Molecular nociceptive mechanisms in migraine: The migraine cascade

OBJECTIVE: This review will explore the categorization of migraine-provoking molecules, their cellular actions, site of action and potential drug targets based on the migraine cascade model.

METHODS: Personal experience and literature.

RESULTS: Migraine impacts over 1 billion people worldwide but is underfunded in research. Recent progress, particularly through the human and animal provocation model, has deepened our understanding of its mechanisms. This model have identified endogenous neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) that induces controlled migraine-like attacks leading to significant discoveries of their role in migraine. This knowledge led to the development of CGRP-inhibiting drugs; a groundbreaking migraine treatment now accessible globally. Also a PACAP-inhibiting drug was effective in a recent phase II trial. Notably, rodent studies have shed light on pain pathways and the mechanisms of various migraine-inducing substances identifying novel drug targets. This is primarily done by using selective inhibitors that target specific signaling pathways of the known migraine triggers leading to the hypothesized cellular cascade model of migraine.

CONCLUSION: The model of migraine presents numerous opportunities for innovative drug development. The future of new migraine treatments is limited only by the investment from pharmaceutical companies.