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Updated: Sep 2, 2025

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Epigenetic modulation of visceral nociception
QiQi Zhou1,2, George Nicholas Verne1,2
1Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|August 11, 2022
Summary
Epigenetic alterations in the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Epigenetics influences gene activity without altering DNA sequence.
- Epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation and histone modification.
- The role of epigenetics in brain-gut disorders and visceral pain is emerging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity.
- To explore epigenetic alterations in the central nucleus of the amygdala.
Main Methods:
- Rodent models of stress-induced visceral pain.
- Analysis of epigenetic modifications in the central amygdala.
Main Results:
- The study provides evidence for epigenetic alterations in the central nucleus of the amygdala.
- These epigenetic changes are linked to stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity in rodents.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic mechanisms in the central amygdala contribute to stress-induced visceral pain.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the neurobiology of chronic visceral nociception.
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