Drgx, also known as Dorsal Root Ganglia Homeobox, is a paired-like homeodomain transcription factor. It is crucial for the development of nociceptive primary sensory neurons in the early postnatal period. It may be involved in transcriptional regulation of genes related to pain, and its dysregulation can contribute to neuropathic pain. Genetic models are valuable for studying its function [1].

In rats, post-developmental nerve injury leads to DRGX downregulation in the nuclei of small and medium primary sensory neurons, which contributes to neuropathic pain. Transduction of a short hairpin RNA to downregulate DRGX induces mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, while its overexpression suppresses neuropathic pain. DRGX regulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and prostaglandin E receptor 2 mRNA expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and an MMP-9 inhibitor can attenuate DRGX downregulation-induced pain [1].

In summary, DRGX plays a significant role in the development of nociceptive primary sensory neurons and in the regulation of pain-related genes. The study of DRGX through gene-based models has revealed its contribution to neuropathic pain, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this condition and potential therapeutic targets.