ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the advances made in understanding the role of MicroRNA (miRNA) as modulators and biomarkers within in the field of pain. A few studies implicate an activity-dependent dysregulation of certain miRNAs. For instance, the transcriptional factor, cAMP response element-binding protein, known to be important in mediating neuronal plasticity, induces rapid transcription of miRNA-132. Various in vivo models of inflammation have been used to assess the role of miRNA in response to induced inflammatory pain processing. Several studies have investigated the potential role of miRNAs in osteoarthritis by using different surrogate models less generic than the complete Freund’s adjuvant models to study the miRNA changes associated with the pathogenesis of the prevalent and painful condition. The idea behind development of miRNA and miR-mimics as potential therapeutic agents for pain management is highly valuable. Oppositely to inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain is characterized by being related to lesions of the somatosensory nervous system.
