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Published on: July 18, 2016
Increases in mRNA and DREAM protein expression in the rat spinal cord after formalin induced pain
Idris Long1, Rapeah Suppian, Zalina Ismail
1School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. aminahr@kck.usm.my
Abstract:
Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonist Modulator (DREAM) protein modulates pain by regulating prodynorphin gene transcription. Therefore, we investigate the changes of mRNA and DREAM protein in relation to the mRNA and prodynorphin protein expression on the ipsilateral side of the rat spinal cord after formalin injection (acute pain model). DREAM like immunoreactivity (DLI) was not significantly different between C and F groups. However, we detected the upregulation of mean relative DREAM protein level in the nuclear but not in the cytoplasmic extract in the F group. These effects were consistent with the upregulation of the relative DREAM mRNA level. Prodynorphin like immunoreactivity (PLI) expression increased but the relative prodynorphin mRNA level remained unchanged. In conclusion, we suggest that upregulation of DREAM mRNA and protein expression in the nuclear compartment probably has functional consequences other than just the repression of prodynorphin gene. It is likely that these mechanisms are important in the modulation of pain.
Insights
The study found that increased Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonist Modulator (DREAM) mRNA and protein in the spinal cord nucleus may play a role in pain modulation beyond regulating prodynorphin. This suggests new mechanisms for pain management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pain Research
Background:
- The Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonist Modulator (DREAM) protein is known to regulate pain by controlling prodynorphin gene transcription.
- Understanding DREAM's role in acute pain models is crucial for developing novel pain management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in DREAM mRNA and protein levels in the rat spinal cord following an acute pain stimulus (formalin injection).
- To correlate these changes with alterations in prodynorphin mRNA and protein expression on the ipsilateral side.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a formalin-induced acute pain model in rats.
- Analyzed DREAM and prodynorphin mRNA and protein expression in nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts of the spinal cord.
- Assessed DREAM like immunoreactivity (DLI) and prodynorphin like immunoreactivity (PLI).
Main Results:
- DREAM mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in the nuclear fraction of the spinal cord in the formalin-injected group.
- Prodynorphin like immunoreactivity (PLI) increased, but prodynorphin mRNA levels remained unchanged.
- No significant difference in overall DREAM like immunoreactivity (DLI) was observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear upregulation of DREAM mRNA and protein in response to acute pain suggests functions beyond simple prodynorphin gene repression.
- These findings indicate that DREAM may be involved in novel pain modulation mechanisms.
- Further research into these DREAM-related pathways could offer new therapeutic targets for pain relief.
