MicroRNA and long non–coding RNA in neuropathic pain

Non–coding RNAs affect various cellular processes through interaction with DNA, RNA and protein. Accordingly, non–coding RNAs, microRNAs and more recently long non–coding RNAs, have been shown to be involved in pain disorders, including neuropathic pain. MicroRNAs inhibit translational step of gene expression and dysregulation of microRNAs underlies the neuropathic pain. On the other hand, lncRNAs regulate diverse steps of gene expression, including epigenetic modulation, transcription, alternative splicing and translation, although a role of lncRNAs in the pain disorders remain poorly understood. Interestingly, a part of non–coding RNAs are released to extracellular space and mediate a cell–cell communication. Extracellular microRNAs are shown to modulate nociceptive transmission. Furthermore, extracellular non–coding RNAs are expected as a specific biomarker for neuronal damage or pain in the blood. In this review, we summarize current insights into non–coding RNA significance in the neuropathic pain.