Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP): role in peripheral nerve regeneration

Abstract

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide that has an important anti-inflammatory role in the immune system. Research has shown that CGRP is an integral part in peripheral nerve regeneration by (1) suppressing tumor necrosis factor-α, (2) forming an initial nerve bridge by increasing fibroblast motility and extracellular matrix synthesis, (3) vascularizing the spinal cord injury site, and (4) inducing Schwann cell (SC) proliferation. In this treatise, the following hypotheses will be explored: (1) CGRP is induced by c-Jun to regulate SC dedifferentiation, (2) CGRP promotes the chemotaxic migration of SCs along the nerve bridge, and (3) CGRP induces myelinophagy by activating various signaling pathways, such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and Raf/extracellular signal-regulated kinase. These processes provide a framework for understanding the role of CGRP in peripheral nerve regeneration, which may be important in developing better strategies for nerve repair and gaining further insight into demyelinating diseases.

Dorsal Root Ganglion Maintains Stemness of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Enhancing Autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR Pathway in a Coculture System

“…In order to further determine the factors by which DRG acts on BMSCs, two major sensory neuropeptides, SP and CGRP, were taken into consideration. However, according to some researches, CGRP receptors exist not only in BMSCs but also in DRG and Schwann cells, and CGRP can play an important role in the function of Schwann cells and DRG [ 37 – 39 ]. Therefore, in the coculture system, if the CGRP receptor inhibitor is added, it would not only block the CGRP receptors of BMSCs but also block the CGRP receptors of Schwann cells and DRG neurons, which would totally change the original system and make the results hard to analyze.…”

Vascular and Neural Complications in Type 2 Diabetic Rats: Improvement by Sacubitril/Valsartan Greater Than Valsartan Alone

“…Dysregulation of the expression of these neuropeptides can negatively affect cardiac homeostasis (39). Calcitonin generelated peptide also plays a significant role in peripheral nerve regeneration and Schwann cell proliferation (41,42). Because neprilysin expression is increased in diabetes, protecting calcitonin gene-related and natriuretic peptides, including C-type natriuretic peptide, from abnormal degradation by blocking neprilysin activity is perhaps one mechanism by which sacubitril/valsartan treatment is improving or reversing diabetic peripheral and autonomic neuropathy.…”

Schwann cells and trigeminal neuralgia

“…It promotes central excitability through inhibition of substance P (SP) degradation and prolongs SP-induced local neuroinflammation and pain in tissues. Further, CGRP can promote injured nerve repair 38,39 . There have been recent reports of CGRP receptors on SCs in the peripheral nervous system 40 38 ; further, CGRP has been reported to reduce the pain threshold, which causes TN .…”