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Published on: September 2, 2020
Antinociceptive effect of antisense oligonucleotides against the vanilloid receptor VR1/TRPV1
Thomas Christoph1, Clemens Gillen, Joanna Mika
1Research & Development, Grünenthal GmbH, Zieglerstr. 6, 52078 Aachen, Germany. thomas.christoph@grunenthal.de
Abstract:
To examine the role of the vanilloid receptor TRPV1 in neuropathic pain, we assessed the effects of the receptor antagonist thioxo-BCTC and antisense oligonucleotides against the TRPV1 mRNA in a rat model of spinal nerve ligation. In order to identify accessible sites on the mRNA of TRPV1, the RNase H assay was used, leading to the successful identification of binding sites for antisense oligonucleotides. Cotransfection studies using Cos-7 cells were employed to identify the most effective antisense oligonucleotide efficiently inhibiting the expression of a fusion protein consisting of TRPV1 and the green fluorescent protein in a specific and concentration-dependent manner. In an in vivo rat model of spinal nerve ligation, intravenous application of the TRPV1 antagonist thioxo-BCTC reduced mechanical hypersensitivity yielding an ED(50) value of 10.6mg/kg. Intrathecal administration of the antisense oligonucleotide against TRPV1, but not the mismatch oligonucleotide or a vehicle control, reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in rats with spinal nerve ligation in a similar manner. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed neuropathy- and antisense-associated regulation of TRPV1 protein expression in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. Our data demonstrate comparative analgesic effects of a TRPV1 anatagonist and a rationally designed TRPV1 antisense oligonucleotide in a spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain and thus, lend support to the validation of TRPV1 as a promising target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Insights
Researchers investigated the vanilloid receptor TRPV1
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition.
- The vanilloid receptor TRPV1 is implicated in pain signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting TRPV1 for neuropathic pain relief.
- To assess the efficacy of a TRPV1 antagonist and an antisense oligonucleotide.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rat model of spinal nerve ligation.
- Employed RNase H assay and Cos-7 cell cotransfection studies.
- Administered thioxo-BCTC (TRPV1 antagonist) and TRPV1 antisense oligonucleotide.
Main Results:
- Both TRPV1 antagonist and antisense oligonucleotide significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity.
- Identified effective antisense oligonucleotide binding sites on TRPV1 mRNA.
- Observed regulation of TRPV1 protein expression in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia.
Conclusions:
- TRPV1 antagonist and antisense oligonucleotide demonstrate comparable analgesic effects.
- TRPV1 is a validated and promising therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.
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