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Papers of the Week


Papers: 12 Feb 2022 - 18 Feb 2022


Animal Studies


2022 Feb 14


J Neurosci

Zcchc12-containing nociceptors are required for noxious heat sensation.

Authors

Wu D, Chen Y, Li Z, Xie H, Wang S, Lu Y, Bao L, Zhang X, Li C
J Neurosci. 2022 Feb 14.
PMID: 35169019.

Abstract

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are classified into distinct types to mediate the somatosensation with different modalities. Recently, transcriptional profilings of DRG neurons by single-cell RNA-sequencing have provided new insights into the neuron typing and functional properties. Zinc-finger CCHC domain-containing 12 (Zcchc12) was reported to be the representative marker for a subtype of Gal-positive (Gal) DRG neurons. However, the characteristics and functions of Zcchc12 neurons are largely unknown. Here, we genetically labelled Zcchc12 neurons in Zcchc12-CreERT2::Ai9 mice, and verified that Zcchc12 represented a new subpopulation of DRG neurons in both sexes. Zcchc12 neurons centrally innervated the superficial laminae in spinal dorsal horn, and peripherally terminated as free nerve endings in the epidermis and cluster-shaped fibers in the dermis of footpads and nearby. Besides, Zcchc12 neurons also formed circumferential endings surround the hair follicles in hairy skin. Functionally, calcium imaging in DRGs revealed that Zcchc12 neurons were polymodal nociceptors and could be activated by mechanical and noxious thermal stimuli. Behavioral tests showed that selective ablation of Zcchc12 DRG neurons reduced the sensitivity to noxious heat in mice. Taken together, we identify a new subpopulation of Zcchc12 nociceptors essential for noxious heat sensation.Zcchc12 represents a new subpopulation of DRG neurons. The characteristics and functions of Zcchc12 neurons are largely unknown. Here we genetically labelled Zcchc12 neurons, and showed that the fibers of Zcchc12 DRG neurons projected to superficial lamina at spinal dorsal horn, and innervated skin as free nerve endings in the epidermis and cluster-shaped fibers in the dermis of footpads and nearby. Functionally, Zcchc12 DRG neurons responded to noxious mechanical and heat stimuli. Ablation of Zcchc12 DRG neurons impaired the sensation of noxious heat in mice. Therefore, we identify a new subpopulatipn of DRG neurons required for noxious heat sensation.