The Role of miRNAs in Neuropathic Pain

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition affecting around 8% of the adult population in the UK. The pathophysiology is complex and involves a wide range of processes, including alteration of neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, dysregulated intracellular signalling and activation of pro-inflammatory immune and glial cells. In the past 15 years, multiple miRNAs–small non-coding RNA–have emerged as regulators of neuropathic pain development. They act by binding to target mRNAs and preventing the translation into proteins. Due to their short sequence (around 22 nucleotides in length), they can have hundreds of targets and regulate several pathways. Several studies on animal models have highlighted numerous miRNAs that play a role in neuropathic pain development at various stages of the nociceptive pathways, including neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, intracellular signalling and communication with non-neuronal cells. Studies on animal models do not always translate in the clinic; fewer studies on miRNAs have been performed involving human subjects with neuropathic pain, with differing results depending on the specific aetiology underlying neuropathic pain. Further studies using human tissue and liquid samples (serum, plasma, saliva) will help highlight miRNAs that are relevant to neuropathic pain diagnosis or treatment, as biomarkers or potential drug targets.

Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy: Neurobiology and Pathophysiology

“…Animal models of neuropathic pain involving chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve have demonstrated that non-coding RNAs are involved in the development of trigeminal pain [ 6 , 22 ]. Following nerve injury, micro RNAs are downregulated in the dorsal root ganglion, which is thought to increase pain [ 23 ]. These miRNAs have been shown to target Nav1.7 [ 24 ].…”

Epigenetic regulation in opioid induced hyperalgesia

“…It is also known that miRNAs contribute to the fine-tuning of gene expression by regulating multiple target genes within a signaling pathway. This allows for precise control over the expression of key molecules involved in pain processing ( Andersen et al, 2014 , Dai et al, 2018 , Kalpachidou et al, 2020 , Morchio et al, 2023 , Sabina et al, 2022 , Sakai and Suzuki, 2015 , Zhang et al, 2023 , Zhao et al, 2023 ).…”