CREB is a constitutively expressed transcription factor and is considered to be critical for induction of gene expression in all eukaryotic cells.When phosphorylated,CREB binds to specific DNA consensus sequences,cAMP responsive element(CRE),and activates immediate-early genes including c-jun,c-fos and some late-effector genes,which have been implicated in neuropathic pain.Studies have showed that expression of CREB(non-phosphorylated) was dramatically increased in the ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia following axotomy and the phosphorylation of CREB in the superficial dorsal horn following partial ligation(PSNL) of the sciatic nerve.CREB antisense oligonucleotide suppressed CREB phosphorylation and attenuated tactile allodynia caused by partial sciatic nerve ligation.These observations suggested that phosphorylation of CREB may play an important role in the process of central and peripheral sensitization following peripheral nerve injury.
