eEF2K regulates pain through translational control of BDNF.

mRNA translation is integral to pain, yet the key regulatory factors and their target mRNAs are unclear. Here, we uncover a mechanism that bridges noxious insults to multiple phases of translational control in murine sensory neurons. We find that a painful cue triggers repression of peptide chain elongation through activation of elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K).

RNA-binding proteins in pain.

RNAs are meticulously controlled by proteins. Through direct and indirect associations, every facet in the brief life of an mRNA is subject to regulation. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) permeate biology.

Protocol for the isolation and culture of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons for imaging applications.

Sensory neurons play pervasive roles throughout biology. In vitro studies to probe their functions hinge on the successful application of primary cell culture. Here, we present a protocol for the isolation and culture of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons for imaging applications.

Inhibition of Nonsense-Mediated Decay Induces Nociceptive Sensitization through Activation of the Integrated Stress Response.

RNA stability is meticulously controlled. Here, we sought to determine whether an essential post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism plays a role in pain. Nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) safeguards against translation of mRNAs that harbor premature termination codons and controls the stability of ∼10% of typical protein-coding mRNAs.

A compendium of validated pain genes.

The development of novel pain therapeutics hinges on the identification and rigorous validation of potential targets. Model organisms provide a means to test the involvement of specific genes and regulatory elements in pain. Here we provide a list of genes linked to pain-associated behaviors.

Global analyses of mRNA expression in human sensory neurons reveal eIF5A as a conserved target for inflammatory pain.

Nociceptors are a type of sensory neuron that are integral to most forms of pain. Targeted disruption of nociceptor sensitization affords unique opportunities to prevent pain. An emerging model for nociceptors are sensory neurons derived from human stem cells.

The space between notes: emerging roles for translationally silent ribosomes.

In addition to their central functions in translation, ribosomes can adopt inactive structures that are fully assembled yet devoid of mRNA. We describe how the abundance of idle eukaryotic ribosomes is influenced by a broad range of biological conditions spanning viral infection, nutrient deprivation, and developmental cues. Vacant ribosomes may provide a means to exclude ribosomes from translation while also shielding them from degradation, and the variable identity of factors that occlude ribosomes may impart distinct functionality.

Functionally distinct roles for eEF2K in the control of ribosome availability and p-body abundance.

Processing bodies (p-bodies) are a prototypical phase-separated RNA-containing granule. Their abundance is highly dynamic and has been linked to translation. Yet, the molecular mechanisms responsible for coordinate control of the two processes are unclear.

The Effects of Transgender Hormone Therapy on Sleep and Breathing: A Case Series.

The effect of hormone therapy on sleep-disordered breathing in transgender patients has not been described. We present three cases of patients undergoing gender reassignment and treated with hormone replacement. The first case was a transgender woman (assigned male at birth) with a prolonged history of severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that resolved following initiation of female sex hormones.

Eszopiclone and Zolpidem Do Not Affect the Prevalence of the Low Arousal Threshold Phenotype.

Study Objectives: We sought to determine whether non benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics (NBSH) reduce the occurrence of the low arousal threshold (LAT) phenotype.

Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) referred for polysomnography (PSG) had demographic and PSG data abstracted. LAT was estimated using PSG criteria.

Myasthenia Gravis Presentation After a Cervical Laminectomy With Fusion.

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disorder that causes skeletal muscle weakness. Typically, myasthenia gravis affects the ocular, bulbar, neck, proximal limbs, and respiratory muscles. Although the presentation is typically observed with complaints of vision and bulbar symptoms such as diplopia, dystonia, and dysphagia, this article presents a case study of an elderly man with a history of increasing upper extremity weakness with complaints of worsening hand dexterity and intermittent episodes of expressive aphasia.