Work

The gentle touch receptors of mammalian skin

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: The skin is our largest sensory organ, transmitting pain, temperature, itch, and touch information to the central nervous system. Touch sensations are conveyed by distinct combinations of mechanosensory end organs and the low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) that innervate them. Here we explore the various structures underlying the diverse functions of cutaneous LTMR end organs. Beyond anchoring of LTMRs to the surrounding dermis and epidermis, recent evidence suggests that the non-neuronal components of end organs play an active role in signaling to LTMRs and may physically gate force-sensitive channels in these receptors. Combined with LTMR intrinsic properties, the balance of these factors comprises the response properties of mechanosensory neurons and, thus, the neural encoding of touch.

Source: Science

DOI: 10.1126/science.1254229

Authors: Amanda Zimmerman, Ling Bai, David D. Ginty

Institutions: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Tactile and Sensory Interactions

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Awards: G3946110865, G4123324293, G452608764