, more research is urgently needed to reveal its precise pathological mechanism. Numerous studies have shown that inflammation is closely related to various pathological processes in SCI. Inflammatory response is an important pathological process leading to secondary injury, and sustained inflammatory response can exacerbate the injury and hinder the recovery of neurological function after injury. Epigenetic modification is considered to be an important regulatory mechanism in the pathological process of many diseases. Epigenetic modification mainly affects the function and characteristics of genes through the reversibility of mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and regulation of non-coding RNA, thus having a significant impact on the pathological process of diseases and the survival state of the body. Recently, the role of epigenetic modification in the inflammatory response of SCI has gradually entered the field of view of researchers, and epigenetic modification may be a potential means to treat SCI. In this paper, we review the effects and mechanisms of different types of epigenetic modifications (including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNAs) on post-SCI inflammation and their potential therapeutic effects on inflammation to improve our understanding of the secondary SCI stage. This review aims to help identify new markers, signaling pathways and targeted drugs, and provide theoretical basis and new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Jun Lu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province 341000, PR China; Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University (Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University), 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province 341000, PR China.
| | - Qi-Lin Pan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province 341000, PR China; Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University (Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University), 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province 341000, PR China
| | - Fei-Xiang Lin
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province 341000, PR China; Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University (Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University), 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province 341000, PR China.
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3
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Xiong HY, Wyns A, Campenhout JV, Hendrix J, De Bruyne E, Godderis L, Schabrun S, Nijs J, Polli A. Epigenetic Landscapes of Pain: DNA Methylation Dynamics in Chronic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8324. [PMID: 39125894 PMCID: PMC11312850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a prevalent condition with a multifaceted pathogenesis, where epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, might play an important role. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms by which DNA methylation and demethylation regulate genes associated with nociception and pain perception in nociceptive pathways. We explore the dynamic nature of these epigenetic processes, mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, which modulate the expression of pro- and anti-nociceptive genes. Aberrant DNA methylation profiles have been observed in patients with various chronic pain syndromes, correlating with hypersensitivity to painful stimuli, neuronal hyperexcitability, and inflammatory responses. Genome-wide analyses shed light on differentially methylated regions and genes that could serve as potential biomarkers for chronic pain in the epigenetic landscape. The transition from acute to chronic pain is marked by rapid DNA methylation reprogramming, suggesting its potential role in pain chronicity. This review highlights the importance of understanding the temporal dynamics of DNA methylation during this transition to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. Reversing pathological DNA methylation patterns through epigenetic therapies emerges as a promising strategy for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Xiong
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Arne Wyns
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Jente Van Campenhout
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Jolien Hendrix
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Siobhan Schabrun
- The School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity, Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Göterbog, Sweden
| | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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4
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Behroozi Z, Kookli K, Ghadaksaz A, Motavaf M, Fazeli SM, Nezhad AM, Ramezani F, Janzadeh A. Evaluation of epigenetic (HDAC, DNMT) and pain (Gad65, TGF) factors following photobiomodulation therapy in a neuropathic pain model. Photochem Photobiol 2024; 100:233-243. [PMID: 37332186 DOI: 10.1111/php.13824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is converted to the most common analgesic treatment before the whole mechanism is yet to be discovered. This study for the first time was designed to investigate alternations of epigenetic factors after pain and PBMT. The CCI model was chosen to induce pain. Pain evaluation tests including plantar, acetone, von Frey, and pinch were done weekly. Then spinal cord tissue was isolated for evaluating mRNA expression of DNMT3a, HDAC1, and NRSF using RT-qPCR method, and protein expression factors of HDAC2 and DNMT3a using western blotting. GAD65 and TGF-β proteins were assessed by the IHC method. PBMT increased the pain threshold up to the point where it roughly met the pain threshold of the control group. After three weeks of treatment, both PBMT protocols demonstrated a reduction in allodynia and hyperalgesia. While some molecules, such as TGF-β and Gad65, increased following PBMT, we observed no inhibition of NRSF, HDAC1, and DNMT3a expression despite implementing two different protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Behroozi
- The Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Keihan Kookli
- International Campus, Medical School, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Occupational Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghadaksaz
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mahsa Motavaf
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Neurosurgical Comprehensive Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedalireza Moghaddas Fazeli
- International Campus, Medical School, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Motamed Nezhad
- Cancer Control Research Center, Cancer Control Foundation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramezani
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atousa Janzadeh
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Pethő G, Kántás B, Horváth Á, Pintér E. The Epigenetics of Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Update. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17143. [PMID: 38138971 PMCID: PMC10743356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics deals with alterations to the gene expression that occur without change in the nucleotide sequence in the DNA. Various covalent modifications of the DNA and/or the surrounding histone proteins have been revealed, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and methylation, which can either stimulate or inhibit protein expression at the transcriptional level. In the past decade, an exponentially increasing amount of data has been published on the association between epigenetic changes and the pathomechanism of pain, including its most challenging form, neuropathic pain. Epigenetic regulation of the chromatin by writer, reader, and eraser proteins has been revealed for diverse protein targets involved in the pathomechanism of neuropathic pain. They include receptors, ion channels, transporters, enzymes, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, inflammasome proteins, etc. Most work has been invested in clarifying the epigenetic downregulation of mu opioid receptors and various K+ channels, two types of structures mediating neuronal inhibition. Conversely, epigenetic upregulation has been revealed for glutamate receptors, growth factors, and lymphokines involved in neuronal excitation. All these data cannot only help better understand the development of neuropathic pain but outline epigenetic writers, readers, and erasers whose pharmacological inhibition may represent a novel option in the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Pethő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Boglárka Kántás
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Édesanyák Str. 17., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Horváth
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Rókus Str. 2., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.K.); (E.P.)
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Gu YH, Wang J, Lu WC, Cheng Y, Tao R, Zhang SJ, Xu T, Zhai KW, Luo SX, Xin WJ. POU2F1/DNMT3a Pathway Participates in Neuropathic Pain by Hypermethylation-Mediated LRFN4 Downregulation Following Oxaliplatin Treatment. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3652-3664. [PMID: 37592110 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04011-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Evidence demonstrates that DNA methylation is associated with the occurrence and development of various neurological diseases. However, the potential target genes undergoing DNA methylation, as well as their involvement in the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain, are still unclear. Here, Lrfn4, which showed hypermethylation in the promoter regions, was screened from the SRA methylation database (PRJNA587622) following oxaliplatin treatment. MeDIP and qPCR assays identified that oxaliplatin treatment increased the methylation in Lrfn4 promoter region and decreased the expression of LRFN4 in the spinal dorsal horn. The assays with gain and loss of LRFN4 function demonstrated that LRFN4 downregulation in spinal dorsal horn contributed to the oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia and cold hyperalgesia. Moreover, oxaliplatin treatment increased the DNA methyltransferases DNMT3a expression and the interaction between DNMT3a and Lrfn4 promoter, while inhibition of DNMT3a prevented the downregulation of LRFN4a induced by oxaliplatin. We also observed that the transcriptional factor POU2F1 can bind to the predicted sites in DNMT3a promoter region, oxaliplatin treatment upregulated the expression of transcriptional factor POU2F1 in dorsal horn neurons. Intrathecal injection of POU2F1 siRNA prevented the DNMT3a upregulation and the LRFN4 downregulation induced by oxaliplatin. Additionally, intrathecal injection of DNMT3a siRNA or POU2F1 siRNA alleviated the mechanical allodynia induced by oxaliplatin. These findings suggested that transcription factor POU2F1 upregulated the expression of DNMT3a, which subsequently decreased LRFN4 expression through hypermethylation modification in spinal dorsal horn, thereby mediating neuropathic pain following oxaliplatin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hui Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei-Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Department of Anesthesiology, Collaborative Innovation for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat- sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rong Tao
- Department of Pain Management, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shi-Jia Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ke-Wei Zhai
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Su-Xia Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 127 Dongming Rd, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, China.
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Scholpa NE. Role of DNA methylation during recovery from spinal cord injury with and without β 2-adrenergic receptor agonism. Exp Neurol 2023; 368:114494. [PMID: 37488045 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Daily treatment with the FDA-approved β2-adrenergic receptor agonist formoterol beginning 8 h after severe spinal cord injury (SCI) induces mitochondrial biogenesis and improves recovery in mice. We observed decreased DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) expression, global DNA methylation and methylation of the mitochondrial genes PGC-1α and NDUFS1 in the injury site of formoterol-treated mice 1 DPI, but this effect was lost by 7 DPI. To investigate the role of DNA methylation on recovery post-SCI, injured mice were treated daily with formoterol or vehicle, plus the DNMT inhibitor decitabine (DAC) on days 7-9. While DAC had no apparent effect on formoterol-induced recovery, mice treated with vehicle plus DAC exhibited increased BMS scores compared to vehicle alone beginning 15 DPI, reaching a degree of functional recovery similar to that of formoterol-treated mice by 21 DPI. Furthermore, DAC treatment increased injury site mitochondrial protein expression in vehicle-treated mice to levels comparable to that of formoterol-treated mice. The effect of DNMT inhibition on pain response with and without formoterol was assessed following moderate SCI. While all injured mice not treated with DAC displayed thermal hyperalgesia by 21 DPI, mice treated with formoterol exhibited decreased thermal hyperalgesia compared to vehicle-treated mice by 35 DPI. Injured mice treated with DAC, regardless of formoterol treatment, did not demonstrate thermal hyperalgesia at any time point assessed. Although these data do not suggest enhanced formoterol-induced recovery with DNMT inhibition, our findings indicate the importance of DNA methylation post-SCI and support both DNMT inhibition and formoterol as potential therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E Scholpa
- Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Tucson, AZ, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America.
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Rodrigues D, Monteiro C, Cardoso-Cruz H, Galhardo V. Altered Brain Expression of DNA Methylation and Hydroxymethylation Epigenetic Enzymes in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087305. [PMID: 37108466 PMCID: PMC10138521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of epigenetics in chronic pain at the supraspinal level is yet to be fully characterized. DNA histone methylation is crucially regulated by de novo methyltransferases (DNMT1-3) and ten-eleven translocation dioxygenases (TET1-3). Evidence has shown that methylation markers are altered in different CNS regions related to nociception, namely the dorsal root ganglia, the spinal cord, and different brain areas. Decreased global methylation was found in the DRG, the prefrontal cortex, and the amygdala, which was associated with decreased DNMT1/3a expression. In contrast, increased methylation levels and mRNA levels of TET1 and TET3 were linked to augmented pain hypersensitivity and allodynia in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Since epigenetic mechanisms may be responsible for the regulation and coordination of various transcriptional modifications described in chronic pain states, with this study, we aimed to evaluate the functional role of TET1-3 and DNMT1/3a genes in neuropathic pain in several brain areas. In a spared nerve injury rat model of neuropathic pain, 21 days after surgery, we found increased TET1 expression in the medial prefrontal cortex and decreased expression in the caudate-putamen and the amygdala; TET2 was upregulated in the medial thalamus; TET3 mRNA levels were reduced in the medial prefrontal cortex and the caudate-putamen; and DNMT1 was downregulated in the caudate-putamen and the medial thalamus. No statistically significant changes in expression were observed with DNMT3a. Our results suggest a complex functional role for these genes in different brain areas in the context of neuropathic pain. The notion of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation being cell-type specific and not tissue specific, as well as the possibility of chronologically differential gene expression after the establishment of neuropathic or inflammatory pain models, ought to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biomedicina-Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- i3S/IBMC, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde e Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Clara Monteiro
- Departamento de Biomedicina-Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- i3S/IBMC, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde e Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helder Cardoso-Cruz
- Departamento de Biomedicina-Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- i3S/IBMC, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde e Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vasco Galhardo
- Departamento de Biomedicina-Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- i3S/IBMC, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde e Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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9
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Li X, Liu D, Dai Z, You Y, Chen Y, Lei C, Lv Y, Wang Y. Intraperitoneal 5-Azacytidine Alleviates Nerve Injury-Induced Pain in Rats by Modulating DNA Methylation. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2186-2199. [PMID: 36627549 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03196-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of DNA methylation in modulating chronic neuropathic pain (NPP), identify possible target genes of DNA methylation involved in this process, and preliminarily confirm the medicinal value of the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) in NPP by targeting gene methylation. Two rat NPP models, chronic constriction injury (CCI) and spinal nerve ligation (SNL), were used. The DNA methylation profiles in the lumbar spinal cord were assayed using an Arraystar Rat RefSeq Promoter Array. The underlying genes with differential methylation were then identified and submitted to Gene Ontology and pathway analysis. Methyl-DNA immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR (MeDIP-qPCR) and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to confirm gene methylation and expression. The protective function of 5-AZA in NPP and gene expression were evaluated via behavioral assays and RT-qPCR, respectively. Analysis of the DNA methylation patterns in the lumbar spinal cord indicated that 1205 differentially methylated fragments in CCI rats were located within DNA promoter regions, including 638 hypermethylated fragments and 567 hypomethylated fragments. The methylation levels of Grm4, Htr4, Adrb2, Kcnf1, Gad2, and Pparg, which are associated with long-term potentiation (LTP) and glutamatergic synapse pathways, were increased with a corresponding decrease in their mRNA expression, in the spinal cords of CCI rats. Moreover, we found that the intraperitoneal injection of 5-AZA (4 mg/kg) attenuated CCI- or SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Finally, the mRNA expression of hypermethylated genes such as Grm4, Htr4, Adrb2, Kcnf1, and Gad2 was reversed after 5-AZA treatment. CCI induced widespread methylation changes in the DNA promoter regions in the lumbar spinal cord. Intraperitoneal 5-AZA alleviated hyperalgesia in CCI and SNL rats, an effect accompanied by the reversed expression of hypermethylated genes. Thus, DNA methylation inhibition represents a promising epigenetic strategy for protection against chronic NPP following nerve injury. Our study lays a theoretical foundation for 5-AZA to become a clinical targeted drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - DeZhao Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - ZhiSen Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - YiSheng You
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - ChenXing Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - YouYou Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. .,Department of Anesthesiology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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10
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Identification of Epigenetic Interactions between MicroRNA-30c-5p and DNA Methyltransferases in Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213994. [PMID: 36430472 PMCID: PMC9694031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a prevalent and severe chronic syndrome, often refractory to treatment, whose development and maintenance may involve epigenetic mechanisms. We previously demonstrated a causal relationship between miR-30c-5p upregulation in nociception-related neural structures and neuropathic pain in rats subjected to sciatic nerve injury. Furthermore, a short course of an miR-30c-5p inhibitor administered into the cisterna magna exerts long-lasting antiallodynic effects via a TGF-β1-mediated mechanism. Herein, we show that miR-30c-5p inhibition leads to global DNA hyper-methylation of neurons in the lumbar dorsal root ganglia and spinal dorsal horn in rats subjected to sciatic nerve injury. Specifically, the inhibition of miR-30-5p significantly increased the expression of the novo DNA methyltransferases DNMT3a and DNMT3b in those structures. Furthermore, we identified the mechanism and found that miR-30c-5p targets the mRNAs of DNMT3a and DNMT3b. Quantitative methylation analysis revealed that the promoter region of the antiallodynic cytokine TGF-β1 was hypomethylated in the spinal dorsal horn of nerve-injured rats treated with the miR-30c-5p inhibitor, while the promoter of Nfyc, the host gene of miR-30c-5p, was hypermethylated. These results are consistent with long-term protection against neuropathic pain development after nerve injury. Altogether, our results highlight the key role of miR-30c-5p in the epigenetic mechanisms' underlying neuropathic pain and provide the basis for miR-30c-5p as a therapeutic target.
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11
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Nirvanie-Persaud L, Millis RM. Epigenetics and Pain: New Insights to an Old Problem. Cureus 2022; 14:e29353. [PMID: 36159345 PMCID: PMC9487372 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Physicians and neuroscientists have long observed that factors such as thoughts, emotions, and expectations can influence the perception of pain. Pain can be described as an unpleasant sensation that causes physical discomfort and emotional distress. It alerts an individual to seek help and is the main complaint that brings individuals to physicians. Though it is associated with probable tissue damage, such damage may be subtle, sometimes involving the release of algesic chemicals, and also influenced by attitudes, beliefs, personality, and social factors. The perception of pain may vary due to a multitude of these factors influencing the ascending sensory impulse propagation to the primary somatosensory cortex. The genetics and epigenetics of pain modulators have been previously studied, but there is a lack of application in the everyday management and treatment of pain due to the paucity of valid evidence-based data. We used the PubMed database as our primary tool for researching current literature on this topic. The MeSH terms used included: gene modification, epigenetics, genes, pain, analgesia, “types of pain, and theories of pain. The results were filtered as follows: publications within the last 10 years, generalized pain studies regarding the biopsychosocial aspect of pain, pertinent genes, and epigenetic modulation of those genes; 52 publications were selected for review. By addressing the external factorial causes and the appropriate application of epigenetic principles which affect pain perception, it is hoped that this review will motivate future advancements in the management of acute and/or chronic pain.
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12
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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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13
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Jiang W, Tan XY, Li JM, Yu P, Dong M. DNA Methylation: A Target in Neuropathic Pain. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:879902. [PMID: 35872752 PMCID: PMC9301322 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.879902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP), caused by an injury or a disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system of the central and peripheral nervous systems, has become a global health concern. Recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetic mechanisms are among those that underlie NP; thus, elucidating the molecular mechanism of DNA methylation is crucial to discovering new therapeutic methods for NP. In this review, we first briefly discuss DNA methylation, demethylation, and the associated key enzymes, such as methylases and demethylases. We then discuss the relationship between NP and DNA methylation, focusing on DNA methyltransferases including methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) family proteins and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes. Based on experimental results of neuralgia in animal models, the mechanism of DNA methylation-related neuralgia is summarized, and useful targets for early drug intervention in NP are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuan-Yu Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia-Ming Li
- Department of Emergency, 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
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Ming Dong
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14
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Xu T, Liu CC, Xin WJ. The Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in Chronic Pain in Rodents: A Mini- Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1011-1021. [PMID: 34561983 PMCID: PMC9886825 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210924104757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a common distressing neurological disorder and about 30% of the global population suffers from it. In addition to being highly prevalent, chronic pain causes a heavy economic and social burden. Although substantial progress has been achieved to dissect the underlying mechanism of chronic pain in the past few decades, the incidence and treatment of this neurological illness is yet not properly managed in clinical practice. While nerve injury-, chemotherapy- or inflammation-induced functional regulation of gene expression in the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord are extensively reported to be involved in the pathogenic process of chronic pain, the specific mechanism of these altered transcriptional profile still remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA/RNA methylation, histone modification and circular RNAs regulation, are involved in the occurrence and development of chronic pain. In this review, we provide a description of research on the role of epigenetic mechanism in chronic pain, summarize the latest clinical and preclinical advance in this field, and propose the potential directions for further research to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; ,These authors contributed equally.
| | - Cui-Cui Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China,These authors contributed equally.
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; ,Address correspondence to this author at the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Department of Physiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, China; E-mail:
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15
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Oh TJ, Song H, Koh Y, Choi SH. The Presence of Clonal Hematopoiesis Is Negatively Associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2022; 37:243-248. [PMID: 35504600 PMCID: PMC9081303 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2021.1337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) has been reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular disease, aging and insulin resistance. Despite the debate of causal contribution of CHIP on metabolic diseases, we want to explore whether CHIP is related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). METHODS This study analyzed the prevalence of CHIP in patients with type 2 diabetes classified according to DPN status. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between CHIP and DPN. RESULTS CHIP was more prevalent in subjects without DPN than those with DPN (19.9% vs. 8.8%, respectively; P=0.013). Individuals having any CHIP, or DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) CHIP were less likely to have any abnormality shown in DPN test; the adjusted odds ratio were 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 1.00) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56 to 0.89), respectively. Interestingly, DNMT3A CHIP showed the negative association, but Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) CHIP showed the positive association with abnormal feet electrochemical skin conductance level. CONCLUSION On the contrary to expectations, CHIP was negatively associated with DPN. Functional linking between the mutation in hematopoietic cells and DPN, and the opposite role of DNMT3A and TET2 should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Jung Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Han Song
- Genome Opinion Incorporation, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youngil Koh
- Genome Opinion Incorporation, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Corresponding authors: Youngil Koh Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea Tel: +82-2-2072-7217, Fax: +82-2-2072-7379, E-mail:
| | - Sung Hee Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Sung Hee Choi Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro 173beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13620, Korea Tel: +82-31-787-7033, Fax: +82-31-787-4070, E-mail:
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16
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Guo X, Zhang G, Cai W, Huang F, Qin J, Song X. Long non-coding RNA rhabdomyosarcoma 2-associated transcript contributes to neuropathic pain by recruiting HuR to stabilize DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha mRNA expression in dorsal root ganglion neuron. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1027063. [PMID: 36911851 PMCID: PMC9992530 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1027063] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as key regulators in multiple human diseases. In particular, the dysfunction of lncRNAs in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain (NP). Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of most lncRNAs in NP remain unclear. Methods Two classic chronic NP models, including L4 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model and chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, were performed. Mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia were used to evaluate neuropathic pain. DRG microinjection was used to deliver agents into DRG. qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, western blotting, siRNA transfection, AAV transduction were performed to investigate the phenotypes and molecular basis. Results Here, we discovered that Rmst as a lncRNA was specifically expressed in Atf3 + injured DRG neurons and significantly upregulated following peripheral nerve damage. Rmst overexpression by direct DRG injection of AAV5-Rmst causes neuropathic symptoms in the absence of nerve damage. Conversely, blocking Rmst expression in injured DRGs alleviated nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities and downregulated Dnmt3a expression. Furthermore, we found peripheral nerve damage induced Rmst increase could interact with RNA-binding protein HuR to stabilize the Dnmt3a mRNA. Conclusion Our findings reveal a crucial role of Rmst in damaged DRG neurons under NP condition and provide a novel target for drug development against NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaolong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Cai
- Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fa Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingrong Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common symptom in many diseases of the somatosensory
nervous system, which severely affects the patient’s quality of life.
Epigenetics are heritable alterations in gene expression that do not cause
permanent changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications can affect gene
expression and function and can also mediate crosstalk between genes and the
environment. Increasing evidence shows that epigenetic modifications, including
DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, and RNA modification, are
involved in the development and maintenance of NP. In this review, we focus on
the current knowledge of epigenetic modifications in the development and
maintenance of NP. Then, we illustrate different facets of epigenetic
modifications that regulate gene expression and their crosstalk. Finally, we
discuss the burgeoning evidence supporting the potential of emerging epigenetic
therapies, which has been valuable in understanding mechanisms and offers novel
and potent targets for NP therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danzhi Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of
Foshan, Foshan, China
- Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun
Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People’s Hospital of
Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Simin Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuhu Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guiling Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinshu Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of
Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Jun Zhou, Department of Anesthesiology, The
Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630,
China.
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18
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Caputi FF, Carboni L, Rullo L, Alessandrini I, Balzani E, Melotti RM, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Fanelli A. An Exploratory Pilot Study of Changes in Global DNA Methylation in Patients Undergoing Major Breast Surgery Under Opioid-Based General Anesthesia. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:733577. [PMID: 34621169 PMCID: PMC8491974 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.733577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate DNA methylation levels in patients undergoing major breast surgery under opioid-based general anesthesia. Blood samples were collected from eleven enrolled patients, before, during and after anesthesia. PBMC were isolated and global DNA methylation levels as well as DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and cytokine gene expression were assessed. DNA methylation levels significantly declined by 26%, reversing the direction after the end of surgery. Likewise, DNMT1a mRNA expression was significantly reduced at all time points, with lowest level of −68%. DNMT3a and DNMT3b decreased by 65 and 71%, respectively. Inflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNFα mRNA levels showed a trend for increased expression at early time-points to end with a significant decrease at 48 h after surgery. This exploratory study revealed for the first time intraoperative global DNA hypomethylation in patients undergoing major breast surgery under general anesthesia with fentanyl. The alterations of global DNA methylation here observed seem to be in agreement with DNMTs gene expression changes. Furthermore, based on perioperative variations of IL6 and TNFα gene expression, we hypothesize that DNA hypomethylation may occur as a response to surgical stress rather than to opiate exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Carboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Alessandrini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Balzani
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rita Maria Melotti
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Fanelli
- Anesthesiology and Pain Therapy Unit, AOSP S.Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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Yeh TY, Luo IW, Hsieh YL, Tseng TJ, Chiang H, Hsieh ST. Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: From Experimental Models to Potential Therapeutic Targets in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122725. [PMID: 33371371 PMCID: PMC7767346 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain exerts a global burden caused by the lesions in the somatosensory nerve system, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. The mechanisms of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain involve multiple mechanisms, various signaling pathways, and molecules. Currently, poor efficacy is the major limitation of medications for treating neuropathic pain. Thus, understanding the detailed molecular mechanisms should shed light on the development of new therapeutic strategies for neuropathic pain. Several well-established in vivo pain models were used to investigate the detail mechanisms of peripheral neuropathic pain. Molecular mediators of pain are regulated differentially in various forms of neuropathic pain models; these regulators include purinergic receptors, transient receptor potential receptor channels, and voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels. Meanwhile, post-translational modification and transcriptional regulation are also altered in these pain models and have been reported to mediate several pain related molecules. In this review, we focus on molecular mechanisms and mediators of neuropathic pain with their corresponding transcriptional regulation and post-translational modification underlying peripheral sensitization in the dorsal root ganglia. Taken together, these molecular mediators and their modification and regulations provide excellent targets for neuropathic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ti-Yen Yeh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan;
| | - I-Wei Luo
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Lin Hsieh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hostpital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - To-Jung Tseng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | | | - Sung-Tsang Hsieh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan;
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brian and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Center of Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10055, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-23123456 (ext. 88182); Fax: +886-223915292
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20
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Starnowska-Sokół J, Piotrowska A, Bogacka J, Makuch W, Mika J, Witkowska E, Godlewska M, Osiejuk J, Gątarz S, Misicka A, Przewłocka B. Novel hybrid compounds, opioid agonist+melanocortin 4 receptor antagonist, as efficient analgesics in mouse chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain. Neuropharmacology 2020; 178:108232. [PMID: 32750445 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
When the nerve tissue is injured, endogenous agonist of melanocortin type 4 (MC4) receptor, α-MSH, exerts tonic pronociceptive action in the central nervous system, contributing to sustaining the neuropathic pain state and counteracting the analgesic effects of exogenous opioids. With the intent of enhancing opioid analgesia in neuropathy by blocking the MC4 activation, so-called parent compounds (opioid agonist, MC4 antagonist) were joined together using various linkers to create novel bifunctional hybrid compounds. Analgesic action of four hybrids was tested after intrathecal (i.t.) administration in mouse models of acute and neuropathic pain (chronic constriction injury model, CCI). Under nerve injury conditions, one of the hybrids, UW3, induced analgesia in 1500 times lower i.t. dose than the opioid parent (ED50: 0.0002 nmol for the hybrid, 0.3 nmol for the opioid parent) and in an over 16000 times lower dose than the MC4 parent (ED50: 3.33 nmol) as measured by the von Frey test. Two selected hybrids were tested for analgesic properties in CCI mice after intravenous (i.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration. Opioid receptor antagonists and MC4 receptor agonists diminished the analgesic action of these two hybrids studied, though the extent of this effect differed between the hybrids; this suggests that linker is of key importance here. Further results indicate a significant advantage of hybrid compounds over the physical mixture of individual pharmacophores in their analgesic effect. All this evidence justifies the idea of synthesizing a bifunctional opioid agonist-linker-MC4 antagonist compound, as such structure may bring important benefits in neuropathic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Starnowska-Sokół
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Piotrowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Bogacka
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wioletta Makuch
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Mika
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Witkowska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemistry Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magda Godlewska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemistry Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jowita Osiejuk
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemistry Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sandra Gątarz
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemistry Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemistry Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Przewłocka
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland.
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21
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Møller Johansen L, Gerra MC, Arendt-Nielsen L. Time course of DNA methylation in pain conditions: From experimental models to humans. Eur J Pain 2020; 25:296-312. [PMID: 33063322 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Throughout the last decade, research has uncovered associations between pain and epigenetic alterations caused by environmental factors. Specifically, studies have demonstrated correlations between pain conditions and altered DNA methylation patterns. Thus, DNA methylation has been revealed as a possible modulator or contributor to pain conditions, providing a potential therapeutic target for treatment by DNA methylation modification. To develop such treatments, it is necessary to clarify a wide number of aspects on how DNA methylation affects pain perception; first and foremost, the temporal dynamics. The objective of the present review is to provide an overview of current knowledge on temporal dynamics of DNA methylation in response to pain, and to investigate if a timeframe can be established based on the data of currently published studies. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and Embase were searched comprehensively for studies of DNA methylation in neuropathic, inflammatory and alternative animal pain models, and in chronic pain patients including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, chronic postsurgical pain, chronic widespread pain, fibromyalgia and Crohn's disease. RESULTS We identified 34 articles highlighting variations in temporal dynamics of DNA methylation across species and between different types of pain. These studies represent a starting point to uncover new insights in the DNA methylation time course in pain. CONCLUSIONS No timeframe can currently be made for the DNA methylation response to pain in any of the reviewed conditions, highlighting an important focus area for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie Møller Johansen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, The Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maria Carla Gerra
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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22
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Liu L, Xu D, Wang T, Zhang Y, Yang X, Wang X, Tang Y. Epigenetic reduction of miR-214-3p upregulates astrocytic colony-stimulating factor-1 and contributes to neuropathic pain induced by nerve injury. Pain 2020; 161:96-108. [PMID: 31453981 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence has indicated that colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF1) modulates neuroinflammation in the central nervous system and the development of neuropathic pain, while the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we identified the increased expression of CSF1 derived from activated astrocytes in the ipsilateral dorsal horn in rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Suppression of CSF1 expression alleviated neuroinflammation, neuronal hyperexcitability, and glutamatergic receptor subunit upregulation in the dorsal horn and improved SNL-induced pain behavior. We also found reduced miR-214-3p expression in the ipsilateral dorsal horn following an SNL procedure; miR-214-3p directly bound to the 3'-UTR of CSF1 mRNA and negatively regulated CSF1 expression. Intrathecal delivery of miR-214-3p mimic reversed the enhanced expression of CSF1 and astrocyte overactivity and alleviated the IL-6 upregulation and pain behavior induced by SNL. Moreover, suppression of spinal miR-214-3p increased astrocyte reactivity, promoted CSF1 and IL-6 production, and induced pain hypersensitivity in naive animals. Furthermore, SNL induced the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) that was associated with the hypermethylation of the miR-214-3p promoter, leading to reduced miR-214-3p expression in the model rodents. Treatment with the DNMT inhibitor zebularine significantly reduced cytosine methylation in the miR-214-3p promoter; this reduced methylation consequently increased the expression of miR-214-3p and decreased the content of CSF1 in the ipsilateral dorsal horn and, further, attenuated IL-6 production and pain behavior in rats with SNL. Together, our data indicate that the DNMT3a-mediated epigenetic suppression of miR-214-3p enhanced CSF1 production in astrocytes, which subsequently induced neuroinflammation and pain behavior in SNL model rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Research Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xijing Yang
- Animal Experiment Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiangxiu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuying Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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23
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Contribution of DNMT1 to Neuropathic Pain Genesis Partially through Epigenetically Repressing Kcna2 in Primary Afferent Neurons. J Neurosci 2019; 39:6595-6607. [PMID: 31182635 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0695-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Expressional changes of pain-associated genes in primary sensory neurons of DRG are critical for neuropathic pain genesis. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)-triggered DNA methylation silences gene expression. We show here that DNMT1, a canonical maintenance methyltransferase, acts as the de novo DNMT and is required for neuropathic pain genesis likely through repressing at least DRG Kcna2 gene expression in male mice. Peripheral nerve injury upregulated DNMT1 expression in the injured DRG through the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein-triggered transcriptional activation of Dnmt1 gene. Blocking this upregulation prevented nerve injury-induced DNA methylation within the promoter and 5'-untranslated region of Kcna2 gene, rescued Kcna2 expression and total Kv current, attenuated hyperexcitability in the injured DRG neurons, and alleviated nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities. Given that Kcna2 is a key player in neuropathic pain, our findings suggest that DRG DNMT1 may be a potential target for neuropathic pain management.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the present study, we reported that DNMT1, a canonical DNA maintenance methyltransferase, is upregulated via the activation of the transcription factor CREB in the injured DRG after peripheral nerve injury. This upregulation was responsible for nerve injury-induced de novo DNA methylation within the promoter and 5'-untranslated region of the Kcna2 gene, reductions in Kcna2 expression and Kv current and increases in neuronal excitability in the injured DRG. Since pharmacological inhibition or genetic knockdown of DRG DNMT1 alleviated nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivities, DRG DNMT1 contributes to neuropathic pain genesis partially through repression of DRG Kcna2 gene expression.
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[Expression of KCNA2 in the dorsal root ganglia of rats with osteoarthritis pain induced by monoiodoacetate]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:579-585. [PMID: 31140423 PMCID: PMC6743928 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.05.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the changes in the expression of voltage-gated potassium channel subunit KCNA2 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rats with osteoarthritis (OA) pain induced by sodium monoiodoacetate and explore the mechanism. METHODS A total of 156 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank control group, saline group and intra-articular monoiodoacetate injection-induced OA group. The paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) was measured before and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after monoiodoacetate injection. At 4 weeks after the injection, the pathological changes in the knee joints were analyzed using HE staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining, and the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF-3) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the DRG neurons were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The expression of Kcna2 mRNA in the DRG neurons was detected by RT-qPCR at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the injection. The expression of KCNA2 in the DRG was measured by Western blotting, and the methylation level of Kcna2 promoter region was measured by MSPCR at 4 weeks after the injection. RESULTS The PWMT of the rats in OA group was significantly decreased at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the injection as compared with the baseline (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) as well as the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001). Four weeks after the intra-articular injection, fractures and defects on the surface of the articular cartilage, bone hyperplasia, and blurred tidal line were observed in the rats in OA group, but no obvious pathological changes were detected in the control or saline groups. Compared with those in the control group, the expressions of ATF-3 and iNOS were significantly increased (P < 0.01) at 4 weeks after injection; the expression of Kcna2 mRNA at 2, 4 and 6 weeks and the expression of KCNA2 protein at 4 weeks were all significantly decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and the methylation level of Kcna2 gene was significantly increased at 4 weeks after the injection in OA group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The expression of KCNA2 is decreased in the DRG neurons of rats with OA pain likely as a result of enhanced methylation of Kcna2 promoter region.
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25
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Oliveira AMM, Litke C, Paldy E, Hagenston AM, Lu J, Kuner R, Bading H, Mauceri D. Epigenetic control of hypersensitivity in chronic inflammatory pain by the de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a2. Mol Pain 2019; 15:1744806919827469. [PMID: 30638145 PMCID: PMC6362517 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919827469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a pathological manifestation of neuronal plasticity supported by altered gene transcription in spinal cord neurons that results in long-lasting hypersensitivity. Recently, the concept that epigenetic regulators might be important in pathological pain has emerged, but a clear understanding of the molecular players involved in the process is still lacking. In this study, we linked Dnmt3a2, a synaptic activity-regulated de novo DNA methyltransferase, to chronic inflammatory pain. We observed that Dnmt3a2 levels are increased in the spinal cord of adult mice following plantar injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant, an in vivo model of chronic inflammatory pain. In vivo knockdown of Dnmt3a2 expression in dorsal horn neurons blunted the induction of genes triggered by Complete Freund's Adjuvant injection. Among the genes whose transcription was found to be influenced by Dnmt3a2 expression in the spinal cord is Ptgs2, encoding for Cox-2, a prime mediator of pain processing. Lowering the levels of Dnmt3a2 prevented the establishment of long-lasting inflammatory hypersensitivity. These results identify Dnmt3a2 as an important epigenetic regulator needed for the establishment of central sensitization. Targeting expression or function of Dnmt3a2 may be suitable for the treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana MM Oliveira
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for
Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Litke
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for
Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eszter Paldy
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg,
Germany
| | - Anna M Hagenston
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for
Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jianning Lu
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg,
Germany
| | - Rohini Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg,
Germany
| | - Hilmar Bading
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for
Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Mauceri
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Centre for
Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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26
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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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