DHRS2: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Chronic Pain

Target Name: DHRS2

NCBI ID: G10202

DHRS2: A Potential Drug Target and Biomarker for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a significant public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 50 million people experience chronic pain, with 20% of the population having chronic non-cancer pain and 30% having chronic cancer pain. Chronic pain can be caused by various conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders, neuropathies, and psychiatric disorders, and can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

The DHRS2 gene, which encodes for a protein known as DHRS2 (short chain dehydrogenase/reductase family 25C member 1), has been identified as a potential drug target and biomarker for chronic pain. DHRS2 is a protein that is expressed in various tissues and cells, including brain, muscle, and peripheral tissues. It is involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics, which are harmful substances that can be found in the environment, such as pesticides and other chemical contaminants.

DHRS2's Role in Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is often associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause damage to tissues and contribute to the development of chronic pain. ROS are generated by cellular processes, including the metabolism of xenobiotics. and can have a significant impact on cellular processes, including DNA damage, inflammation, and cell death.

DHRS2 has been shown to play a role in the detoxification of xenobiotics and may help to protect against the production of ROS. Studies have shown that individuals with low DHRS2 expression are more likely to experience chronic pain. Additionally, individuals with high DHRS2 expression may have reduced pain sensitivity to xenobiotics.

DHRS2 as a Biomarker

DHRS2 has also been shown to be a potential biomarker for chronic pain. The detection of DHRS2 has been shown to be associated with reduced pain sensitivity to xenobiotics in individuals with chronic pain. This suggests that DHRS2 may be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and assessment of chronic pain.

DHRS2 as a Drug Target

DHRS2 has also been identified as a potential drug target for chronic pain. The production of ROS by cells can be inhibited by the activation of the DHRS2 gene, which results in reduced xenobiotic toxicity. This suggests that DHRS2 may be a useful target for the development of drugs that can alleviate chronic pain.

Conclusion

DHRS2 is a protein that has been shown to play a role in the detoxification of xenobiotics and may help to protect against the production of ROS, which can contribute to the development of chronic pain. Additionally, DHRS2 has been identified as a potential biomarker for chronic pain and may be a useful target for the development of drugs that can alleviate chronic pain. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of DHRS2 in chronic pain and to develop effective treatments.

Protein Name: Dehydrogenase/reductase 2

Functions: NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase which catalyzes the reduction of dicarbonyl compounds. Displays reductase activity in vitro with 3,4-hexanedione, 2,3-heptanedione and 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione as substrates (PubMed:16685466). May function as a dicarbonyl reductase in the enzymatic inactivation of reactive carbonyls involved in covalent modification of cellular components (PubMed:16685466). Also displays a minor hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity toward bile acids such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and isoursodeoxycholic acid (isoUDCA), which makes it unlikely to control hormone levels (PubMed:16685466). Doesn't show any activity in vitro with retinoids and sugars as substrates (PubMed:16685466). Attenuates MDM2-mediated p53/TP53 degradation, leading to p53/TP53 stabilization and increased transcription activity, resulting in the accumulation of MDM2 and CDKN1A/p21 (PubMed:20547751). Reduces proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells and well as the production of ROS in cancer (PubMed:29106393)

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