Abstract
The small GTPase Ras homolog enriched in the brain (Rheb) can activate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and regulate the growth and cell cycle progression. We investigated the role of Rheb-mediated mTORC1 signaling in neuropathic pain. A chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was dopted. CCI induced obvious spinal Rheb expression and phosphorylation of mTOR, S6, and 4-E-BP1. Blocking mTORC1 signal with rapamycin alleviated the neuropathic pain and restored morphine efficacy in CCI model. Immunofluoresence showed a neuronal co-localization of CCI-induced Rheb and pS6. Rheb knockin mouse showed a similar behavioral phenotype as CCI. In spinal slice recording, CCI increased the firing frequency of neurons expressing HCN channels; inhibition of mTORC1 with rapamycin could reverse the increased spinal neuronal activity in neuropathic pain. Spinal Rheb is induced in neuropathic pain, which in turn active the mTORC1 signaling in CCI. Spinal Rheb-mTOR signal plays an important role in regulation of spinal sensitization in neuropathic pain, and targeting mTOR may give a new strategy for pain management.
Highlights
Ras homolog enriched in the brain (Rheb) is an important regulator of growth and cell-cycle progression due to its critical roles in the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
Spinal Rheb was significantly increased in the dorsal horn in chronic constriction injury (CCI) group
We check the effect of increased spinal Rheb on mTORC1 activation in CCI model
Summary
Ras homolog enriched in the brain (Rheb) is an important regulator of growth and cell-cycle progression due to its critical roles in the activation of mTOR. Spinal Rheb was significantly increased in the dorsal horn in chronic constriction injury (CCI) group Upregulation of spinal Rheb and persistent activation of mTORC1 in spinal cord in neuropathic pain model
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