Spinal miRNA-124 regulates synaptopodin and nociception in an animal model of bone cancer pain

Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 8;7(1):10949. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-10224-1.

Abstract

Strong breakthrough pain is one of the most disabling symptoms of cancer since it affects up to 90% of cancer patients and is often refractory to treatments. Alteration in gene expression is a known mechanism of cancer pain in which microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding regulatory RNAs, play a crucial role. Here, in a mouse model of cancer pain, we show that miR-124 is down-regulated in the spinal cord, the first relay of the pain signal to the brain. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we demonstrate that miR-124 is an endogenous and specific inhibitor of synaptopodin (Synpo), a key protein for synaptic transmission. In addition, we demonstrate that Synpo is a key component of the nociceptive pathways. Interestingly, miR-124 was down-regulated in the spinal cord in cancer pain conditions, leading to an up-regulation of Synpo. Furthermore, intrathecal injections of miR-124 mimics in cancerous mice normalized Synpo expression and completely alleviated cancer pain in the early phase of the cancer. Finally, miR-124 was also down-regulated in the cerebrospinal fluid of cancer patients who developed pain, suggesting that miR-124 could be an efficient analgesic drug to treat cancer pain patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Neoplasms / complications
  • Bone Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Cancer Pain / etiology
  • Cancer Pain / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Microfilament Proteins / genetics
  • Microfilament Proteins / metabolism
  • Nociception*
  • Spinal Cord / metabolism*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Mirn124 microRNA, mouse
  • Synpo protein, mouse