Science Translational Medicine: instead of morphine to treat pain dependence! Gene therapy technology based on CRISPR and zinc finger protein relieves chronic pain

Chronic pain refers to pain that lasts more than one month.

Studies have shown that voltage-gated sodium ion channels (Nav) are related to the occurrence of pain sensation, and Nav1.

On March 10, 2021, the University of California, San Diego, published a study titled "Long-lasting analgesia via targeted in situ repression of NaV1.

In order to develop a long-lasting and non-addictive product that relieves chronic pain, the researchers explored two independent genetic methods to inhibit the spread of pain at the spine level.

Schematic diagram of the genetics of inhibiting chronic pain in mice

Next, the researchers explored the performance of two methods of inhibiting NaV1.

The first is the carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain model.

Related expressions of NaV1.

Tactile allodynia threshold in mice after administration of paclitaxel

Tactile allodynia threshold in mice after injection of BzATP

To further determine whether NaV1.

Repeat PWL of carrageenan model mice on day 42, 84 and 308

The researchers measured the allodynia threshold in mice 105 days after the AAV injection and 85 days after the last paclitaxel injection.

Pain threshold of mice 85 days after injection of paclitaxel

Finally, in order to determine the potential side effects of inhibiting NaV1.

In general, this therapy knocked down the expression of Nav1.

Original source:

Ana M.