Exosomes, secreted microvesicles transporting microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNAs, and proteins through bodily fluids, facilitate intercellular communication and elicit immune responses. Exosomal contents vary depending on the source and the physiological conditions of cells and can provide insights into how cells and systems cope with physiological perturbations. Previous analysis of circulating miRNAs in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a debilitating chronic pain disorder, revealed a subset of miRNAs in whole blood that are altered in the disease. To determine functional consequences of alterations in exosomal biomolecules in inflammation and pain, we investigated exosome-mediated information transfer in vitro, in a rodent model of inflammatory pain and in exosomes from patients with CRPS. Mouse macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) secrete exosomes containing elevated levels of cytokines and miRNAs that mediate inflammation. Transcriptome sequencing of exosomal RNA revealed global alterations in both innate and adaptive immune pathways. Exosomes from LPS-stimulated cells were sufficient to cause NF-kappaB activation in naïve cells, indicating functionality in recipient cells. A single injection of exosomes attenuated thermal hyperalgesia in a mouse model of inflammatory pain, suggesting an immunoprotective role for macrophage-derived exosomes. We also show that circulating miRNAs altered in patients with complex regional pain syndrome are trafficked by exosomes. Macrophage-derived exosomes carry a protective signature that is altered when secreting cells are exposed to an inflammatory stimulus. With their systemic signaling capabilities, exosomes can induce pleiotropic effects potentially mediating the multifactorial pathology underlying chronic pain and should be explored for their therapeutic utility.

BackgroundAberrant expression of small noncoding RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs) is a common feature of several human diseases. The objective of the study was to identify miRNA modulation in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) a chronic pain condition resulting from dysfunction in the central and/or peripheral nervous systems. Due to a multitude of inciting pathologies, symptoms and treatment conditions, the CRPS patient population is very heterogeneous. Our goal was to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in blood and explore their utility in patient stratification.MethodsWe profiled miRNAs in whole blood from 41 patients with CRPS and 20 controls using TaqMan low density array cards. Since neurogenic inflammation is known to play a significant role in CRPS we measured inflammatory markers including chemokines, cytokines, and their soluble receptors in blood from the same individuals. Correlation analyses were performed for miRNAs, inflammatory markers and other parameters including disease symptoms, medication, and comorbid conditions.ResultsThree different groups emerged from miRNA profiling. One group was comprised of 60% of CRPS patients and contained no control subjects. miRNA profiles from the remaining patients were interspersed among control samples in the other two groups. We identified differential expression of 18 miRNAs in CRPS patients. Analysis of inflammatory markers showed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin1 receptor antagonist (IL1Ra) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP1) were significantly elevated in CRPS patients. VEGF and IL1Ra showed significant correlation with the patients reported pain levels. Analysis of the patients who were clustered according to their miRNA profile revealed correlations that were not significant in the total patient population. Correlation analysis of miRNAs detected in blood with additional parameters identified miRNAs associated with comorbidities such as headache, thyroid disorder and use of narcotics and antiepileptic drugs.ConclusionsmiRNA profiles can be useful in patient stratification and have utility as potential biomarkers for pain. Differentially expressed miRNAs can provide molecular insights into gene regulation and could lead to new therapeutic intervention strategies for CRPS.

Imaging and analyzing the locomotion behavior of small animals such as Drosophila larvae or C. elegans worms has become an integral subject of biological research. In the past we have introduced FIM, a novel imaging system feasible to extract high contrast images. This system in combination with the associated tracking software FIMTrack is already used by many groups all over the world. However, so far there has not been an in-depth discussion of the technical aspects. Here we elaborate on the implementation details of FIMTrack and give an in-depth explanation of the used algorithms. Among others, the software offers several tracking strategies to cover a wide range of different model organisms, locomotion types, and camera properties. Furthermore, the software facilitates stimuli-based analysis in combination with built-in manual tracking and correction functionalities. All features are integrated in an easy-to-use graphical user interface. To demonstrate the potential of FIM-Track we provide an evaluation of its accuracy using manually labeled data. The source code is available under the GNU GPLv3 at https://github.com/i-git/FIMTrack and pre-compiled binaries for Windows and Mac are available at

SummaryThe mitochondrial retrograde response has been extensively described in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where it has been found to extend life span during times of mitochondrial dysfunction, damage or low nutrient levels. In yeast, the retrograde response genes (RTG) convey these stress responses to the nucleus to change the gene expression adaptively. Similarly, most classes of higher organisms have been shown to have some version of a central stress-mediating transcription factor, NF-jB. There have been several modifications along the phylogenetic tree as NF-jB has taken a larger role in managing cellular stresses. Here, we review similarities and differences in mechanisms and pathways between RTG genes in yeast and NF-jB as seen in more complex organisms. We perform a structural homology search and reveal similarities of Rtg proteins with eukaryotic transcription factors involved in development and metabolism. NF-jB shows more sophisticated functions when compared to RTG genes including participation in immune responses and induction of apoptosis under high levels of ROS-induced mitochondrial and nuclear DNA damage. Involvement of NF-jB in chromosomal stability, coregulation of mitochondrial respiration, and cross talk with the TOR (target of rapamycin) pathway points to a conserved mechanism also found in yeast.