Nerve injury-induced aberrant changes in gene expression in spinal dorsal horn neurons are critical for the genesis of
neuropathic pain. N6-methyladenine (m 6 A) modification of
DNA represents an additional layer of gene regulation. Here, we report that
peripheral nerve injury significantly decreased the level of m 6 A-specific
DNA methyltransferase 1 ( N6amt1 ) in dorsal horn neurons. This decrease was attributed, at least partly, to a reduction in
transcription factor Nr2f6 . Rescuing the decrease in N6amt1 reversed the loss of m 6 A at the promoter for
inwardly rectifying potassium channel subfamily J member 16 ( Kcnj16 ), mitigating the nerve injury-induced upregulation of Kcnj16 expression in the dorsal horn and alleviating
neuropathic pain hypersensitivities. Conversely, mimicking the downregulation of N6amt1 in naive mice erased
DNA m 6 A at the Kcnj16 promoter, elevated Kcnj16 expression, and led to
neuropathic pain-like behaviors. Therefore, decreased N6amt1 caused by NR2F6 is required for
neuropathic pain, likely through its regulation of m 6 A-controlled KCNJ16 in dorsal horn neurons, suggesting that
DNA m 6 A modification may be a potential new target for
analgesic and treatment strategies.