Transformation of mechanical energy into electrical signals in mechanosensory neurons is essential for mechanosensation and nociception. This transformation occurs via sensory transduction channels that are activated by external force. Recent genetic and electrophysiological studies in Caenorhabditis elegans have directly shown that the degenerin/epithelial sodium channel (DEG/ENaC) ion channel...

Mechanical hyperalgesia is a clinically-relevant form of pain sensitization that develops through largely unknown mechanisms. TRPA1, a Transient Receptor Potential ion channel, is a sensor of pungent chemicals that may play a role in acute noxious mechanosensation and cold thermosensation. We have developed a specific small molecule TRPA1 inhibitor (AP18) that can reduce cinnameldehyde-induced ...

Little is known about mechanical regulation of morphological and functional polarity of central neurons. In this study, we report that mechanical stress specifically induces varicosities in the axons but not the dendrites of central neurons by activating TRPV4, a Ca2+/Na+-permeable mechanosensitive channel. This process is unexpectedly rapid and reversible, consistent with the formation of axon...

Almost every vertebrate cell has a specialized cell surface projection called a primary cilium. Although these structures were first described more than a century ago, the full scope of their functions remains poorly understood. Here, we review emerging evidence that in addition to their well-established roles in sight, smell, and mechanosensation, primary cilia are key participants in intercel...

Mechanosensation plays a pivotal role in many aspects of pain pathology, yet the mammalian molecular transduction apparatus responsible for this sensory modality remains unknown. In January's edition of Nature Neuroscience, O'Hagan, Chalfie and Goodman [1] have provided direct electrophysiological evidence that somatic mechanotransduction in C. elegans is mediated by a complex of proteins previ...

Mechanosensitivity is a fundamental physiological capacity, which pertains to all life forms. Progress has been made with regard to understanding mechanosensitivity in bacteria, flies, and worms. In vertebrates, however, the molecular identity of mechanotransducers in somatic and neuronal cells has only started to appear. The Piezo family of mechanogated ion channels marks a pivotal milestone i...