Downregulation of K+ channel genes in the injured dorsal root ganglia is one of the hallmarks of neuropathic pain. In a new mouse study, nerve injury increased activity of histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EHMT2 (G9a), resulting in epigenetic silencing of genes encoding K+ channels and transition from acute to chronic neuropathic pain. The findings indicate that G9a is a potential epigenetic target for prevention and treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.
References
Laumet, G. et al. G9a is essential for epigenetic silencing of K+ channel genes in acute-to-chronic pain transition. Nat. Neurosci. 10.1038/nn.4165
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Epigenetic regulation could contribute to pain chronification. Nat Rev Neurol 11, 668 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2015.212
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2015.212