The Specification and Wiring of Mammalian Cutaneous Low-threshold Mechanoreceptors

Overview

Journal Wiley Interdiscip Rev Dev Biol

Specialty Biology

Date 2016 Mar 19

PMID 26992078

Citations 26

Authors

William Olson

Peter Dong

Michael Fleming

Wenqin Luo

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The mammalian cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) are a diverse set of primary somatosensory neurons that function to sense external mechanical force. Generally, LTMRs are composed of Aβ-LTMRs, Aδ-LTMRs, and C-LTMRs, which have distinct molecular, physiological, anatomical, and functional features. The specification and wiring of each type of mammalian cutaneous LTMRs is established during development by the interplay of transcription factors with trophic factor signalling. In this review, we summarize the cohort of extrinsic and intrinsic factors generating the complex mammalian cutaneous LTMR circuits that mediate our tactile sensations and behaviors. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

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