The emerging power and promise of non-coding RNAs in chronic pain

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1037929 · Published: November 3, 2022

Simple Explanation

Chronic pain is a significant health problem, and this review explores the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in its development and potential as therapeutic targets. NcRNAs, including miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs, are genetic elements that don't code for proteins but regulate gene expression and cellular processes relevant to chronic pain. These ncRNAs are altered in various chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathic pain, and cancer-induced pain, suggesting their involvement in the underlying mechanisms.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Animal models of chronic pain and clinical patients

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
MiRNAs regulate gene expression by binding to mRNAs, affecting their stability and translation, and are implicated in neuropathic pain through dysregulation in the DRG and spinal cord.
2
CircRNAs act as miRNA sponges, modulating mRNA stability and function, and are altered in the SDH in rats with neuropathic pain, influencing pain-related signaling pathways.
3
LncRNAs interact with proteins, DNAs, and RNAs, and contribute to chronic pain by targeting pain-associated genes or other downstream molecules, increasing neuronal excitability in DRG primary sensory neurons.

Research Summary

Chronic pain (CP) is a major health problem affecting the quality of life because of the lack of understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and effective and safe treatments. NcRNAs are one of the factors that can affect CP and have been studied extensively and are considered to be novel biomarkers and pharmacological applications in CP. Most existing studies are confined to the ncRNA/receptor axis or RNA sequencing in DRG or spinal cord tissue in rodent animal models of CP.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Biomarkers

NcRNAs can serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for various chronic pain conditions, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnosis.

Therapeutic Targets

NcRNAs can be targeted with specific mimics or inhibitors to modulate their expression and alleviate chronic pain symptoms.

Personalized Medicine

NcRNA profiles can be used to tailor treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics and pain conditions.

Study Limitations

1
Most studies are confined to animal models.
2
It is still unclear how ncRNAs directly bind to the target.
3
Concrete issues must be considered, such as the quality, stability, safety of ncRNAs

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