Europe

Sensory schwann cells set perceptual thresholds for touch and selectively regulate mechanical nociception via Nature

Previous work identified nociceptive Schwann cells that can initiate pain. Consistent with the existence of inherently mechanosensitive sensory Schwann cells, we found that in mice, the mechanosensory function of almost all nociceptors, including those signaling fast pain, were dependent on sensory Schwann cells.

In polymodal nociceptors, sensory Schwann cells signal mechanical, but not cold or heat pain. Terminal Schwann cells also surround mechanoreceptor nerve-endings within the Meissner’s corpuscle and in hair follicle lanceolate endings that both signal vibrotactile touch. Within Meissner´s corpuscles, two molecularly and functionally distinct sensory Schwann cells positive for Sox10 and Sox2 differentially modulate rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor function.

Using optogenetics we show that Meissner’s corpuscle Schwann cells are necessary for the perception of low threshold vibrotactile stimuli. These results show that sensory Schwann cells within diverse glio-neural mechanosensory end-organs are sensors for mechanical pain as well as necessary for touch perception.

Read more

Recent Posts

ZOOM#32 – Deep dive into the evaluation of neurosensory claims by Skinobs

Dear Readers, The Skinobs team would like to apologise sincerely to Faiza Hussain, Co-Founder and…

Acheless wearable device via CES 2025

Acheless is an essential wearable device for modern society, where digital living is commonplace. To…

Sensory Studies: Linking consumer and sensory data to develop optimal products by Syres

Linking consumer data with sensory data is an essential step in formulating products that accurately…