Role of MeCP2 in pain and its regulation by miRNAs
Year: 2016
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Nerve injury induces chronic pain and dysregulation of microRNAs in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Several downregulated microRNAs are predicted to target methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) transcript. MECP2 mutations cause Rett syndrome (RTT) and these patients report decreased pain perception. We confirmed MeCP2 upregulation in DRG following nerve injury and repression of MeCP2 by miRNAs in vitro. MeCP2 regulates brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and downregulation of MeCP2 by microRNAs decreased Bdnf in vitro. MeCP2 T158A mice exhibited reduced mechanical sensitivity and Mecp2-null and MeCP2 T158A mice have decreased Bdnf in DRG. MeCP2-mediated regulation of Bdnf in the DRG could contribute to altered pain sensitivity.
DOI: 10.17918/etd-7156
Authors: Melissa Taft Manners, Seena Ajit
Institutions: University of Dhaka, Drexel University
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4206022262