A stomatin-domain protein essential for touch sensation in the mouse

The skin is the largest sensory organ of humans and allows the perception of sensory stimuli like touch and pain. However, to date molecules necessary to detect these stimuli have only been identified in invertebrates, notably the mec-2 gene in C. elegans. Now, using a mouse model, Christiane Wetzel (laboratory of Gary Lewin) and colleagues have shown that a mammalian mec-2 homolog, SLP3, plays a crucial role in the conversion of sensory stimuli into neural impulses (Nature  doi:10.1038/nature05394)

Using mutant SLP3 mice, the group found that around one third of skin touch receptors do not respond to mechanical stimuli. Furthermore, in the absence of SLP3, mechanosensitive ion channels present in sensory neurons, did not function. Touch-evoked pain resulting from neuropathic injury as well as other tactile driven behaviors, were also impaired. Thus, the scientists could conclude that SLP3 is essential in the transduction of tactile stimuli. This finding may lead to the discovery of novel drugs that can specifically block SLP3 to treat chronic painful conditions where touch evoked pain is prominent.

Contact:

Pamela Cohen
p.cohen@mdc-berlin.de
+49 30 9406 2121