Modern Health Science

Research on Ion Channels in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Ziyan Yuan, Xinyan Gao — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) neurons serve as crucial nodes for pain signal transmission, and their excitability regulation plays a key role in various physiological and pathological processes. Ion channels, as central components in modulating DRG neuron function, are involved in biological processes such as pain conduction, neural signal integration, and plasticity. This paper systematically analyzes the structural characteristics, functional mechanisms, and roles of different types of ion channels in DRG neurons, including sodium channels, potassium channels, calcium channels, and other related channels, particularly in pathological conditions. In light of current research trends, the paper also explores the potential of ion channels as drug targets and in technological applications, while suggesting future research directions. The aim is to provide theoretical support for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to DRG neurons.

Research Progress on Opioid Receptors and Ion Channels in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Huanhuan Liu, Haifa Qiao — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons play a crucial role in the perception and modulation of pain signals, making them a critical focus in pain mechanism research. Opioid receptors, as classical analgesic targets, inhibit pain signals by regulating ion channels such as calcium channels, while ion channels are directly involved in the generation and transmission of pain signals. In recent years, the synergistic interaction between opioid receptors and ion channels has become a research hotspot, particularly under pathological pain conditions, where their complex interplay provides key insights into analgesic drug development. This paper systematically reviews the distribution and functional mechanisms of opioid receptors and ion channels in DRG neurons, explores their interaction in pain modulation, and discusses functional changes under inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions. Additionally, it examines potential targeted therapeutic strategies based on their synergy and outlines their clinical application prospects.

Agonists Targeting the cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway and Their Applications in Cancer Therapy

Shilan Lin — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) serves as a pivotal component of the immune system, playing a crucial role in regulating the innate immune response elicited by both exogenous and endogenous DNA. This enzyme recognizes the aberrant presence of DNA in the cytoplasm, subsequently activating the signaling pathway mediated by the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and thereby fulfilling a critical role in immune response mechanisms. This review delineates the mechanisms of the cGAS-STING pathway and elucidates the small-molecule agonists targeting STING, along with their combined applications in various tumor treatment strategies. The aim of this review is to provide a valuable reference framework and insights for ongoing research in related fields.