A novel player in the field: Merkel disc in touch, itch and pain

The mechanosensitive Merkel cell‐neurite complex comprising two distinct cell types in both hairy and glabrous skin has been widely recognized as touch receptor for more than 100 years. In 2014, three elegant studies further demonstrated that the Merkel cell‐neurite complex mediates touch transducti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Experimental dermatology 2019-12, Vol.28 (12), p.1412-1415
Main Authors: Feng, Jing, Hu, Hongzhen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging
itch
Mechanical properties
Merkel disc
Pain
Piezo2
Tactile stimuli
touch
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Summary:The mechanosensitive Merkel cell‐neurite complex comprising two distinct cell types in both hairy and glabrous skin has been widely recognized as touch receptor for more than 100 years. In 2014, three elegant studies further demonstrated that the Merkel cell‐neurite complex mediates touch transduction via the mechanosensitive Piezo2 channel. However, whether it is involved in genesis of itch and pain sensations, has been unclear. Recently, we reported that Merkel cells modulate the development of mechanical itch under the conditions of dry skin and aging, whereas two other studies demonstrated that Piezo2 channel mediates mechanical pain. In this assay, we summarized the current knowledge of Merkel disk under both normal and pathological conditions, with a focus on its role in touch, itch, and pain.
ISSN:0906-6705
1600-0625
DOI:10.1111/exd.13945