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Published on: August 11, 2021
Mouse Models of Familial Hemiplegic Migraine for Studying Migraine Pathophysiology
Anisa Dehghani1, Hulya Karatas1
1Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey.
Abstract:
Migraine, an extremely disabling neurological disorder, has a strong genetic component. Since monogenic migraines (resulting from mutations or changes in a single gene) may help researchers discover migraine pathophysiology, transgenic mice models harboring gene mutations identified in Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM) patients have been generated. Studies in these FHM mutant mice models have shed light on the mechanisms of migraine and may aid in the identification of novel targets for treatment. More specifically, the studies shed light on how gene mutations, hormones, and other factors impact the pathophysiology of migraine. The models may also be of relevance to researchers outside the field of migraine as some of their aspects are relevant to pain in general. Additionally, because of the comorbidities associated with migraine, they share similarities with the mutant mouse models of epilepsy, stroke, and perhaps depression. Here, we review the experimental data obtained from these mutant mice and focus on how they can be used to investigate the pathophysiology of migraine, including synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, metabolite alterations, and molecular and behavioral mechanisms of pain.
Insights
Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM) mouse models reveal genetic migraine pathophysiology. These models illuminate gene mutation impacts on migraine mechanisms, aiding novel treatment discovery and general pain research.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Migraine is a disabling neurological disorder with a significant genetic basis.
- Monogenic migraines offer insights into migraine pathophysiology.
- Transgenic mouse models with Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM) gene mutations have been developed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental data from FHM mutant mice.
- To investigate how these models can elucidate migraine pathophysiology.
- To explore mechanisms including synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and pain pathways.
Main Methods:
- Generation of transgenic mice harboring FHM gene mutations.
- Analysis of experimental data from these mouse models.
- Focus on synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, metabolite alterations, and pain mechanisms.
Main Results:
- FHM mouse models provide insights into migraine mechanisms.
- Studies highlight the impact of gene mutations, hormones, and other factors.
- These models are relevant to general pain research and comorbidities like epilepsy and stroke.
Conclusions:
- FHM mutant mouse models are valuable tools for studying migraine pathophysiology.
- They aid in identifying novel therapeutic targets for migraine.
- The models offer broader relevance to understanding neurological disorders and pain.
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