Emerging roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is one of the most common neuropathic pain disorders and is often combined with other comorbidities if managed inadequately. However, the present understanding of its pathogenesis at the molecular level remains lacking. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in neuropathic pain, and many studies have reported that specific lncRNAs are related to TN. This review summarizes the current understand-ing of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of TN. Recent studies have shown that the lncRNAs uc.48+, Gm14461, MRAK009713 and NONRATT021972 are potential candidate loci for the diagnosis and treatment of TN. The current diagnostic system could be enhanced and improved by a workflow for selecting transcriptomic biomarkers and the development of lncRNA-based molecular diagnostic systems for TN. The discovery of lncRNAs potentially impacts drug selection for TN; however, the current supporting evidence is limited to preclinical studies. Additional studies are needed to further test the diagnostic and therapeutic value of lncRNAs in TN.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Recent studies have identified potential lncRNA loci for the diagnosis and treatment of TN. It is suggested that the current diagnostic system could be improved by selecting transcriptomic biomarkers and developing lncRNA-based molecular diagnostic systems for TN. However, further studies are needed to test the diagnostic and therapeutic value of lncRNAs in TN.