User:Tony J. Prescott/Proposed/Molecular basis of touch
Although the ability to sense touch is shared by all animals, the molecular events responsible for this important sensory ability remain enigmatic. Regardless of the animal, this process is thought to involve activation of force-gated ion channels. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is currently the only one in which researchers have identified the protein partners that form such channels. This chapter reviews general principles of force sensation, the molecules believed to be key players in C. elegans, and considers the broad question of the molecular basis for variation in force sensitivity within and among animals. As of 19 October 2009, the chapter is presented in outline form only.
Contents |
How does touch sensation work?
Touch sensation is (at least) a three-step process
The first step involves converting mechanical energy into an electrical signal
Common molecular ‘algorithm’ or diverse molecular implementations?
Force sensing
General principles
Mechano-chemical transduction
Mechano-electrical transduction
Direct v. indirect models
Tethered v. membrane-delimited
Force-gated ion channels in nematodes
The MeT channel complex in TRNs
Membrane proteins
Pore-forming subunits: MEC-4, MEC-10
Accessory subunits: MEC-2, MEC-6
Lipids
ECM
Cytoskeleton
Other (analgous) complexes in other C. elegans cells?
Putative force-gated ion channels in mammals
Conclusions
Do variations in sensitivity imply the existence of different cellular machines?
Conserved across phyla or (re)invented many times?
Further reading
External links
See also
Brain, Neuron, Scholarpedia:Instructions for authors
Dr. Miriam Goodman accepted the invitation on 6 October 2008 (self-imposed deadline: 6 April 2009).
