Dissertation
The role of MeCP2 in pain and its regulation by miRNAs
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Mar 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7156
Abstract
Nerve injury induces chronic pain and dysregulation of microRNAs in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Several downregulated microRNAs are predicted to target methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) transcript. MECP2 mutations cause Rett syndrome (RTT) and these patients report decreased pain perception. We confirmed MeCP2 upregulation in DRG following nerve injury and repression of MeCP2 by miRNAs in vitro. MeCP2 regulates brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and downregulation of MeCP2 by microRNAs decreased Bdnf in vitro. MeCP2 T158A mice exhibited reduced mechanical sensitivity and Mecp2-null and MeCP2 T158A mice have decreased Bdnf in DRG. MeCP2-mediated regulation of Bdnf in the DRG could contribute to altered pain sensitivity.
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Details
- Title
- The role of MeCP2 in pain and its regulation by miRNAs
- Creators
- Melissa Taft Manners - DU
- Contributors
- Seena Ajit (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Medicine; Pharmacology and Physiology; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 7156; 991014632699104721