Pain modulation encompasses a complex neurobiological process, in which the lateral habenula (LHb) plays a crucial role in integrating, regulating and modulating pain signals. It is also involved in pain-related memory functions associated with perception, transmission and regulation of pain. Furthermore, the LHb collaborates with structures such as the spinal dorsal horn, forebrain, and amygdala to form an essential neural circuit that contributes to sensitization, development of tolerance, and adaptation processes related to pain. However, there remains limited understanding regarding the specific roles and interactions among different neuron subtypes within the LHb concerning pain regulation. Additionally, further investigation is warranted to explore functional changes and plasticity within both the LHb and its associated neural circuits in chronic pain models. Future research endeavors should utilize advanced neuroimaging techniques alongside optogenetics and gene editing technologies to elucidate intricate neural circuits, cellular architecture, and molecular mechanisms governing LHb function in pain regulation. In conclusion, this paper aims to comprehensively review existing literature on the involvement of the LHb and its neural circuits in modulating pain, thereby enhancing our understanding of their neurobiological mechanisms while providing novel targets for precise therapeutic strategies aimed at alleviating pain.

Pain modulation encompasses a complex neurobiological process, in which the lateral habenula (LHb) plays a crucial role in integrating, regulating and modulating pain signals. It is also involved in pain-related memory functions associated with perception, transmission and regulation of pain. Furthermore, the LHb collaborates with structures such as the spinal dorsal horn, forebrain, and amygdala to form an essential neural circuit that contributes to sensitization, development of tolerance, and adaptation processes related to pain. However, there remains limited understanding regarding the specific roles and interactions among different neuron subtypes within the LHb concerning pain regulation. Additionally, further investigation is warranted to explore functional changes and plasticity within both the LHb and its associated neural circuits in chronic pain models. Future research endeavors should utilize advanced neuroimaging techniques alongside optogenetics and gene editing technologies to elucidate intricate neural circuits, cellular architecture, and molecular mechanisms governing LHb function in pain regulation. In conclusion, this paper aims to comprehensively review existing literature on the involvement of the LHb and its neural circuits in modulating pain, thereby enhancing our understanding of their neurobiological mechanisms while providing novel targets for precise therapeutic strategies aimed at alleviating pain.

The recombinant human Smad7 adenoviral vector was constructed by direct DNA cloning protocol and then transfected into 293 cells for virus packaging. After amplification and purification, the recombinant adenovirus was used to infect the keloid fibroblasts. The Smad7 mRNA transcription of the infected cells was detected by RT-PCR. The recombinant Adeno-Smad7 was correctly constructed and confirmed by both restriction analysis and PCR analysis. RT-PCR showed the over expression of adenovirus mediated Smad7 mRNA in keloid cells. These results demonstrated that the recombinant Smad7 adenoviral vector can be expressed in cultured cells in vitro, and it may provide a new therapeutic strategy for keloid gene therapy.
Adenoviridae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; pathology ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Keloid ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Smad7 Protein ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) autoproduction in keloid fibroblasts and the regulation effect of blocking TGF-beta intracellular signaling on rhTGF-beta1 autoproduction.

METHODSKeloid fibroblasts cultured in vitro were treated with either rhTGF-beta1 (5 ng/ml) or recombinant adenovirus containing a truncated type II TGF-beta receptor gene (50 pfu/cell). Their effects of regulating gene expression of TGF-beta1 and its receptor I and II were observed with Northern blot.

RESULTSrhTGF-beta1 up-regulated the gene expression of TGF-beta1 and receptor I, but not receptor II. Over-expression of the truncated receptor II down-regulated the gene expression of TGF-beta1 and its receptor I, but not receptor II.

CONCLUSIONSTGF-beta1 autoproduction was observed in keloid fibroblasts. Over-expression of the truncated TGFbeta receptor II decreased TGF-beta1 autoproduction via blocking TGF-beta receptor signaling.

Activin Receptors, Type I ; biosynthesis ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Down-Regulation ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Keloid ; metabolism ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta ; biosynthesis ; metabolism ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Signal Transduction ; Trans-Activators ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation