Authors

Christian Litke,1 Anna M. Hagenston,1 Ann-Kristin Kenkel,1 Eszter Paldy,2 Jianning Lu,2 Rohini Kuner,2 and Daniela Maucericorresponding author1

Affiliations

"1Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, INF 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
2Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, INF 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Daniela Mauceri, Email: [email protected]
corresponding authorCorresponding author."

Topic

Neuroscience

Abstract

"Persistent pain is sustained by maladaptive changes in gene transcription resulting in altered function of the relevant circuits; therapies are still unsatisfactory. The epigenetic mechanisms and affected genes linking nociceptive activity to transcriptional changes and pathological sensitivity are unclear. Here, we found that, among several histone deacetylases (HDACs), synaptic activity specifically affects HDAC4 in murine spinal cord dorsal horn neurons. Noxious stimuli that induce long-lasting inflammatory hypersensitivity cause nuclear export and inactivation of HDAC4. The development of inflammation-associated mechanical hypersensitivity, but neither acute nor basal sensitivity, is impaired by the expression of a constitutively nuclear localized HDAC4 mutant. Next generation RNA-sequencing revealed an HDAC4-regulated gene program comprising mediators of sensitization including the organic anion transporter OAT1, known for its renal transport function. Using pharmacological and molecular tools to modulate OAT1 activity or expression, we causally link OAT1 to persistent inflammatory hypersensitivity in mice. Thus, HDAC4 is a key epigenetic regulator that translates nociceptive activity into sensitization by regulating OAT1, which is a potential target for pain-relieving therapies.

Subject terms: Epigenetics and behaviour, Sensory processing, Molecular neuroscience, Chronic pain

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-28357-x

Extract

Fluorescence excitation (570 ± 10 nm; AHF Analysentechnik) was provided by an LED light source (CoolLED pE-4000).

Product Associated Features

The pE-4000 Universal Illumination System offers 16 selectable wavelengths from 365 - 770 nm, making it a highly flexible illuminator covering a wide variety of fluorophores

Product Type

pE-4000

Journal

Nature Communications

Year of Publication

2022

Country of Publication

UK