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Chemosensory information processing between keratinocytes and trigeminal neurons.
Anna Christina Sondersorg1, Daniela Busse1, Jessica Kyereme1
1From the Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstrasse 150, Gebäude ND4, D-44780 Bochum, Germany and.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|May 3, 2014
Summary
Skin cells, specifically keratinocytes, act as chemosensors for odors. They communicate with trigeminal nerve fibers using ATP, revealing a new pathway for smell and sensation perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Trigeminal nerve fibers in facial skin and mucosa detect various sensations.
- Epithelial cells may mediate odor detection, transmitting signals to trigeminal neurons.
- Keratinocytes, key epidermal cells, possess receptors for environmental stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of keratinocytes in trigeminal nerve sensation.
- To identify the communication mechanism between keratinocytes and trigeminal neurons upon odorant exposure.
- To elucidate the signaling molecules involved in this cross-talk.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of human HaCaT keratinocytes and mouse trigeminal neurons.
- Analysis of keratinocyte supernatant following odorant stimulation.
- Blocking experiments using specific inhibitors like pyrodoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonate.
- Investigation of pannexin involvement in ATP release.
Main Results:
- Odorant chemicals induced chemical communication between keratinocytes and trigeminal neurons.
- ATP was identified as the key transmitter molecule released from keratinocytes.
- ATP release was mediated by pannexins in response to Javanol® stimulation.
- Keratinocytes function as chemosensors, linking environmental stimuli to the trigeminal system.
Conclusions:
- Keratinocytes act as crucial chemosensors for odorants.
- ATP signaling via pannexins mediates communication between skin cells and trigeminal neurons.
- This study reveals a novel mechanism for sensory perception involving epithelial-neuronal interactions.
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