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Acid-sensing ion channels: dual function proteins for chemo-sensing and mechano-sensing
Yuan-Ren Cheng1,2, Bo-Yang Jiang1,2, Chih-Cheng Chen3,4,5
1Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
Journal of Biomedical Science
|May 26, 2018
Summary
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are crucial proton sensors in the nervous system. These dual-function proteins also act as mechanosensors, playing key roles in detecting physiological homeostasis and pathological signals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are amiloride-sensitive, ligand-gated ion channels in the degenerin/epithelial sodium channel family.
- ASICs are primarily expressed in the peripheral and central nervous systems, functioning as critical proton sensors for extracellular acidification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological roles of ASICs in the nervous system.
- To highlight ASICs' functions in both chemosensation and mechanosensation.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on ASIC physiological roles.
- Analysis of ASIC involvement in chemosensation (acidosis) and mechanotransduction.
- Identification of non-proton ligands and the tether model of mechanotransduction.
Main Results:
- ASICs detect tissue acidosis in conditions like injury, inflammation, ischemia, stroke, and tumors.
- ASICs are activated by endogenous ligands (arachidonic acid, lysophosphocholine) at neutral pH.
- ASICs are integral to mechanotransduction in proprioceptors, mechanoreceptors, and nociceptors, monitoring muscle, blood volume, and pressure.
Conclusions:
- ASICs function as dual chemosensors and mechanosensors.
- These channels are vital for monitoring physiological homeostasis and pathological signals in the nervous system.
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