Clinical Perspectives of Non-Coding RNA in Oral Inflammatory Diseases and Neuropathic Pain: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent a research hotspot by playing a key role in epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of diverse biological functions and due to their involvement in different diseases, including oral inflammatory diseases. Based on ncRNAs’ suitability for salivary biomarkers and their involvement in neuropathic pain and tissue regeneration signaling pathways, the present narrative review aims to highlight the potential clinical applications of ncRNAs in oral inflammatory diseases, with an emphasis on salivary diagnostics, regenerative dentistry, and precision medicine for neuropathic orofacial pain.

Novel Drug Targets and Emerging Pharmacotherapies in Neuropathic Pain

“…Non-coding RNA molecules play a significant role in the development and regulation of neuropathic pain [ 203 ]. These RNA molecules, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), were found to be involved in various aspects of neuropathic pain, such as neuronal plasticity, inflammation, and immune responses [ 203 ].…”

“…Non-coding RNA molecules play a significant role in the development and regulation of neuropathic pain [ 203 ]. These RNA molecules, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), were found to be involved in various aspects of neuropathic pain, such as neuronal plasticity, inflammation, and immune responses [ 203 ]. MiRNAs are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and inhibiting their translation or promoting their degradation [ 203 ].…”

“…These RNA molecules, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), were found to be involved in various aspects of neuropathic pain, such as neuronal plasticity, inflammation, and immune responses [ 203 ]. MiRNAs are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and inhibiting their translation or promoting their degradation [ 203 ]. In neuropathic pain, specific miRNAs were identified as key regulators of pain-related pathways.…”

“…They can modulate the expression of genes involved in neuronal sensitization, synaptic plasticity, and inflammatory responses. By targeting these genes, miRNAs can influence the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain [ 203 ]. LncRNAs, on the other hand, are longer RNA molecules that do not encode proteins, but have important regulatory functions in cellular processes.…”

“…LncRNAs, on the other hand, are longer RNA molecules that do not encode proteins, but have important regulatory functions in cellular processes. Several lncRNAs are implicated in neuropathic pain by influencing gene expression, chromatin remodeling, and epigenetic modifications [ 203 ]. They can act as scaffolds, decoys, or guides to interact with proteins and other regulatory molecules, ultimately affecting the expression of pain-related genes [ 203 ].…”