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Liu Y, Jin F, Zhou L, Li X, Li X, Chen Q, Yang S, Sun J, Qi F. Platelet-derived Growth Factor Receptor-α Induces Contraction Knots and Inflammatory Pain-like Behavior in a Rat Model of Myofascial Trigger Points. Anesthesiology 2024; 141:929-945. [PMID: 39058323 PMCID: PMC11463032 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000005167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are the primary etiological characteristics of chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are associated with signal transduction in the central mechanisms of chronic pain, but the role of RTKs in the peripheral mechanisms of MTrPs remains unclear. The current study aimed to identify RTKs expression in MTrPs and elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α) induces contraction knots and inflammatory pain-like behavior in a rat model of myofascial trigger points. METHODS MTrPs tissue samples were obtained from the trapezius muscles of patients with myofascial pain syndrome through needle biopsy, and PDGFR-α activation was analyzed by microarray, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and histological staining. Sprague-Dawley rats (male and female) were used to investigate PDGFR-α signaling, assessing pain-like behaviors with Randall-Selitto and nest-building tests. Muscle fiber and sarcomere morphologies were observed using histology and electron microscopy. The PDGFR-α binding protein was identified by coimmunoprecipitation, liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer, and molecular docking. PDGFR-α-related protein or gene levels, muscle contraction, and inflammatory markers were determined by Western blot and reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS PDGFR-α phosphorylation levels were elevated in the MTrPs tissues of individuals with trapezius muscle pain and were positively correlated with pain intensity. In rats, PDGFR-α activation caused pain-like behaviors and muscle contraction via the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway. JAK2/STAT3 inhibitors reversed the pain-like behaviors and muscle contraction induced by PDGFR-α activation. Collagen type I α 1 (COL1A1) binds to PDGFR-α and promotes its phosphorylation, which contributed to pain-like behaviors and muscle contraction. CONCLUSIONS COL1A1-induced phosphorylation of PDGFR-α and the subsequent activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway may induce dysfunctional muscle contraction and increased nociception at MTrPs. EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, and Research Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feihong Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lingwei Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, and Research Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, and Research Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyue Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, and Research Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qinghe Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, and Research Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shaozhong Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jintang Sun
- Research Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Zhang ZX, Tian Y, Li S, Jing HB, Cai J, Li M, Xing GG. Involvement of HDAC2-mediated kcnq2/kcnq3 genes transcription repression activated by EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling in bone cancer pain. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:416. [PMID: 39192337 PMCID: PMC11350972 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01797-2] [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: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone cancer pain (BCP) represents a prevalent symptom among cancer patients with bone metastases, yet its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study investigated the transcriptional regulation mechanism of Kv7(KCNQ)/M potassium channels in DRG neurons and its involvement in the development of BCP in rats. We show that HDAC2-mediated transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes, which encode Kv7(KCNQ)/M potassium channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), contributes to the sensitization of DRG neurons and the pathogenesis of BCP in rats. Also, HDAC2 requires the formation of a corepressor complex with MeCP2 and Sin3A to execute transcriptional regulation of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes. Moreover, EREG is identified as an upstream signal molecule for HDAC2-mediated kcnq2/kcnq3 genes transcription repression. Activation of EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling, followed by the induction of HDAC2-mediated transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes in DRG neurons, leads to neuronal hyperexcitability and pain hypersensitivity in tumor-bearing rats. Consequently, the activation of EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling, along with the subsequent transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes by HDAC2 in DRG neurons, underlies the sensitization of DRG neurons and the pathogenesis of BCP in rats. These findings uncover a potentially targetable mechanism contributing to bone metastasis-associated pain in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Xian Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Tian
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Bo Jing
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Guo-Gang Xing
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Giordano R, Capriotti C, Gerra MC, Kappel A, Østgaard SE, Dallabona C, Arendt-Nielsen L, Petersen KKS. A potential link between inflammatory profiles, clinical pain, pain catastrophizing and long-term outcomes after total knee arthroplasty surgery. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:1202-1212. [PMID: 38407518 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic postoperative pain after total knee replacement (TKR) is a major clinical problem. It is still unclear if specific inflammatory mediators are associated with long-term postoperative pain complications. The current exploratory study aimed to (1) evaluate a multiplex of inflammatory mediators 5 years after TKR surgery in patients with different degrees of postoperative pain intensities and (2) study any association of the markers with clinical pain intensity, cognitive and functional outcomes. METHODS Plasma samples were collected 5 years after TKR surgery from 76 knee patients (43 females; 33 males) and analysed for 44 inflammatory markers. Pain (using visual analogue scale, VAS), the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and the Oxford knee score (OKS) were evaluated. Patients were categorized as high or low groups based on VAS, PCS and OKS scores. Associations between inflammatory markers, VAS, PCS and OKS were analysed and the marker expressions were compared between groups. RESULTS Pearson's correlations found 12 biomarkers associated with VAS (p < 0.05), 4 biomarkers with PCS and 3 biomarkers with OKS (p < 0.05). Four markers were altered in patients suffering from high compared to low chronic postoperative pain, three markers were altered in high compared to low catastrophizers and three markers were altered in patients with poor functional scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The present exploratory study suggests that low-grade inflammation might be present in a subset of patients with high pain, high catastrophizing and low function 5 years after TKR. These exploratory results provide insights into some of the long-term postoperative complications after TKR surgery. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This exploratory study evaluated a subset of inflammatory markers and the association to clinical pain intensity, knee function and pain catastrophizing in patients 5 years after total knee replacement surgery. Our results provide insights into the understanding of the underlying mechanisms that may drive the long experience of pain after TKR surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Giordano
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Camilla Capriotti
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Gerra
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andreas Kappel
- Interdisciplinary Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic surgery, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Svend Erik Østgaard
- Interdisciplinary Orthopedics, Department of Orthopedic surgery, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Cristina Dallabona
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Mathematical Modeling of Knee Osteoarthritis (MathKOA), Department of Material and Production, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, MechSense, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kristian Kjær-Staal Petersen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Mathematical Modeling of Knee Osteoarthritis (MathKOA), Department of Material and Production, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Roy A, Segond von Banchet G, Gimeno-Ferrer F, König C, Eitner A, Ebersberger A, Ebbinghaus M, Leuchtweis J, Schaible HG. Impact of Interleukin-6 Activation and Arthritis on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Activation in Sensory Neurons and the Spinal Cord. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7168. [PMID: 39000275 PMCID: PMC11241234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In tumor cells, interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling can lead to activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which prolongs Stat3 activation. In the present experiments, we tested the hypothesis that IL-6 signaling activates EGFR signaling in peripheral and spinal nociception and examined whether EGFR localization and activation coincide with pain-related behaviors in arthritis. In vivo in anesthetized rats, spinal application of the EGFR receptor blocker gefitinib reduced the responses of spinal cord neurons to noxious joint stimulation, but only after spinal pretreatment with IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor. Using Western blots, we found that IL-6-induced Stat3 activation was reduced by gefitinib in microglial cells of the BV2 cell line, but not in cultured DRG neurons. Immunohistochemistry showed EGFR localization in most DRG neurons from normal rats, but significant downregulation in the acute and most painful arthritis phase. In the spinal cord of mice, EGFR was highly activated mainly in the chronic phase of inflammation, with localization in neurons. These data suggest that spinal IL-6 signaling may activate spinal EGFR signaling. Downregulation of EGFR in DRG neurons in acute arthritis may limit nociception, but pronounced delayed activation of EGFR in the spinal cord may be involved in chronic inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anutosh Roy
- Institute of Physiology 1/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.R.); (G.S.v.B.); (F.G.-F.); (C.K.); (A.E.); (M.E.); (J.L.)
| | - Gisela Segond von Banchet
- Institute of Physiology 1/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.R.); (G.S.v.B.); (F.G.-F.); (C.K.); (A.E.); (M.E.); (J.L.)
| | - Fátima Gimeno-Ferrer
- Institute of Physiology 1/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.R.); (G.S.v.B.); (F.G.-F.); (C.K.); (A.E.); (M.E.); (J.L.)
| | - Christian König
- Institute of Physiology 1/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.R.); (G.S.v.B.); (F.G.-F.); (C.K.); (A.E.); (M.E.); (J.L.)
| | - Annett Eitner
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Experimental Trauma Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Andrea Ebersberger
- Institute of Physiology 1/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.R.); (G.S.v.B.); (F.G.-F.); (C.K.); (A.E.); (M.E.); (J.L.)
| | - Matthias Ebbinghaus
- Institute of Physiology 1/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.R.); (G.S.v.B.); (F.G.-F.); (C.K.); (A.E.); (M.E.); (J.L.)
| | - Johannes Leuchtweis
- Institute of Physiology 1/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.R.); (G.S.v.B.); (F.G.-F.); (C.K.); (A.E.); (M.E.); (J.L.)
| | - Hans-Georg Schaible
- Institute of Physiology 1/Neurophysiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.R.); (G.S.v.B.); (F.G.-F.); (C.K.); (A.E.); (M.E.); (J.L.)
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Johnston KJA, Cote AC, Hicks E, Johnson J, Huckins LM. Genetically Regulated Gene Expression in the Brain Associated With Chronic Pain: Relationships With Clinical Traits and Potential for Drug Repurposing. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:745-761. [PMID: 37678542 PMCID: PMC10924073 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is a common, poorly understood condition. Genetic studies including genome-wide association studies have identified many relevant variants, which have yet to be translated into full understanding of chronic pain. Transcriptome-wide association studies using transcriptomic imputation methods such as S-PrediXcan can help bridge this genotype-phenotype gap. METHODS We carried out transcriptomic imputation using S-PrediXcan to identify genetically regulated gene expression associated with multisite chronic pain in 13 brain tissues and whole blood. Then, we imputed genetically regulated gene expression for over 31,000 Mount Sinai BioMe participants and performed a phenome-wide association study to investigate clinical relationships in chronic pain-associated gene expression changes. RESULTS We identified 95 experiment-wide significant gene-tissue associations (p < 7.97 × 10-7), including 36 unique genes and an additional 134 gene-tissue associations reaching within-tissue significance, including 53 additional unique genes. Of the 89 unique genes in total, 59 were novel for multisite chronic pain and 18 are established drug targets. Chronic pain genetically regulated gene expression for 10 unique genes was significantly associated with cardiac dysrhythmia, metabolic syndrome, disc disorders/dorsopathies, joint/ligament sprain, anemias, and neurologic disorder phecodes. Phenome-wide association study analyses adjusting for mean pain score showed that associations were not driven by mean pain score. CONCLUSIONS We carried out the largest transcriptomic imputation study of any chronic pain trait to date. Results highlight potential causal genes in chronic pain development and tissue and direction of effect. Several gene results were also drug targets. Phenome-wide association study results showed significant associations for phecodes including cardiac dysrhythmia and metabolic syndrome, thereby indicating potential shared mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keira J A Johnston
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Alanna C Cote
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Emily Hicks
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jessica Johnson
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Laura M Huckins
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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Bai Z, Bartelo N, Aslam M, Murphy EA, Hale CR, Blachere NE, Parveen S, Spolaore E, DiCarlo E, Gravallese EM, Smith MH, Frank MO, Jiang CS, Zhang H, Pyrgaki C, Lewis MJ, Sikandar S, Pitzalis C, Lesnak JB, Mazhar K, Price TJ, Malfait AM, Miller RE, Zhang F, Goodman S, Darnell RB, Wang F, Orange DE. Synovial fibroblast gene expression is associated with sensory nerve growth and pain in rheumatoid arthritis. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadk3506. [PMID: 38598614 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adk3506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
It has been presumed that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint pain is related to inflammation in the synovium; however, recent studies reveal that pain scores in patients do not correlate with synovial inflammation. We developed a machine-learning approach (graph-based gene expression module identification or GbGMI) to identify an 815-gene expression module associated with pain in synovial biopsy samples from patients with established RA who had limited synovial inflammation at arthroplasty. We then validated this finding in an independent cohort of synovial biopsy samples from patients who had early untreated RA with little inflammation. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses indicated that most of these 815 genes were most robustly expressed by lining layer synovial fibroblasts. Receptor-ligand interaction analysis predicted cross-talk between human lining layer fibroblasts and human dorsal root ganglion neurons expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP+). Both RA synovial fibroblast culture supernatant and netrin-4, which is abundantly expressed by lining fibroblasts and was within the GbGMI-identified pain-associated gene module, increased the branching of pain-sensitive murine CGRP+ dorsal root ganglion neurons in vitro. Imaging of solvent-cleared synovial tissue with little inflammation from humans with RA revealed CGRP+ pain-sensing neurons encasing blood vessels growing into synovial hypertrophic papilla. Together, these findings support a model whereby synovial lining fibroblasts express genes associated with pain that enhance the growth of pain-sensing neurons into regions of synovial hypertrophy in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Bai
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | | | | | - Caryn R Hale
- Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nathalie E Blachere
- Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Myles J Lewis
- Queen Mary University of London & NIHR BRC Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Shafaq Sikandar
- Queen Mary University of London & NIHR BRC Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Costantino Pitzalis
- Queen Mary University of London & NIHR BRC Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 4NS, UK
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University & IRCC Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan 20072, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fan Zhang
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Susan Goodman
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Robert B Darnell
- Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Fei Wang
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dana E Orange
- Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA
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7
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Xie H, Lu F, Li X, Wang E, Mo J, Liang W. Silencing of secreted phosphoprotein 1 attenuates sciatic nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain: Regulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1132. [PMID: 38415922 PMCID: PMC10836034 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1132] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pathological pain that affects the quality of life and is a huge medical burden for affected patients. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) on NP. METHODS We established a chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model, knocked down SPP1 via an intrathecal injection, and/or activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) treatment. Pain behaviors, including paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), paw withdrawal latency (PWL), lifting number, and frequency, were assessed. After sacrificing rats, the L4-L5 dorsal root ganglion was collected. Then, SPP1 levels were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-10, epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were determined using qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of ERK pathway factors were determined via western blot analysis. RESULTS We found that CCI decreased PWT and PWL, increased the lifting number and frequency, and upregulated SPP1 levels. The loss of SPP1 reversed these CCI-induced effects. Additionally, CCI upregulated IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, EGF, and VEGF levels, downregulated TGF-β levels, and activated the ERK pathway, while silencing of SPP1 abrogated these CCI-induced effects. Moreover, IGF-1 treatment reversed the effects of SPP1 loss. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that silencing SPP1 attenuates NP via inactivation of the ERK pathway, suggesting that SPP1 may be a promising target for NP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Xie
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical UniversityGanzhou CityJiangxi ProvinceChina
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical UniversityGanzhou CityJiangxi ProvinceChina
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical UniversityGanzhou CityJiangxi ProvinceChina
| | - Enfu Wang
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical UniversityGanzhou CityJiangxi ProvinceChina
| | - Jiao Mo
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical UniversityGanzhou CityJiangxi ProvinceChina
| | - Weidong Liang
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical UniversityGanzhou CityJiangxi ProvinceChina
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8
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Afonin AM, Piironen AK, de Sousa Maciel I, Ivanova M, Alatalo A, Whipp AM, Pulkkinen L, Rose RJ, van Kamp I, Kaprio J, Kanninen KM. Proteomic insights into mental health status: plasma markers in young adults. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:55. [PMID: 38267423 PMCID: PMC10808121 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Global emphasis on enhancing prevention and treatment strategies necessitates an increased understanding of the biological mechanisms of psychopathology. Plasma proteomics is a powerful tool that has been applied in the context of specific mental disorders for biomarker identification. The p-factor, also known as the "general psychopathology factor", is a concept in psychopathology suggesting that there is a common underlying factor that contributes to the development of various forms of mental disorders. It has been proposed that the p-factor can be used to understand the overall mental health status of an individual. Here, we aimed to discover plasma proteins associated with the p-factor in 775 young adults in the FinnTwin12 cohort. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, 13 proteins with a significant connection with the p-factor were identified, 8 of which were linked to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. This exploratory study provides new insight into biological alterations associated with mental health status in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey M Afonin
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aino-Kaisa Piironen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Izaque de Sousa Maciel
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mariia Ivanova
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Alatalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Alyce M Whipp
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lea Pulkkinen
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Richard J Rose
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Irene van Kamp
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja M Kanninen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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9
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Santi MD, Zhang M, Liu N, Viet CT, Xie T, Jensen DD, Amit M, Pan H, Ye Y. Repurposing EGFR Inhibitors for Oral Cancer Pain and Opioid Tolerance. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1558. [PMID: 38004424 PMCID: PMC10674507 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer pain remains a significant public health concern. Despite the development of improved treatments, pain continues to be a debilitating clinical feature of the disease, leading to reduced oral mobility and diminished quality of life. Opioids are the gold standard treatment for moderate-to-severe oral cancer pain; however, chronic opioid administration leads to hyperalgesia, tolerance, and dependence. The aim of this review is to present accumulating evidence that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, often dysregulated in cancer, is also an emerging signaling pathway critically involved in pain and opioid tolerance. We presented preclinical and clinical data to demonstrate how repurposing EGFR inhibitors typically used for cancer treatment could be an effective pharmacological strategy to treat oral cancer pain and to prevent or delay the development of opioid tolerance. We also propose that EGFR interaction with the µ-opioid receptor and glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor could be two novel downstream mechanisms contributing to pain and morphine tolerance. Most data presented here support that repurposing EGFR inhibitors as non-opioid analgesics in oral cancer pain is promising and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Daniela Santi
- Translational Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA; (M.D.S.); (M.Z.); (N.L.); (D.D.J.)
- Pain Research Center, Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Morgan Zhang
- Translational Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA; (M.D.S.); (M.Z.); (N.L.); (D.D.J.)
- Pain Research Center, Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Naijiang Liu
- Translational Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA; (M.D.S.); (M.Z.); (N.L.); (D.D.J.)
- Pain Research Center, Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Chi T. Viet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
| | - Tongxin Xie
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (M.A.)
| | - Dane D. Jensen
- Translational Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA; (M.D.S.); (M.Z.); (N.L.); (D.D.J.)
- Pain Research Center, Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (M.A.)
| | - Huilin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Yi Ye
- Translational Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA; (M.D.S.); (M.Z.); (N.L.); (D.D.J.)
- Pain Research Center, Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA
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10
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Liu X, Jin X, Wang X, Yan X, Wang C, Wang K, He X, Zhai W. Knockdown of A20 attenuates microglial susceptibility to OGD/R-induced ferroptosis and upregulates inflammatory responses. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2023; 45:539-548. [PMID: 36891829 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2023.2189061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The A20 protein is considered to have a potent anti-inflammatory effect, but its mechanism of action in the regulation of ferroptosis and inflammation after stroke is still unknown. In this study, the A20-knockdown BV2 cell line (sh-A20 BV2) was constructed at first, and the oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) cell model was constructed. Both the BV2 and sh-A20 BV2 cells were treated with the ferroptosis inducer erastin for 48 h, the ferroptosis-related indicators were detected by western blot. The mechanism of ferroptosis was explored by western blot and immunofluorescence. Under OGD/R pressure, the oxidative stress level of sh-A20 BV2 cells was inhibited, but the secretion of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was significantly upregulated. And sh-A20 BV2 cells had higher expression levels of GPX4 and NLRP3 proteins under OGD/R induction. Western blot further confirmed that sh-A20 BV2 cells inhibited OGD/R-induced ferroptosis. Under the effect of erastin of the ferroptosis inducer (0-1000 nM), sh-A20 BV2 cells had higher cell viability than wild-type BV2 cells and significantly inhibited the accumulation of ROS and the level of oxidative stress damage. It was confirmed that A20 could promote the activation of the IκBα/NFκB/iNOS pathway. It was confirmed by an iNOS inhibitor that iNOS inhibition could reverse the resistance effect of BV2 cells to OGD/R-induced ferroptosis after A20 knockdown. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that inhibition of A20 mediates a stronger inflammatory response while enhancing microglial resistance by knocking down A20 in BV2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomei Jin
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xianhui Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodan Yan
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Chi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Kaiyue Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Wanqing Zhai
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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11
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Hiraoka Y, Matsumura M, Kakei Y, Takeda D, Shigeoka M, Kimoto A, Hasegawa T, Akashi M. Expression of JCAD and EGFR in Perineurial Cell-Cell Junctions of Human Inferior Alveolar Nerve. J Histochem Cytochem 2023; 71:321-332. [PMID: 37309668 PMCID: PMC10315992 DOI: 10.1369/00221554231182193] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although perineurium has an important role in maintenance of the blood-nerve barrier, understanding of perineurial cell-cell junctions is insufficient. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of junctional cadherin 5 associated (JCAD) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the perineurium of the human inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and investigate their roles in perineurial cell-cell junctions using cultured human perineurial cells (HPNCs). In human IAN, JCAD was strongly expressed in endoneurial microvessels. JCAD and EGFR were expressed at various intensities in the perineurium. In HPNCs, JCAD was clearly expressed at cell-cell junctions. EGFR inhibitor AG1478 treatment changed cell morphology and the ratio of JCAD-positive cell-cell contacts of HPNCs. Therefore, JCAD and EGFR may have a role in the regulation of perineurial cell-cell junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Hiraoka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Megumi Matsumura
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Kakei
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Daisuke Takeda
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Manabu Shigeoka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akira Kimoto
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takumi Hasegawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masaya Akashi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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12
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Basset J, Marchal L, Hovnanian A. EGFR Signaling Is Overactive in Pachyonychia Congenita: Effective Treatment with Oral Erlotinib. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:294-304.e8. [PMID: 36116508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare keratinizing disorder characterized by painful palmoplantar keratoderma for which there is no standard current treatment. PC is caused by dominant mutations in keratin (K) K6A, K6B, K6C, K16, or K17 genes involved in stress, wound healing, and epidermal barrier formation. Mechanisms leading to pain and painful palmoplantar keratoderma in PC remain elusive. In this study, we show overexpression of EGFR ligands epiregulin and TGF-α as well as HER1‒EGFR and HER2 in the upper spinous layers of PC lesions. EGFR activation was confirmed by upregulated MAPK/ERK and mTOR signaling. Abnormal late terminal keratinization was associated with elevated TGM1 activity. In addition, the calcium ion permeable channel TRPV3 was significantly increased in PC-lesional skin, suggesting a predominant role of the TRPV3/EGFR signaling complex in PC. We hypothesized that this complex contributes to promoting TGM1 activity and induces the expression and shedding of EGFR ligands. To counteract this biological cascade, we treated three patients with PC with oral erlotinib for 6‒8 months. The treatment was well-tolerated and led to an early, drastic, and sustained reduction of neuropathic pain with a major improvement of QOL. Our study provides evidence that targeted pharmacological inhibition of EGFR is an effective strategy in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Basset
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic Skin Diseases, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Lucile Marchal
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic Skin Diseases, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Alain Hovnanian
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Genetic Skin Diseases, Imagine Institute, Paris, France; University of Paris, Paris, France; Department of Genetics, Necker Hospital for Sick Children. Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.
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13
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Navakauskienė R, Žukauskaitė D, Borutinskaitė VV, Bukreieva T, Skliutė G, Valatkaitė E, Zentelytė A, Piešinienė L, Shablii V. Effects of human placenta cryopreservation on molecular characteristics of placental mesenchymal stromal cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1140781. [PMID: 37122871 PMCID: PMC10133466 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1140781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of placenta tissue for long-term storage provides the opportunity in the future to isolate mesenchymal stromal cells that could be used for cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Despite being widely used, the established cryopreservation protocols for freezing and thawing still raise concerns about their impact on molecular characteristics, such as epigenetic regulation. In our study, we compared the characteristics of human placental mesenchymal stromal cells (hPMSCs) isolated from fresh (native) and cryopreserved (cryo) placenta tissue. We assessed and compared the characteristics of native and cryo hPMSCs such as morphology, metabolic and differentiation potential, expression of cell surface markers, and transcriptome. No significant changes in immunophenotype and differentiation capacity between native and cryo cells were observed. Furthermore, we investigated the epigenetic changes and demonstrated that both native and cryo hPMSCs express only slight variations in the epigenetic profile, including miRNA levels, DNA methylation, and histone modifications. Nevertheless, transcriptome analysis defined the upregulation of early-senescence state-associated genes in hPMSCs after cryopreservation. We also evaluated the ability of hPMSCs to improve pregnancy outcomes in mouse models. Improved pregnancy outcomes in a mouse model confirmed that isolated placental cells both from native and cryo tissue have a positive effect on the restoration of the reproductive system. Still, the native hPMSCs possess better capacity (up to 66%) in comparison with cryo hPMSCs (up to 33%) to restore fertility in mice with premature ovarian failure. Our study demonstrates that placental tissue can be cryopreserved for long-term storage with the possibility to isolate mesenchymal stromal cells that retain characteristics suitable for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rūta Navakauskienė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- *Correspondence: Rūta Navakauskienė, ; Volodymyr Shablii,
| | - Deimantė Žukauskaitė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Tetiana Bukreieva
- Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids, Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Science, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Placenta Stem Cell Laboratory, Cryobank, Institute of Cell Therapy, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Giedrė Skliutė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Nanodiagnostika, Ltd., Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Elvina Valatkaitė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aistė Zentelytė
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Volodymyr Shablii
- Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids, Department of Functional Genomics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Science, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Placenta Stem Cell Laboratory, Cryobank, Institute of Cell Therapy, Kyiv, Ukraine
- *Correspondence: Rūta Navakauskienė, ; Volodymyr Shablii,
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14
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Virgen CG, Kelkar N, Tran A, Rosa CM, Cruz-Topete D, Amatya S, Cornett EM, Urits I, Viswanath O, Kaye AD. Pharmacological management of cancer pain: Novel therapeutics. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113871. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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15
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Orofiamma LA, Vural D, Antonescu CN. Control of cell metabolism by the epidermal growth factor receptor. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119359. [PMID: 36089077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) triggers the activation of many intracellular signals that control cell proliferation, growth, survival, migration, and differentiation. Given its wide expression, EGFR has many functions in development and tissue homeostasis. Some of the cellular outcomes of EGFR signaling involve alterations of specific aspects of cellular metabolism, and alterations of cell metabolism are emerging as driving influences in many physiological and pathophysiological contexts. Here we review the mechanisms by which EGFR regulates cell metabolism, including by modulation of gene expression and protein function leading to control of glucose uptake, glycolysis, biosynthetic pathways branching from glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipogenesis, and mitochondrial function. We further examine how this regulation of cell metabolism by EGFR may contribute to cell proliferation and differentiation and how EGFR-driven control of metabolism can impact certain diseases and therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Orofiamma
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada; Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Dafne Vural
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada; Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Costin N Antonescu
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada; Graduate Program in Molecular Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada.
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16
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Cameron MG, Kersten C. Prospective case series of neuropathic cancer pain in patients treated with an EGFR-inhibitor. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1154-1162. [PMID: 35656645 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel treatments of neuropathic pain are urgently needed. Rapid relief of neuropathic cancer pain in patients treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have been reported. Experiments in rodent models confirm the pain relief and reveal novel mechanisms critically involving the EGFR. Clinical pain research is complicated and patients with advanced cancer are heterogeneous, often with complex, deteriorating clinical pictures, hampering feasibility of drug-trial procedures. ACTUAL CASE Prospective case series exploring the EGFR inhibition/neuropathic cancer pain association in order to inform planning clinical trials. POSSIBLE COURSES OF ACTION Symptom assessment method was tailored to what was ethical, feasible, and clinically relevant for each patient. FORMULATION OF A PLAN Patients with neuropathic cancer pain treated off-label with the monoclonal antibody panitumumab were studied to assess feasibility of different measurement tools. OUTCOME Fourteen of 20 patients (70%) experienced clinically significant pain relief. There was good concordance in patient and physician-reported outcomes. LESSONS Results support panitumumab's potential to be of significant benefit to patients with refractory neuropathic cancer pain. Findings also reinforce the difficulty of using conventional drug trial endpoints and designs in this population. VIEW Innovative research methods must be considered for much needed pivotal trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Kersten
- Department of Research, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
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17
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Geniposide Alleviates Neuropathic Pain in CCI Rats by Inhibiting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT Pathway And Ca 2+ Channels. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1057-1069. [PMID: 35699893 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00531-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common disorder among individuals worldwide, but there is still no effective treatment for NP. The EGFR pathway promotes NP nociceptive sensitization and represents a potential therapeutic target. Geniposide is abundant in natural plants and has various pharmacological activities, such as analgesia and anti-inflammation properties, which can improve NP, but the specific mechanisms have not been elucidated. The present study first predicted and molecularly docked geniposide targets, suggesting that geniposide may play a role in improving NP by targeting EGFR. This study further clarified that geniposide alleviates NP and improves the inflammatory response using a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model, whereas the administration of an EGFR agonist weakens the above effects of geniposide. Analysis of transcriptome data further suggests that geniposide not only improves CCI symptoms by reducing EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway activity but also may exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the Ca2+ signaling pathway. The above results affirm the potential value of geniposide in the treatment of NP and lay the foundation for further clinical application.
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18
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Shkodra M, Caraceni A. Treatment of Neuropathic Pain Directly Due to Cancer: An Update. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081992. [PMID: 35454894 PMCID: PMC9031615 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review discusses treatment approaches for providing pain relief to oncological patients affected by pain caused by nerve damage due to the tumor, also known as neuropathic cancer pain. Although being encountered often and causing a relevant burden to these patients, neuropathic cancer pain remains still difficult to diagnose and treat. Strong evidence about the best drugs to be used remain limited, as do therapeutic choices. Abstract Neuropathic pain can be defined as pain related to abnormal somatosensory processing in either the peripheral or central nervous system. In this review article, with neuropathic cancer pain (NCP), we refer to pain due to nervous tissue lesions caused by the tumor or its metastases. Nervous tissue damage is the cause of cancer pain in approximately 40% of those experiencing cancer pain. Recognizing a neuropathic pathophysiology in these cases may be difficult and requires specific criteria that are not homogenously applied in clinical practice. The management of this type of pain can be challenging, requiring the use of specific non-opioid adjuvant drugs. The majority of the criteria for NCP diagnosis and management have been based mainly on results from the noncancer population, risking the failure of addressing the specific needs of this population of patients. In this review, we summarize current management options available for NCP and provide some insights on new promising treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morena Shkodra
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milano, Italy;
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
- Correspondence:
| | - Augusto Caraceni
- Palliative Care, Pain Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milano, Italy;
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
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19
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Treatment of Painful Palmoplantar Keratoderma Related to Pachyonychia Congenita Using EGFR Inhibitors. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040841. [PMID: 35453591 PMCID: PMC9028469 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a genodermatosis associated with severe painful palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) and thickened dystrophic nails caused by autosomal dominant-negative mutations in five genes encoding keratins 6A-B-C, 16, and 17. The mechanical, surgical, or medical options for painful PC are inefficient. Given ErbB/Her family members’ role in epidermal homeostasis, this study sought to investigate the possibility of treating PC patients with PPK by blocking signaling either with EGFR (Her1) inhibitor erlotinib or lapatinib, a dual EGFR(Her1)/Her2. After 1 month of therapy with oral erlotinib treatment at 75 mg/day, the pain disappeared for patient #1, with partially reduced hyperkeratosis, while increasing the dose to 100 mg/day resulted in painful skin fissures. Therapy replacement with erlotinib cream at 0.2% was inconclusive, and substitution with oral lapatinib at alternating doses of 500 and 750 mg/day achieved a good compromise between pain reduction, symptom improvements, and side effects. Patient #2′s treatment with erlotinib cream failed to display significant improvements. Oral erlotinib started at 75 mg/day then reduced to 25 mg/day because of the formation of an acneiform rash. Treatment considerably improved the patient’s condition, with an almost complete disappearance of pain. Oral Her1 or 1/2 inhibitors reduced pain, improved two PC patients’ quality of life, and offered promising therapeutic perspectives.
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20
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A peptide toxin in ant venom mimics vertebrate EGF-like hormones to cause long-lasting hypersensitivity in mammals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2112630119. [PMID: 35131940 PMCID: PMC8851504 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112630119] [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] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The targeting of mammalian ErbB receptor signaling by a venom toxin to cause hypersensitivity is a mode of action that has not previously been described. Natural selection of a defensive toxin to target ErbB signaling provides compelling independent evidence for a fundamental role of this receptor and its ligands in mammalian pain. The evolution of a toxin in ant venom to mimic a vertebrate nociceptive hormone serves as an example of both convergent evolution and molecular mimicry, illustrating how natural selection can shape the gene product of one organism to resemble that of another. Venoms are excellent model systems for studying evolutionary processes associated with predator–prey interactions. Here, we present the discovery of a peptide toxin, MIITX2-Mg1a, which is a major component of the venom of the Australian giant red bull ant Myrmecia gulosa and has evolved to mimic, both structurally and functionally, vertebrate epidermal growth factor (EGF) peptide hormones. We show that Mg1a is a potent agonist of the mammalian EGF receptor ErbB1, and that intraplantar injection in mice causes long-lasting hypersensitivity of the injected paw. These data reveal a previously undescribed venom mode of action, highlight a role for ErbB receptors in mammalian pain signaling, and provide an example of molecular mimicry driven by defensive selection pressure.
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21
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Que W, Wu Z, Chen M, Zhang B, You C, Lin H, Zhao Z, Liu M, Qiu H, Cheng Y. Molecular Mechanism of Gelsemium elegans (Gardner and Champ.) Benth. Against Neuropathic Pain Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evidence. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:792932. [PMID: 35046814 PMCID: PMC8762237 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.792932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gelsemium elegans (Gardner and Champ.) Benth. (Gelsemiaceae) (GEB) is a toxic plant indigenous to Southeast Asia especially China, and has long been used as Chinese folk medicine for the treatment of various types of pain, including neuropathic pain (NPP). Nevertheless, limited data are available on the understanding of the interactions between ingredients-targets-pathways. The present study integrated network pharmacology and experimental evidence to decipher molecular mechanisms of GEB against NPP. The candidate ingredients of GEB were collected from the published literature and online databases. Potentially active targets of GEB were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction database. NPP-associated targets were retrieved from GeneCards, Therapeutic Target database, and DrugBank. Then the protein-protein interaction network was constructed. The DAVID database was applied to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was employed to validate the interaction between ingredients and targets. Subsequently, a 50 ns molecular dynamics simulation was performed to analyze the conformational stability of the protein-ligand complex. Furthermore, the potential anti-NPP mechanisms of GEB were evaluated in the rat chronic constriction injury model. A total of 47 alkaloids and 52 core targets were successfully identified for GEB in the treatment of NPP. Functional enrichment analysis showed that GEB was mainly involved in phosphorylation reactions and nitric oxide synthesis processes. It also participated in 73 pathways in the pathogenesis of NPP, including the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Interestingly, 11-Hydroxyrankinidin well matched the active pockets of crucial targets, such as EGFR, JAK1, and AKT1. The 11-hydroxyrankinidin-EGFR complex was stable throughout the entire molecular dynamics simulation. Besides, the expression of EGFR and JAK1 could be regulated by koumine to achieve the anti-NPP action. These findings revealed the complex network relationship of GEB in the "multi-ingredient, multi-target, multi-pathway" mode, and explained the synergistic regulatory effect of each complex ingredient of GEB based on the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine. The present study would provide a scientific approach and strategy for further studies of GEB in the treatment of NPP in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wancai Que
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Maohua Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Binqing Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chuihuai You
- College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hailing Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhichang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Maobai Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongqiang Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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22
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Morphine promotes microglial activation by upregulating the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256870. [PMID: 34520454 PMCID: PMC8439491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although they represent the cornerstone of analgesic therapy, opioids, such as morphine, are limited in efficacy by drug tolerance, hyperalgesia and other side effects. Activation of microglia and the consequent production of proinflammatory cytokines play a key pathogenic role in morphine tolerance, but the exact mechanisms are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on microglial activation induced by morphine in mouse microglial BV-2 cells. In this research, BV-2 cells were stimulated with morphine or pretreated with AG1478 (an inhibitor of EGFR). Expression levels of cluster of differentiation molecule 11b (CD11b), EGFR, and phospho-EGFR were detected by immunofluorescence staining. Cell signaling was assayed by Western blot. The migration ability of BV-2 cells was tested by Transwell assay. The production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the cell supernatant was determined by ELISA. We observed that the expression of CD11b induced by morphine was increased in a dose- and time- dependent manner in BV-2 cells. Phosphorylation levels of EGFR and ERK1/2, migration of BV-2 cells, and production of IL-1β and TNFα were markedly enhanced by morphine treatment. The activation, migration, and production of proinflammatory cytokines in BV-2 cells were inhibited by blocking the EGFR signaling pathway with AG1478. The present study demonstrated that the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway may represent a novel pharmacological strategy to suppress morphine tolerance through attenuation of microglial activation.
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