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Chase R, de la Peña JB, Smith PR, Lawson J, Lou TF, Stanowick AD, Black BJ, Campbell ZT. Global analyses of mRNA expression in human sensory neurons reveal eIF5A as a conserved target for inflammatory pain. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22422. [PMID: 35747924 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101933rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptors are a type of sensory neuron that are integral to most forms of pain. Targeted disruption of nociceptor sensitization affords unique opportunities to prevent pain. An emerging model for nociceptors are sensory neurons derived from human stem cells. Here, we subjected five groups to high-throughput sequencing: human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) prior to differentiation, mature hiPSC-derived sensory neurons, mature co-cultures containing hiPSC-derived astrocytes and sensory neurons, mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues, and mouse DRG cultures. Co-culture of nociceptors and astrocytes promotes expression of transcripts enriched in DRG tissues. Comparisons of the hiPSC models to tissue samples reveal that many key transcripts linked to pain are present. Markers indicative of a range of neuronal subtypes present in the DRG were detected in mature hiPSCs. Intriguingly, translation factors were maintained at consistently high expression levels across species and culture systems. As a proof of concept for the utility of this resource, we validated expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) in DRG tissues and hiPSC samples. eIF5A is subject to a unique posttranslational hypusine modification required for its activity. Inhibition of hypusine biosynthesis prevented hyperalgesic priming by inflammatory mediators in vivo and diminished hiPSC activity in vitro. Collectively, our results illuminate the transcriptomes of hiPSC sensory neuron models. We provide a demonstration for this resource through our investigation of eIF5A. Our findings reveal hypusine as a potential target for inflammation associated pain in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Chase
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - June Bryan de la Peña
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Patrick R Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Lawson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tzu-Fang Lou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander D Stanowick
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Bryan J Black
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zachary T Campbell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA.,Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
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Bryan de la Peña J, Kunder N, Lou TF, Chase R, Stanowick A, Barragan-Iglesias P, Pancrazio JJ, Campbell ZT. A Role for Translational Regulation by S6 Kinase and a Downstream Target in Inflammatory Pain. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4675-4690. [PMID: 34355805 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Translational controls pervade neurobiology. Nociceptors play an integral role in the detection and propagation of pain signals. Nociceptors can undergo persistent changes in their intrinsic excitability. Pharmacologic disruption of nascent protein synthesis diminishes acute and chronic forms of pain-associated behaviors. Yet, the targets of translational controls that facilitate plasticity in nociceptors are unclear. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used ribosome profiling to probe the translational landscape in DRG neurons after treatment of the inflammatory mediators NGF and IL-6. We validated the expression dynamics of c-Fos using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Given that inflammation is known to stimulate mTOR signaling, we reasoned that downstream factors (e.g., ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1, S6K1) might control c-Fos levels. We utilized small-molecule inhibitors of S6K1 (DG2) or c-Fos (T-5224) to probe their effects on nociceptor activity in vitro using multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) and pain behavior in vivo using a hyperalgesic priming model. KEY RESULTS We demonstrate that c-Fos is expressed in sensory neurons. Inflammatory mediators that promote pain in both humans and rodents promote c-Fos translation. We demonstrate that the mTOR effector S6K1 is essential for c-Fos biosynthesis. Inhibition of S6K1 or c-Fos with small molecules diminish mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in response to inflammatory cues. Additionally, both inhibitors reduce evoked nociceptor activity. CONCLUSION Our data reveal a novel role of S6K1 in modulating rapid response to inflammatory mediators, with c-Fos being one key downstream target. Targeting the S6 kinase pathway or c-Fos is an exciting new avenue for pain-modulating compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- June Bryan de la Peña
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Nikesh Kunder
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Tzu-Fang Lou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca Chase
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Stanowick
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Paulino Barragan-Iglesias
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Basic Sciences, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Joseph J Pancrazio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.,Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Zachary T Campbell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.,Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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Barragan-Iglesias P, Kunder N, Wanghzou A, Black B, Ray PR, Lou TF, de la Peña JB, Atmaramani R, Shukla T, Pancrazio JJ, Price TJ, Campbell ZT. A peptide encoded within a 5' untranslated region promotes pain sensitization in mice. Pain 2021; 162:1864-1875. [PMID: 33449506 PMCID: PMC8119312 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Translational regulation permeates neuronal function. Nociceptors are sensory neurons responsible for the detection of harmful stimuli. Changes in their activity, termed plasticity, are intimately linked to the persistence of pain. Although inhibitors of protein synthesis robustly attenuate pain-associated behavior, the underlying targets that support plasticity are largely unknown. Here, we examine the contribution of protein synthesis in regions of RNA annotated as noncoding. Based on analyses of previously reported ribosome profiling data, we provide evidence for widespread translation in noncoding transcripts and regulatory regions of mRNAs. We identify an increase in ribosome occupancy in the 5' untranslated regions of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP/Calca). We validate the existence of an upstream open reading frame (uORF) using a series of reporter assays. Fusion of the uORF to a luciferase reporter revealed active translation in dorsal root ganglion neurons after nucleofection. Injection of the peptide corresponding to the calcitonin gene-related peptide-encoded uORF resulted in pain-associated behavioral responses in vivo and nociceptor sensitization in vitro. An inhibitor of heterotrimeric G protein signaling blocks both effects. Collectively, the data suggest pervasive translation in regions of the transcriptome annotated as noncoding in dorsal root ganglion neurons and identify a specific uORF-encoded peptide that promotes pain sensitization through GPCR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulino Barragan-Iglesias
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and
Brain Sciences, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Basic
Sciences, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, 20130,
Mexico
| | - Nikesh Kunder
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Biological
Sciences, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Andi Wanghzou
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and
Brain Sciences, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Bryan Black
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of
Bioengineering, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Pradipta R. Ray
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and
Brain Sciences, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Tzu-Fang Lou
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Biological
Sciences, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - June Bryan de la Peña
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Biological
Sciences, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Rahul Atmaramani
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of
Bioengineering, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Tarjani Shukla
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Biological
Sciences, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Joseph J. Pancrazio
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of
Bioengineering, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at
Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Theodore J. Price
- University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and
Brain Sciences, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at
Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Zachary T. Campbell
- University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Biological
Sciences, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
- Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at
Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
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Mihail SM, Wangzhou A, Kunjilwar KK, Moy JK, Dussor G, Walters ET, Price TJ. MNK-eIF4E signalling is a highly conserved mechanism for sensory neuron axonal plasticity: evidence from Aplysia californica. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20190289. [PMID: 31544610 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury to sensory neurons causes an increase in the excitability of these cells leading to enhanced action potential generation and a lowering of spike threshold. This type of sensory neuron plasticity occurs across vertebrate and invertebrate species and has been linked to the development of both acute and persistent pain. Injury-induced plasticity in sensory neurons relies on localized changes in gene expression that occur at the level of mRNA translation. Many different translation regulation signalling events have been defined and these signalling events are thought to selectively target subsets of mRNAs. Recent evidence from mice suggests that the key signalling event for nociceptor plasticity is mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinase (MNK) -mediated phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4E. To test the degree to which this is conserved in other species, we used a previously described sensory neuron plasticity model in Aplysia californica. We find, using a variety of pharmacological tools, that MNK signalling is crucial for axonal hyperexcitability in sensory neurons from Aplysia. We propose that MNK-eIF4E signalling is a core, evolutionarily conserved, signalling module that controls nociceptor plasticity. This finding has important implications for the therapeutic potential of this target, and it provides interesting clues about the evolutionary origins of mechanisms important for pain-related plasticity. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Evolution of mechanisms and behaviour important for pain'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Mihail
- Program in Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Andi Wangzhou
- Program in Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Kumud K Kunjilwar
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jamie K Moy
- Program in Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Gregory Dussor
- Program in Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Edgar T Walters
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Theodore J Price
- Program in Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
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