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Research ArticleMinireviews

Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms for Chronic Pain: A Valid Approach for the Development of Novel Therapeutics

Casey O. Ligon, Rachel D. Moloney and Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics April 2016, 357 (1) 84-93; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.115.231670
Casey O. Ligon
Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (C.O.L., R.D.M., and B.G.-V.M.); and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (B.G.-V.M.)
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Rachel D. Moloney
Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (C.O.L., R.D.M., and B.G.-V.M.); and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (B.G.-V.M.)
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Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (C.O.L., R.D.M., and B.G.-V.M.); and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (B.G.-V.M.)
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Abstract

Chronic pain is a multifaceted and complex condition. Broadly classified into somatic, visceral, or neuropathic pain, it is poorly managed despite its prevalence. Current drugs used for the treatment of chronic pain are limited by tolerance with long-term use, abuse potential, and multiple adverse side effects. The persistent nature of pain suggests that epigenetic machinery may be a critical factor driving chronic pain. In this review, we discuss the latest insights into epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, and we describe their involvement in the pathophysiology of chronic pain and whether epigenetic modifications could be applied as future therapeutic targets for chronic pain. We provide evidence from experimental models and translational research in human tissue that have enhanced our understanding of epigenetic processes mediating nociception, and we then speculate on the potential future use of more specific and selective agents that target epigenetic mechanisms to attenuate pain.

Footnotes

    • Received December 22, 2015.
    • Accepted January 15, 2016.
  • C.O.L. and R.D.M. contributed equally to this work.

  • This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA Career Scientist Award (to B.G.-V.M.)].

  • dx.doi.org/10.1124/jpet.115.231670.

  • U.S. Government work not protected by U.S. copyright
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Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics: 357 (1)
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Vol. 357, Issue 1
1 Apr 2016
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Research ArticleMinireviews

Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms for Chronic Pain

Casey O. Ligon, Rachel D. Moloney and Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics April 1, 2016, 357 (1) 84-93; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.115.231670

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Research ArticleMinireviews

Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms for Chronic Pain

Casey O. Ligon, Rachel D. Moloney and Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics April 1, 2016, 357 (1) 84-93; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.115.231670
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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • Introduction
    • Chronic Pain
    • Epigenetic Mechanisms
    • Evidence for Epigenetic Changes in Preclinical Studies of Pain
    • Evidence for Epigenetic Changes in Clinical Studies of Pain
    • Current Approaches to Treat Chronic Pain
    • Epigenetic Modifiers as Therapeutic Targets for Chronic Pain
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