Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
09:00
Author Spotlight: Quantifying Pain Experience – An Illustrative Approach Using the Pain Body Diagram
Published on: July 7, 2023
4.5K
Do MicroRNAs Modulate Visceral Pain?
Zhuo-Ying Tao1,2, Yang Xue1, Jin-Feng Li2
1Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China.
Biomed Research International
|January 11, 2019
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) significantly influence visceral pain by altering gene expression post-transcriptionally. This review highlights miRNAs as potential therapeutic targets for managing visceral pain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Visceral pain affects millions globally and is often poorly managed.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their role in visceral nociception.
- Complex interactions between miRNAs and target genes contribute to visceral pain pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding miRNAs involved in visceral sensitization.
- To identify potential miRNA-based therapeutic targets for visceral pain management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microRNAs and visceral pain.
- Analysis of miRNA mechanisms in visceral nociception.
- Identification of miRNA targets relevant to visceral sensitization.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs regulate neurotransmitters, receptors, and other genes at the posttranscriptional level.
- Dysregulation of miRNA pathways is implicated in pathological visceral pain states.
- Several miRNAs show promise as targets for novel pain therapies.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are critical regulators of visceral pain pathways.
- Targeting specific miRNAs offers a promising strategy for developing new visceral pain treatments.
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
24.2K
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
24.2K
01:22MicroRNAs
4.0K
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
4.0K
01:20Pain
1.4K
Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...
1.4K
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
1.6K
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
1.6K
01:24Primary Motives: Sleep, Sex, and Pain Avoidance
5.6K
Primary motives such as sleep, sex, and pain avoidance are crucial drivers of behavior in humans and animals. These motives ensure survival, reproductive success, and overall well-being by prompting actions that meet essential bodily needs.
Sleep is a fundamental physiological drive that fosters a state of restfulness crucial for several bodily functions. It facilitates body restoration, the process by which the body repairs, rejuvenates, and maintains itself during sleep, including memory...
Sleep is a fundamental physiological drive that fosters a state of restfulness crucial for several bodily functions. It facilitates body restoration, the process by which the body repairs, rejuvenates, and maintains itself during sleep, including memory...
5.6K
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
904
Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
904