title: A molecular sensor for the baroreceptor reflex?
abstract: The reflex that provides rapid neural control of blood pressure is triggered by an unknown molecular pressure sensor. ASIC2, an ion channel in a family that includes a mechanosensor from C. elegans, is shown by Lu et al. in this issue of Neuron to be critical for this reflex in mice, perhaps because ASIC2 is the elusive pressure sensor.
authors.affiliation: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA. mccleskeye@hhmi.org
authors.forename: Edwin W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: McCleskey
mesh_terms: D062565:Acid Sensing Ion Channels; D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D017704:Baroreflex / Q000502:physiology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011311:Pressoreceptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D054969:Primary Dysautonomias / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D015222:Sodium Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: C568265:ASIC2 protein, mouse; D062565:Acid Sensing Ion Channels; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D015222:Sodium Channels