Molecular genetic visualization of a rare subset of unmyelinated sensory neurons that may detect gentle touch.
C-fiber tactile afferents are a subpopulation of unmyelinated cutaneous sensory neurons activated by gentle stroking. Using a genetically encoded tracer, we found that Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor B4 marks a rare subpopulation of unmyelinated, nonpeptidergic sensory fibers that exclusively innervate hairy skin. These fibers terminate in large arborizations similar in size and distribution to C-fiber tactile afferent receptive fields, suggesting that MrgprB4 may provide genetic access to these elusive neurons in mice.
Liu
Qin
Q
The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 725 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
Vrontou
Sophia
S
Rice
Frank L
FL
Zylka
Mark J
MJ
Dong
Xinzhong
X
Anderson
David J
DJ
D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000378:metabolism*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000378:metabolism; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D014110:Touch
C524074:MrgprB4 protein, mouse; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins