The gene regulatory network in different brain regions of neuropathic pain mouse models.

Objective Neuropathic pain is directly developed from lesions or somatosensory nervous system diseases that are associated with emotion regulation. In general population, the incidence of neuropathic pain ranges from 7% to 10%, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Neuropathic pain is often associated with structural and functional abnormalities in multiple brain regions, and its regulation has been shown to correspond with the forebrain, including nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and periaqueductal gray (PAG). Materials and methods To investigate the molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain across different brain regions, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the spared nerve injury model (SNI) mice suffering neuropathic pain and the control Sham mice in NAc, mPFC and PAG three brain regions, and mapped these genes onto a comprehensively functional association network. Thereafter, novel neuropathic pain genes in these three regions were identified using With Random Walk with Restart (RWR) analysis, such as Asic3, Cd200r1 and MT2, besides well-known Capn11 and CYP2E1. Results Interactions or cross talks among DEGs in NAc, mPFC and PAG three brain regions were discovered. Conclusions Our results provide novel insights into neuropathic pain and help to explore therapeutic targets in the treatment.