Neuronal and non-neuronal TRPA1 mediate distinct pain perception mechanisms in Familial Episodic Pain Syndrome models

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Abstract

Familial Episodic Pain Syndrome (FEPS) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe upper-body pain triggered by stimuli such as cold, stress, or fasting. A gain-of-function mutation (N855S) in the Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ion channel has been identified in affected individuals, yet the cellular mechanisms driving FEPS pain remain poorly defined. Although TRPA1 has been primarily studied in sensory neurons, emerging evidence suggests that non-neuronal cells may contribute to pain signaling. To define the cell-specific role of mutant TRPA1 (TRPA1mut), we generated mouse models selectively expressing TRPA1mut in Schwann cells or sensory neurons, using CRISPR-based and Cre-loxP strategies. Patch-clamp recordings confirmed enhanced agonist-evoked currents in TRPA1mut compared with wild-type channels. Behavioral analyses revealed that neuronal TRPA1mut mediates acute nociceptive responses, whereas Schwann cell TRPA1mut drives mechanical allodynia induced by subthreshold TRPA1 agonists and physiological triggers relevant to FEPS, including fasting, cold exposure, and restraint stress. These responses were associated with increased reactive oxygen species and accumulation of 4-hydroxynonenal in sciatic nerves and were attenuated by antioxidant treatment. These findings uncover a previously unrecognized Schwann cell-dependent mechanism of TRPA1-driven pain and identify non-neuronal TRPA1 signaling as a potential therapeutic target in FEPS and related pain channelopathies.

Authors

Matilde Marini, Martina Chieca, Elisabetta Coppi, Marco Montini, Lorenzo Bonacchi, Lorenzo Landini, Irene Scuffi, Kelvin Y. Kwan, Alice Papini, Gaetano De Siena, Elisa Bellantoni, Lucrezia Timotei, Elena Colzi, Valentina Albanese, Gabriele Ferroni, Evelynn D. N. Melo, Marie-Christine Birling, Romain Lorentz, Romina Nassini, Francesco De Logu