The Structure and Organization of Lanceolate Mechanosensory Complexes at Mouse Hair Follicles

The study investigated the structure and organization of lanceolate mechanosensory complexes at mouse hair follicles, revealing that these complexes are highly organized and consist of specific cellular and molecular components. Terminal Schwann cells (TSCs) were found to be crucial for maintaining and regenerating these complexes, as their ablation led to the loss of low-threshold mechanoreceptor (LTMR) terminals. The study highlighted the intricate relationship between hair follicles, LTMRs, and TSCs in sensory function, with guard hair follicles having more TSCs compared to awl/auchene and zigzag follicles. Additionally, the development of certain LTMR endings depended on NGF-TrkA signaling, and re-innervation after denervation was primarily due to nerve regeneration. These findings provided insights into the cellular and morphological properties underlying LTMR subtype functions and their regeneration mechanisms.