This study identified the TALE homeodomain transcription factor Meis2 as a crucial regulator for the maturation and end-organ innervation of certain mechanoreceptors in mice, with its absence leading to altered sensory neuron structure and impaired touch sensitivity.
36 citations
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July 2019 in “Journal of Materials Science Materials in Medicine” This study demonstrated that keratin derived from human hair can improve axon extension and alleviate motor deficits from sciatic nerve injuries, highlighting its potential as a promising biomaterial for peripheral nerve regeneration.
October 2021 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” In this research, investigators used in vitro models to study the Merkel cell-neurite complex and reported that mechanical stimulation, similar to gentle touch, can induce molecular changes that are potentially relevant to hair growth, thus contributing to the understanding of its underlying mechanisms.
66 citations
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July 2007 in “Journal of Molecular Medicine” This study in mice demonstrated that stress or nerve growth factor injection increases sensory neuron activity related to skin innervation, suggesting a strong connection between stress perception and neurogenic skin inflammation.
11 citations
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August 2014 in “PLoS ONE” This study found that GFRα2 influences cell size but not survival or target innervation of Ret-positive low-threshold mechanoreceptors in mouse dorsal root ganglia, differing from its role in nonpeptidergic nociceptors.