In vivo imaging of C-elegans mechanosensory neurons demonstrates a specific role for the MEC-4 channel in the process of gentle touch sensation
In vivo imaging of C-elegans mechanosensory neurons demonstrates a specific role for the MEC-4 channel in the process of gentle touch sensation
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DOI：
10.1016/j.neuron.2003.08.015
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发表时间：
2003-09-11
期刊：
影响因子：
16.2
通讯作者：
Schafer, WR
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Suzuki, H;Kerr, R;Schafer, WR
线虫C.在线虫中，编码推定的机械转导通道复合物的组分的基因已经在光触摸不敏感突变体的筛选中被鉴定。然而，一个长期存在的问题是，已识别的MEC蛋白是否直接作用于触摸传导，还是通过维持基本的机械感受器神经元生理学而间接发挥作用。在这项研究中，我们使用基因编码的钙指示剂cameleon记录细胞的机械感觉神经元的触摸刺激在完整的，行为线虫的反应。我们定义了一个温和的触摸感觉模态，适应约500毫秒的时间过程，主要是感觉运动，而不是压力。DEG/ENaC通道亚基MEC-4和通道相关的气孔蛋白MEC-2是对温和机械刺激的神经反应所特别需要的，但不影响触觉神经元的基本生理学或它们对苛刻机械刺激的体内反应。这些结果区分了MEC通道蛋白在温和触摸机械感觉过程中的特定作用。
In the nematode C. elegans, genes encoding components of a putative mechanotransducing channel complex have been identified in screens for light-touch-insensitive mutants. A long-standing question, however, is whether identified MEC proteins act directly in touch transduction or contribute indirectly by maintaining basic mechanoreceptor neuron physiology. In this study, we used the genetically encoded calcium indicator cameleon to record cellular responses of mechanosensory neurons to touch stimuli in intact, behaving nematodes. We defined a gentle touch sensory modality that adapts with a time course of approximately 500 ms and primarily senses motion rather than pressure. The DEG/ENaC channel subunit MEC-4 and channel-associated stomatin MEC-2 are specifically required for neural responses to gentle mechanical stimulation, but do not affect the basic physiology of touch neurons or their in vivo responses to harsh mechanical stimulation. These results distinguish a specific role for the MEC channel proteins in the process of gentle touch mechanosensation.