Peripheral straightjacket (α2δ Ca2+ channel subunit) expression is required for neuropathic sensitization in Drosophila.

ABSTRACT: Nerve injury leads to devastating and often untreatable neuropathic pain. While acute noxious sensation (nociception) is a crucial survival mechanism and is conserved across phyla, chronic neuropathic pain is considered a maladaptive response owing to its devastating impact on a patient's quality of life. We have recently shown that a neuropathic pain-like response occurs in adult Drosophila. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are largely unknown. Previous studies have shown that the α2δ peripheral calcium channel subunit straightjacket (stj) is a conserved factor required for thermal pain perception. We demonstrate here that stj is required in peripheral ppk+ sensory neurons for acute thermal responses and that it mediates nociceptive hypersensitivity in an adult Drosophil

SUBMITTER: Khuong TM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6790392 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature