Molecular biology and gene therapy in the treatment of chronic pain.
Technologic advancements have made cell type-specific targeting, expression control, and safe and stable gene transfer possible. Animal research has provided increasing experience with gene transfer to the nervous system and sensory neurons in particular. Gene-based neuromodultion can be achieved through neuronal delivery of transgenes capable of altering synaptic function. Alternatively, ex vivo gene transfer can be used to create cell lines capable of secreting analgesic neurepeptides. Translatation of these grafts and direct gene-based neuromoduation can be applied to the control of pain and the root causes of pain. These approaches combine anatomic and pharmacologic specificity. As the technology continues to improve, clinical application of cellular and molecular pain control is likely.
Garrity-Moses
Mary E
ME
Department of Neurosurgery, Room S31, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Liu
James K
JK
Boulis
Nicholas M
NM
D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods*; D059408:Pain Management; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*