title: The specification and wiring of mammalian cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptors.
abstract: 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. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Wenqin
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Luo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular; D051379:Mice; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology*; D014110:Touch