Axonal protein synthesis: a potential target for pain relief?

• Published in: Current opinion in pharmacology Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 42 - 48
• Main Authors: Obara, Ilona, Géranton, Sandrine M, Hunt, Stephen P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2012
• Subjects: adults; analgesia; Axon guidance; Axons - metabolism; Extracellular signal-regulated kinase; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases - genetics; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases - metabolism; gene expression; Gene Expression Regulation - physiology; Humans; Internal Medicine; mammals; Medical Education; messenger RNA; mitogen-activated protein kinase; nociception; Nociceptors; Nociceptors - metabolism; pain; Pain - drug therapy; Pain - metabolism; Pain perception; Protein biosynthesis; protein synthesis; Reviews; Sensory neurons; Signal transduction; Therapeutic applications; TOR protein; Translation; translation (genetics)

► Nociception can be regulated at the level of local mRNA translation in nociceptors. ► Local mRNA translation can occur in primary afferents under the control of mTOR and ERK pathways. ► mTOR and ERK pathway inhibitors can reduce pain behavior. ► mTOR and ERK pathways may act independently, dependi...