Open AccessThe specification and wiring of mammalian cutaneous low‐threshold mechanoreceptors
Author(s) -
Olson William,
Dong Peter,
Fleming Michael,
Luo Wenqin
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
wiley interdisciplinary reviews: developmental biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.779
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1759-7692
pISSN - 1759-7684
DOI - 10.1002/wdev.229
Subject(s) - neuroscience , transcription factor , biology , signalling , somatosensory system , cell fate determination , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , genetics
The mammalian cutaneous low‐threshold mechanoreceptors ( LTMRs ) are a diverse set of primary somatosensory neurons that function to sense external mechanical force. Generally, LTMRs are composed of Aβ‐ LTMRs , Aδ‐ LTMRs , and C‐ LTMRs , which have distinct molecular, physiological, anatomical, and functional features. The specification and wiring of each type of mammalian cutaneous LTMRs is established during development by the interplay of transcription factors with trophic factor signalling. In this review, we summarize the cohort of extrinsic and intrinsic factors generating the complex mammalian cutaneous LTMR circuits that mediate our tactile sensations and behaviors. WIREs Dev Biol 2016, 5:389–404. doi: 10.1002/wdev.229 This article is categorized under: Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development