Ion Channels and Receptors

Phosphatidic acid is an endogenous negative regulator of PIEZO2 channels and mechanical sensitivity

The paper identifies phosphatidic acid and its analogues as lipid regulators that selectively inhibit PIEZO2 channels, revealing the PLD pathway's role in modulating PIEZO2 activity and mechanical sensitivity.

Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels in retinal ganglion cells and the impact of Piezo1 stimulation on light-dependent neural activity

This paper shows that Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels are expressed in retinal ganglion cells and that their activation increases light-dependent neural activity and excitability, potentially linking to glaucoma progression.

Identification of the modulatory Ca2+ binding sites of acid-sensing ion channel 1a

The paper identifies Ca2+ binding sites in ASIC1a by combining structural data and molecular dynamics simulations, showing how Ca2+ modulates pH-dependent gating.

Controlling the bioelectrical properties of neurons with ferritin-based Magnetogenetics

This study investigates Magnetogenetics' ability to control neuronal bioelectrical properties using ferritin-based FeRIC constructs, showing RF-induced depolarization and hyperpolarization effects.

PIEZO acts in an intestinal valve to regulate swallowing in C. elegans

The paper shows that the C. elegans PIEZO channel regulates pharyngeal movement by sensing food accumulation in the intestine.

The ion channel TRPM8 is a direct target of the immunosuppressant rapamycin in primary sensory neurons

This study identifies TRPM8 ion channels as direct targets of rapamycin in sensory neurons, showing RAP activates TRPM8 and induces tearing via TRPM8-dependent mechanisms.

Dynamic conformational changes of acid-sensing ion channels in different desensitizing conditions

This study investigates conformational changes in ASIC1a under different desensitizing conditions using electrophysiology and fluorometry, revealing the role of the β11-12 linker in coupling ECD movements to the pore.

Feedforward and feedback mechanisms cooperatively regulate rapid experience-dependent response adaptation in a single thermosensory neuron type

The paper identifies feedforward and feedback mechanisms in C. elegans AFD neurons that mediate rapid thermosensory response adaptation through cGMP and calcium signaling.

Touch sensation requires the mechanically-gated ion channel Elkin1.

This study identifies Elkin1 as a novel mechanically-activated ion channel essential for touch and pain sensation, independent of Piezo2.

Glutamate as a co-agonist for acid-sensing ion channels to aggravate ischemic brain damage

This study identifies glutamate as a co-agonist for acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) that worsens ischemic brain damage, and presents a small molecule inhibitor that targets this interaction without affecting NMDARs.

The cellular representation of temperature across the somatosensory thalamus

This study identifies distinct temperature representations in the somatosensory thalamus of mice, showing differences in cellular encoding and cortical output targets.

Diverse thermosensory receptors and neurons mediate the neural coding of oral cooling in the mouse trigeminothalamic tract

The paper identifies diverse thermosensory neuron types in the mouse trigeminothalamic tract that encode oral cooling information through distinct response kinetics and population coding.

TMEM63B functions as a mammalian thirst receptor

This study identifies TMEM63B as a mammalian thirst receptor in the subfornical organ, showing it mediates osmotic and dehydration-induced thirst through ion channel activity.

TRESK background potassium channel in MrgprA3+ pruriceptors regulates acute and chronic itch.

This study shows TRESK channels regulate non-histaminergic itch by modulating sensory neuron excitability, and enhancing TRESK function reduces acute and chronic itch in mice.

Reduced Capsaicin-Induced Mechanical Allodynia and Neuronal Responses in the DRG in the Presence of Shp1 Overexpression

This study shows that SHP-1 overexpression reduces capsaicin-induced mechanical allodynia in both male and female mice by dephosphorylating TRPV1 in DRG neurons.

SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease activates nociceptors to drive sneeze and pain

This study shows that SARS-CoV-2's PLpro activates nociceptors to cause sneezing and pain by triggering TRPA1-dependent responses.

Structure of human TRPM8 channel.

The paper presents a cryo-EM structure of the human TRPM8 channel in the closed state and analyzes its ligand interactions and conformational states.

Three-dimensional reconstructions of mechanosensory end organs suggest a unifying mechanism underlying dynamic, light touch

This study uses 3D reconstructions of mechanosensory end organs to propose a unified mechanism for Aβ RA-LTMR activation through axon protrusions and Piezo2 distribution.

Sex-dependent Differences in the Genomic Profile of Lingual Sensory Neurons in Naive and Tongue-Tumor Bearing Mice

The paper identifies sex-dependent differences in transcriptomic profiles of lingual sensory neurons in naive and tongue-tumor bearing mice.

DRG afferents that mediate physiologic and pathologic mechanosensation from the distal colon

The paper identifies distinct subsets of DRG neurons innervating the distal colon with different mechanosensitivity thresholds, showing their role in physiological and pathological responses to colon distension.

Orai mediated Calcium entry determines activity of central dopaminergic neurons by regulation of gene expression

This study identifies Orai-mediated Ca2+ entry as a key regulator of gene expression in flight-promoting dopaminergic neurons, essential for their functional maturation and flight behavior.

Cholinergic Modulation Shifts the Response of CA1 Pyramidal Cells to Depolarizing Ramps via TRPM4 Channels with Potential Implications for Place Field Firing

The paper identifies TRPM4 channels as key mediators of cholinergic modulation of firing rate adaptation in CA1 pyramidal neurons during depolarizing ramps.

Attenuation of colitis-induced visceral hypersensitivity and pain by silencing TRPV1-expressing fibers in rat colon

This study shows that silencing TRPV1-expressing fibers reduces colitis-induced visceral pain in rats by using QX-314 with TRPV1 activators or blockers.

Krause corpuscles of the genitalia are vibrotactile sensors required for normal sexual behavior

This study identifies Krause corpuscles as vibrotactile sensors in the genitalia essential for normal sexual behavior in mice.

The SOCE system is critical for membrane bleb formation to drive avian primordial germ cell migration

The paper shows that SOCE-mediated Ca2+ elevation drives membrane bleb formation in avian PGCs, essential for in vivo migration.

The Voltage-gated sodium channel in Drosophila, Para, localizes to dendrites as well as axons in mechanosensitive chordotonal neurons

This paper shows that the voltage-gated sodium channel Para localizes to dendrites and axons in Drosophila chordotonal neurons, suggesting dendritic spike initiation zones and roles in mechanotransduction.

Store-Operated Ca2+ Channels Mediate Microdomain Ca2+ Signals and Amplify Gq-Coupled Ca2+ Elevations in Capillary Pericytes

This study investigates Ca2+ signaling in capillary pericytes, finding that Orai-mediated store-operated Ca2+ entry mediates microdomain signals and amplifies Gq-coupled Ca2+ elevations.

Multiple antagonist calcium-dependent mechanisms control CaM Kinase-1 subcellular localization in a C. elegans thermal nociceptor

The paper identifies multiple calcium-dependent mechanisms regulating CMK-1 subcellular localization in C. elegans thermal nociceptors, showing how phosphorylation and CaM binding interact to control nuclear entry and export.

A DRG genetic toolkit reveals molecular, morphological, and functional diversity of somatosensory neuron subtypes

The paper develops a genetic toolkit to study DRG neuron subtypes, revealing their molecular, morphological, and functional diversity in response to mechanical and thermal stimuli.

Thermogenetic control of Ca2+ levels in cells and tissues

This paper introduces GECCO, a thermogenetic system for manipulating calcium levels in cells and tissues, enabling studies of calcium signaling in plants and animals.