The EGF-LIKE domain of thrombospondin-4 is a key determinant in the development of pain states due to increased excitatory synaptogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Up-regulation of thrombospondin-4 (TSP4) or voltage-gated calcium channel subunit α₂δ₁ (Ca_vα₂δ₁) proteins in the spinal cord contributes to neuropathic pain development through an unidentified mechanism. We have previously shown that TSP4 interacts with Ca_vα₂δ₁ to promote excitatory synaptogenesis and the development of chronic pain states. However, the TSP4 determinants responsible for these changes are not known. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the Ca_vα₂δ₁-binding domains of TSP4 are synaptogenic and pronociceptive. We mapped the major Ca_vα₂δ₁-binding domains of TSP4 within the coiled-coil and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like doma

SUBMITTER: Park JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6200931 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature