WNK1/HSN2 kinase, mutated in a Mendelian form of congenital pain insensitivity, contributes to a maladaptive decrease in KCC2 cotransporter activity and a loss of GABA inhibition in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain by increasing KCC2 inhibitory phosphorylation at Thr906/Thr1007. Antagonizing WNK1/HSN2 signaling reduces SNI-induced cold allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia, decreases up-regulated KCC2 Thr906/Thr1007 phosphorylation, and normalizes pathological GABA depolarizations of injured spinal cord lamina II neurons. These data collectively provide novel mechanistic insight into, and a compelling therapeutic target for, neuropathic pain after nerve injury.
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