Novel findings in pain processing pathways: implications for miRNAs as future therapeutic targets

Abstract

miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that are important players in development, as well as in a number of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Due to their regulatory role in protein expression, it has been assumed that they are associated with peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms in the nervous system after nociceptive insults. However, the study of miRNAs in pain has emerged only recently. First reports mostly focused on miRNA regulations in different pain states while studies examining the functional role of individual miRNAs are only now arising. In this review, the authors summarize the current knowledge and progress in miRNA research in pain and discuss their potential role as therapeutic antinociceptive targets.

Keywords::

• animal models
• clinical studies
• miRNA
• nervous system
• pain

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.