Comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes of Nirvanini and Evacanthini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) reveals an explicit evolutionary relationship.

Mitogenomes of five leafhopper species, Chudania hellerina and Concaveplana rufolineata in Nirvanini, Carinata rufipenna, Evacanthus danmainus and E. heimianus representing Evacanthini, were sequenced. The lengths of these five mitogenomes range from 15,044 (C. hellerina) to 15,680 bp (E. heimianus). All five mitogenomes exhibit similar base composition, gene size and codon usage of protein-coding genes. All 22 tRNA genes have typical cloverleaf secondary structures, except for trnS1 (AGN) which appears to lack the dihydrouridine arm. The two included Nirvanini species employ the anticodon TCT instead of the commonly used GCT in trnS1 (AGN). Genes nad2, atp8 and nad6 were highly variable while cox1 and cob showed the lowest nucleotide diversity. Phylogenetic analyses of two concatenated nucleotide datasets, incorporating the newly sequenced taxa and other available membracoid mitogenomes, recovered each included leafhopper subfamily as monophyletic with evacanthine tribes Nirvanini and Evacanthini forming monophyletic sister clades. A relationship among Evacanthinae, Cicadellinae and Typhlocybinae received moderate branch support.

Region-Wide Comprehensive Implementation of Roguing Infected Trees, Tree Replacement, and Insecticide Applications Successfully Controls Citrus Huanglongbing.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating citrus disease worldwide. A three-pronged approach to controlling HLB has been suggested, namely, removal of HLB-symptomatic trees, psyllid control, and replacement with HLB-free trees. However, such a strategy did not lead to successful HLB control in many citrus-producing regions, such as Florida. We hypothesize that this is because of the small-scale or incomprehensive implementation of the program; conversely, a comprehensive implementation of such a strategy at the regional level can successfully control HLB. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the effects of region-wide comprehensive implementation of this scheme to control HLB in Gannan region, China, with a total planted citrus acreage of over 110,000 ha from 2013 to 2019. With the region-wide implementation of comprehensive HLB management, the overall HLB incidence in Gannan decreased from 19.71% in 2014 to 3.86% in 2019. A partial implementation of such a program (without a comprehensive inoculum removal) at the regional level in Brazil resulted in HLB incidence increasing from 1.89% in 2010 to 19.02% in 2019. Using dynamic regression model analyses with data from both Brazil and China, we constructed a model to predict HLB incidence when all three components were applied at 100%. It was predicated that in a region-wide comprehensive implementation of such a program, HLB incidence would be controlled to a level of less than 1%. We conducted economic feasibility analyses and showed that average net profits were positive for groves that implemented the comprehensive strategy, but groves that did not implement it had negative net profits over a 10-year period. Overall, the key for the three-pronged program to successfully control HLB is the large scale (region-wide) and comprehensiveness in implementation. This study provides valuable information to control HLB and other economically important endemic diseases worldwide.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

The expression and clinical significance of miR-1226 in patients with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: miR-1226 has been reported to be dysregulated in periodontitis, implying its potential functional role, which needs to be validated. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical significance of miR-1226 in periodontitis. METHODS: Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from 50 healthy volunteers and 72 periodontitis patients. The expression of miR-1226 in collected samples was detected by RT-qPCR. The concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by ELISA. The relationship of miR-1226 expression level with patients' characteristics was evaluated by the χ2 test and the Pearson correlation test. RESULTS: It was found that miR-1226 was downregulated in the gingival crevicular fluid of periodontitis patients compared with healthy volunteers. The downregulation of miR-1226 was negatively correlated with the pocket depth, attachment loss, plaque index, bleeding index, and MMP-8 concentration of patients. miR-1226 showed high sensitivity and specificity to discriminate periodontitis patients from healthy volunteers. Additionally, periodontitis patients had a relatively high concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is correlated with miR-1226 expression negatively. CONCLUSIONS: miR-1226 could be an indicator for the diagnosis of periodontitis and has the potential to predict the development and severity of periodontitis.

Identification of HSP70 genes in Diaphorina citri Kuwayama Reveals Their Involvement in Immunity and Development.

Huanglongbing (HLB), a global citrus threat, is transmitted by Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, a widespread insect pest. The disease's rapid spread and incurability necessitate efficient, sustainable control strategies. This study investigates heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes in D. citri, known to play a pivotal role in insect survival and stress response. The genome-wide identification, gene structure analysis, and conserved protein domain analysis of 22 HSP70 genes in D. citri were performed. Furthermore, the expression of these genes during HLB infection or developmental processes was gauged. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the functional categorization of the identified genes, while gene structure and conserved motifs offered insights into gene function. The expression analysis unveiled dynamic profiles in response to infection and across development stages, potentially aiding future targeted pest control strategies. These findings offer promising leads for the design of novel inhibitors or RNAi strategies targeting D. citri and HLB.

Bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to identify potential common pathogeneses for sarcopenia and osteoarthritis.

Sarcopenia, a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, and osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease, are both prevalent in elderly individuals. However, the relationship and molecular mechanisms underlying these two diseases have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we screened microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus to identify associations between sarcopenia and osteoarthritis. We employed multiple statistical methods and bioinformatics tools to analyze the shared DEGs (differentially expressed genes). Additionally, we identified 8 hub genes through functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction analysis, transcription factor-gene interaction network analysis, and TF-miRNA coregulatory network analysis. We also discovered potential shared pathways between the two diseases, such as transcriptional misregulation in cancer, the FOXO signalling pathway, and endometrial cancer. Furthermore, based on common DEGs, we found that strophanthidin may be an optimal drug for treating sarcopenia and osteoarthritis, as indicated by the Drug Signatures database. Immune infiltration analysis was also performed on the sarcopenia and osteoarthritis datasets. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to verify the reliability of our results. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for future research on the potential common pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of sarcopenia and osteoarthritis.

Medial patellar ligament reconstruction in combination with derotational distal femoral osteotomy for treating recurrent patellar dislocation in the presence of increased femoral anteversion: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Medial patellar ligament reconstruction (MPFL-R) in combination with derotational distal femoral osteotomy (DDFO) for treating recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) in the presence of increased femoral anteversion is one of the most commonly used surgical techniques in the current clinical practice. However, there are limited studies on the clinical outcomes of MPFL-R in combination with DDFO to treat RPD in the presence of increased femoral anteversion. PURPOSE: To study the role of MPFL-R in combination with DDFO in the treatment of RPD in the presence of increased femoral anteversion. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines by searching the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases through June 1, 2023. Studies of patients who received MPFL-R in combination with DDFO after presenting with RPD and increased femoral anteversion were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the MINORS (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies) score. Each study's basic characteristics, including characteristic information, radiological parameters, surgical techniques, patient-reported outcomes, and complications, were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 6 studies with 231 patients (236 knees) were included. Sample sizes ranged from 12 to 162 patients, and the majority of the patients were female (range, 67-100%). The mean age and follow-up ranges were 18 to 24 years and 16 to 49 months, respectively. The mean femoral anteversion decreased significantly from 34° preoperatively to 12° postoperatively. In studies reporting preoperative and postoperative outcomes, significant improvements were found in the Lysholm score, Kujala score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, and visual analog scale for pain. Postoperative complications were reported in all studies, with an overall reported complication rate of 4.7%, but no redislocations occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: For RPD with increased femoral anteversion, MPFL-R in combination with DDFO leads to a good clinical outcome and a low redislocation rate. However, there was no consensus among researchers on the indications for MPFL-R combined with DDFO in the treatment of RPD.

CRISPR/Cas9 systems: Delivery technologies and biomedical applications.

The emergence of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) genome-editing system has brought about a significant revolution in the realm of managing human diseases, establishing animal models, and so on. To fully harness the potential of this potent gene-editing tool, ensuring efficient and secure delivery to the target site is paramount. Consequently, developing effective delivery methods for the CRISPR/Cas9 system has become a critical area of research. In this review, we present a comprehensive outline of delivery strategies and discuss their biomedical applications in the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We also provide an in-depth analysis of physical, viral vector, and non-viral vector delivery strategies, including plasmid-, mRNA- and protein-based approach. In addition, we illustrate the biomedical applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This review highlights the key factors affecting the delivery process and the current challenges facing the CRISPR/Cas9 system, while also delineating future directions and prospects that could inspire innovative delivery strategies. This review aims to provide new insights and ideas for advancing CRISPR/Cas9-based delivery strategies and to facilitate breakthroughs in biomedical research and therapeutic applications.

Cellular organelles as drug carriers for disease treatment.

Organelles not only constitute the basic structure of the cell but also are important in maintaining the normal physiological activities of the cell. With the development of biomimetic nanoscience, researchers have developed technologies to use organelles as drug carriers for disease treatment. Compared with traditional drug carriers, organelle drug carriers have the advantages of good biocompatibility, high drug loading efficiency, and modifiability, and the surface biomarkers of organelles can also participate in intracellular signal transduction to enhance intracellular and intercellular communication, and assist in enhancing the therapeutic effect of drugs. Among different types of organelles, extracellular vesicles, lipid droplets, lysosomes, and mitochondria have been used as drug carriers. This review briefly reviews the biogenesis, isolation methods, and drug-loading methods of four types of organelles, and systematically summarizes the research progress in using organelles as drug-delivery systems for disease treatment. Finally, the challenges faced by organelle-based drug delivery systems are discussed. Although the organelle-based drug delivery systems still face challenges before they can achieve clinical translation, they offer a new direction and vision for the development of next-generation drug carriers.

In situ stimulus-responsive self-assembled nanomaterials for drug delivery and disease treatment.

The individual motifs that respond to specific stimuli for the self-assembly of nanomaterials play important roles. In situ constructed nanomaterials are formed spontaneously without human intervention and have promising applications in bioscience. However, due to the complex physiological environment of the human body, designing stimulus-responsive self-assembled nanomaterials in vivo is a challenging problem for researchers. In this article, we discuss the self-assembly principles of various nanomaterials in response to the tissue microenvironment, cell membrane, and intracellular stimuli. We propose the applications and advantages of in situ self-assembly in drug delivery and disease diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on in situ self-assembly at the lesion site, especially in cancer. Additionally, we introduce the significance of introducing exogenous stimulation to construct self-assembly in vivo. Based on this foundation, we put forward the prospects and possible challenges in the field of in situ self-assembly. This review uncovers the relationship between the structure and properties of in situ self-assembled nanomaterials and provides new ideas for innovative drug molecular design and development to solve the problems in the targeted delivery and precision medicine.

Quantitative ubiquitylome crosstalk with proteome analysis revealed cytoskeleton proteins influence CLas pathogen infection in Diaphorina citri.

Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, is caused by Candidatus Liberbacter asiaticus (CLas) and transmitted by Diaphorina citri. Previous studies reported that CLas infection significantly influences the structure of the D. citri cytoskeleton. However, the mechanisms through which CLas manipulates cytoskeleton-related proteins remain unclear. In this study, we performed quantitative ubiquitylome crosstalk with the proteome to reveal the roles of cytoskeleton-related proteins during the infection of D. citri by CLas. Western blotting revealed a significant difference in ubiquitination levels between the CLas-free and CLas-infected groups. According to ubiquitylome and 4D label-free proteome analysis, 343 quantified lysine ubiquitination (Kub) sites and 666 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in CLas-infected groups compared with CLas-free groups. A total of 53 sites in 51 DEPs were upregulated, while 290 sites in 192 DEPs were downregulated. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis indicated that 18 DEPs and 21 lysine ubiquitinated proteins were associated with the cytoskeleton, showing an obvious interaction. Ubiquitination of D. citri tropomyosin was confirmed by immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and LC-MS/MS. RNAi-mediated knockdown of tropomyosin significantly increased CLas bacterial content in D. citri. In summary, we provided the most comprehensive lysine ubiquitinome analysis of the D. citri response to CLas infection, thus furthering our understanding of the role of the ubiquitination of cytoskeleton proteins in CLas infection.

[Recent research progress in treatment of liver fibrosis by using natural drugs and natural products].

The recent research progress of the utilization of natural drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis in China and other countries was reviewed. Forty reported remedies were summarized and classified into 3 categories, that is, the single herbal drugs (rhizome, leaf, fruit, bark, peel, flower, whole plants, and oil), traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions and animal drugs. The future directions of the R&D of new natural drugs against liver fibrosis were discussed and some suggestions were provided.

Early intervention of ERK activation in the spinal cord can block initiation of peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats.

The present study is to investigate whether the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway contributes to the initiation of chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Mechanical allodynia was assessed by measuring the hindpaw withdrawal threshold in response to a calibrated series of von Frey hairs. Thermal hyperalgesia was assessed by measuring the latency of paw withdrawal in response to a radiant heat source. The expressions of phosphor-ERK (pERK) and phosphor-CREB (pCREB) were examined using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. An early robust increase in the expression of pERK on the spinal cords ipsilateral to injury was observed on day 1 after CCI, when the CCI-induced behavioral hypersensitivity had not developed yet. Moreover, the upregulation of pERK expression in ipsilateral spinal cord was associated with the increase in pCREB expression in bilateral spinal cord. Intrathecal administration of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 before CCI can efficiently block and delay the CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. These data suggest that activation of ERK and CREB in the spinal cord contributes to the initiation of peripheral nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivity, and an early intervention strategy should be proposed.

Phylogenetic relationship and characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

Cheilomenes sexmaculata is a common natural enemy for aphid and psyllid in agricultural systems in South China. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of C. sexmaculata. This mitogenome was 17,297 bp long and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) and two ribosomal RNA unit genes (rRNAs). Gene order was conserved and identical to most other previously sequenced Coccinellidae. All PCGs of C. sexmaculata have the conventional start codon for invertebrate mitochondrial PCGs (ATN), with the exception of cox1 (AAT) and nad3 (TTG). Except for seven genes (cox1, cox2, cox3, nad3, nad5, nad4 and nad6) end with the incomplete stop codon T-, all other PCGs terminated with the stop codon TAA or TAG. The whole mitogenome exhibited heavy AT nucleotide bias (78.0%). Phylogenetic analysis positioned C. sexmaculata in a well-supported clade with Aiolocaria hexaspilota. The relationships (Sticholotidinae + (Coccinellinae + (Scymninae + Epilachninae))) were supported in Coccinellidae, and Halyziini was paraphyletic to Coccinellini within Coccinellinae.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Neurothemis fulvia (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libellulidae).

Neurothemis fulvia is a dragonfly of wet forests and usually perches on fallen logs and shrubs. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of N. fulvia. This mitogenome was 15,459 bp long and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 2 ribosomal RNA unit genes (rRNAs). The nucleotide composition of the mitogenome was biased toward A and T, with 70.5% of A + T content (A 38.8%, T 31.7%, C 16.6%, and G 12.9%). Gene order was conserved and identical to most other previously sequenced Libellulidae dragonflies. Most PCGs of N. fulvia have the conventional start codons ATN (six ATG, three ATT, and two ATC), with the exception of cox1 and nad1 (TTG). Except for four PCGs (cox1, cox2, cox3, and nad5) end with the incomplete stop codon T--, all other PCGs terminated with the stop codon TAA or TAG. Phylogenetic analysis showed that N. fulvia got together with Tramea virginia with high support value. Libellulidae had a close relationship with Corduliidae, the relationships ((Hydrobasileus + Brachythemis) + (Orthetrum + (Acisoma + (Neurothemis + Tramea)))) were supported in Libellulidae.

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Anax parthenope (Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) and phylogenetic analysis.

Anax parthenope (Odonata: Aeshnidae) is a big dragonfly which can be seen patrolling around ponds, lakes and other still water. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of A. parthenope. This mitogenome was 15,366 bp long and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) and two ribosomal RNA unit genes (rRNAs). The nucleotide composition of the mitogenome was biased toward A and T, with 74.8% of A + T content (A 40.1%, T 34.7%, C 14.0%, G 11.2%). Gene order was conserved and identical to most other previously sequenced Aeshnidae dragonflies. Most PCGs of A. parthenope have the conventional start codons ATN (six ATG, three ATT, and two ATC), with the exception of cox1 and nad1 (TTG). Except for three genes (cox1, cox2, and nad5) end with the incomplete stop codon T--, all other PCGs terminated with the stop codon TAA. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. parthenope is sister to Anax imperator with high support value. All 15 Anisoptera species constituted a major clade with well support, and Aeshnidae had a close relationship with Gomphidae and Libellulidae.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Pseudothemis zonata (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libellulidae).

Pseudothemis zonata is a commonly seen dragonfly with a big yellow or white ringlike spot on the third and fourth segments of its abdomen. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of P. zonata. This mitogenome was 15,434 bp long and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 2 ribosomal RNA unit genes (rRNAs). Gene order was conserved and identical to most other previously sequenced Libellulidae dragonflies. The whole mitogenome exhibited heavy AT nucleotide bias (74.6%). Most PCGs of P. zonata have the conventional start codons ATN (six ATG, three ATT, and two ATC), with the exception of cox1 and nad1 (TTG). Except for four genes (cox1, cox2, cox3, and nad5) end with the incomplete stop codon T-, all other PCGs terminated with the stop codon TAA or TAG. Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. zonata got together with Brachythemis contaminata with high support value, and the relationships ((Brachythemis + Psolodesmus) + ((Hydrobasileus + Trigomphus) + (Orthetrum + Acisoma))) were supported in Libellulidae.

Mitochondrial genome of Aromia bungii (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea: Cerambycidae) and phylogenetic analysis.

The red-necked longhorn beetle Aromia bungii is a major pest of peach orchards. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of A. bungi,i. This mitogenome was 15,760 bp long and encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) and two ribosomal RNA unit genes (rRNAs). Gene order was conserved and identical to most other previously sequenced Cerambycidae. Most PCGs of A. bungii have the conventional start codons ATN (six ATT, five ATG and one ATC), with the exception of nad1 (TTG). Except for three genes (cox1, cox2 and nad5) end with the incomplete stop codon T-, all other PCGs terminated with the stop codon TAA or TAG. The whole mitogenome exhibited heavy AT nucleotide bias (74.3%). Phylogenetic analysis positioned A. bungii in a well-supported clade within the subfamily Cerambycinae with Xystrocera globosa (tribe Xystrocerini). These results support the currently accepted taxonomy and provide a better understanding of the phylogenetic analysis of the Cerambycidae.

Chemokine Receptor 2 (CXCR2) Gene Polymorphisms and Their Association with the Risk of Developing Peri-Implantitis in Chinese Han Population.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the role of chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) gene polymorphisms in peri-implantitis susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 260 individuals were included in this study, including 127 peri-implantitis patients and 133 healthy implants. CXCR2 gene rs2230054 and rs1126580 polymorphisms in different groups were analyzed by the Chi-square test. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were employed to evaluate the association between CXCR2 polymorphism and peri-implantitis susceptibility. RESULTS: The CT genotype of rs2230054 and the AG genotype and G allele of rs1126580 significantly increased in peri-implantitis patients compared with healthy implants (P < 0.05). The CT genotype of rs2230054 (OR = 1.825, 95% CI = 1.028-3.239) and the AG genotype of rs1126580 (OR = 2.223, 95% CI 1.272-3.885) carriers had a high risk to infect with peri-implantitis. Additionally, these CXCR2 gene polymorphisms have been revealed to be associated with the periodontal status of peri-implantitis patients. CONCLUSION: The CXCR2 gene rs2230054 and rs1126580 polymorphisms were associated with the peri-implantitis susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. The CT genotype of rs2230054 and the AG genotype and G allele of rs1126580 serve as risk factors for the occurrence of peri-implantitis.

Integrated transcriptome sequencing and RNA interference reveals molecular changes in Diaphorina citri after exposure to validamycin.

Validamycin has been widely used as a specific competitive inhibitor of trehalase. In our previous research, validamycin significantly inhibited trehalase activity and chitin synthesis in Diaphorina citri, resulting in abnormal phenotypes. However, the mechanism of validamycin's action on D. citri remains unclear. Here, using a comparative transcriptome analysis, 464 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in D. citri were identified after validamycin treatment. A Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly involved in "small molecule process", "structural molecule activity" and "transition metal ion binding". DEGs involved in chitin metabolism, cuticle synthesis and insecticide detoxification were validated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The RNA interference of D. citri chitinase-like protein ENO3 and D. citri cuticle protein 7 genes significantly affected D. citri molting. Moreover, the recombinant chitinase-like protein ENO3 exhibited a chitin-binding property, and an antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis. This study provides a first insight into the molecular changes in D. citri after exposure to validamycin and identifies two effective RNA interference targets for D. citri control.

SIP30 is regulated by ERK in peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain.

ERK plays an important role in chronic neuropathic pain. However, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Here we show that in chronic constriction injury-treated rat spinal cords, up-regulation of SIP30 (SNAP25-interacting protein 30), which is involved in the development and maintenance of chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain, correlates with ERK activation and that the up-regulation of SIP30 is suppressed by intrathecal delivery of the MEK inhibitor U0126. In PC12 cells, up-regulation of SIP30 by nerve growth factor is also dependent on ERK activation. We found that there is an ERK-responsive region in the rat sip30 promoter. Activation of ERK promotes the recruitment of the transcription factor cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein to the sip30 gene promoter. Taken together, our results provide a potential downstream target of ERK activation-mediated neuropathic pain.