title: An Unexpected Role for TRPV4 in Serotonin-Mediated Itch.
abstract: Previous studies have revealed that TRPV1 and TRPA1 function downstream of many itch receptors, where they mediate inward current to trigger action potentials in primary afferents. Although other TRP channels, such as TRPV4, are expressed in primary afferents, whether or not they play an analogous role in itch was previously unknown. Now, Akiyama et al. provide evidence that TRPV4 is a key mediator of serotonin-induced itch. This finding is important because it uncovers an unanticipated role for TRPV4 in itch, thereby identifying a novel therapeutic target.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Lindsey M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Snyder
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Marissa S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kuzirian
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; The Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Electronic address: saross@pitt.edu.
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D011537:Pruritus / Q000378:metabolism*; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D050916:TRPV Cation Channels