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Papers of the Week


Papers: 28 Mar 2020 - 3 Apr 2020


Animal Studies

PAIN TYPE:
Itch


2020 Mar 28


J Invest Dermatol

Molecular signature of pruriceptive MrgprA3 neurons.

Authors

Xing Y, Chen J, Hilley H, Steele H, Yang J, Han L
J Invest Dermatol. 2020 Mar 28.
PMID: 32234460.

Abstract

Itch, initiated by the activation of sensory neurons, is frequently associated with dermatological diseases. MrgprA3 sensory neurons have been identified as one of the major itch-sensing neuronal populations. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that peripheral pathological conditions induce physiological regulations of sensory neurons, which is critical for the maintenance of chronic itch sensation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. Here we performed RNA sequencing of genetically labeled MrgprA3 neurons under both naïve and allergic contact dermatitis conditions. Our results revealed the unique molecular signature of itch-sensing neurons and the distinct transcriptional profile changes that result in response to dermatitis. We found enrichment of nine Mrgpr family members and two histamine receptors in MrgprA3 neurons, suggesting that MrgprA3 neurons are a direct neuronal target for histamine and Mrgprs agonists. In addition, Ptpn6 and Pcdh12 were identified as highly selective markers of MrgprA3 neurons. We also discovered that MrgprA3 neurons respond to skin dermatitis in a way that is unique from other sensory neurons by regulating a combination of transcriptional factors, ion channels, and key molecules involved in synaptic transmission. These results significantly increase our knowledge of itch transmission and uncover potential targets for combating itch.