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Author Spotlight: Exploring Peripheral Mechanisms of Neuropathic Pain in Trigeminal Nerve Injury
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Transcriptional repressor DREAM regulates trigeminal noxious perception
Tomaso Benedet1, Paz Gonzalez1,2, Juan C Oliveros1
1National Centre for Biotechnology, C.S.I.C., Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|February 21, 2016
Summary
The downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) protein regulates pain signaling in trigeminal neurons. Increased DREAM activity enhances orofacial sensory responses and alters gene expression related to pain perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pain Research
Background:
- The downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) protein is implicated in pain control.
- High nuclear localization of DREAM in trigeminal neurons suggests a transcriptional role in sensory processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DREAM in trigeminal nociception.
- To identify novel DREAM transcriptional targets involved in pain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic mice expressing a dominant-active DREAM mutant (daDREAM) in trigeminal neurons.
- Performed genome-wide analysis of gene expression in trigeminal neurons.
- Assessed orofacial sensory responses in daDREAM mice.
Main Results:
- Transgenic mice showed increased orofacial sensory responses.
- Prodynorphin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression decreased in trigeminal ganglia.
- Cathepsin L and monoglyceride lipase were identified as new DREAM transcriptional targets.
Conclusions:
- DREAM plays a significant role in regulating trigeminal nociception.
- Novel targets of DREAM in pain pathways were identified, including cathepsin L and monoglyceride lipase.
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