Touch sensation requires the mechanically gated ion channel ELKIN1
Publication Name
Science
Abstract
Touch perception is enabled by mechanically activated ion channels, the opening of which excites cutaneous sensory endings to initiate sensation. In this study, we identify ELKIN1 as an ion channel likely gated by mechanical force, necessary for normal touch sensitivity in mice. Touch insensitivity in Elkin1−/− mice was caused by a loss of mechanically activated currents (MA currents) in around half of all sensory neurons activated by light touch (low-threshold mechanoreceptors). Reintroduction of Elkin1 into sensory neurons from Elkin1−/− mice restored MA currents. Additionally, small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of ELKIN1 from induced human sensory neurons substantially reduced indentation-induced MA currents, supporting a conserved role for ELKIN1 in human touch. Our data identify ELKIN1 as a core component of touch transduction in mice and potentially in humans.
Open Access Status
This publication may be available as open access
Volume
383
Issue
6686
First Page
992
Last Page
998
Funding Number
789128
Funding Sponsor
Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance