Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Localized RNAi and Ectopic Gene Expression in the Medicinal Leech
Published on: April 17, 2008
TRPM8, ASIC1, and ASIC3 localization and expression in the human oropharynx
D Alvarez-Berdugo1,2, L Rofes2, J F Casamitjana3
1Gastrointestinal Motility Laboratory, Hospital de Mataró, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Mataró, Spain.
Background:
Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a prevalent disease with poor prognosis among older people and has no pharmacological treatment. Polymodal sensory receptors like the TRP or ASIC family receptors are potential targets to treat OD. TRPM8 agonists and acidic solutions can improve the swallow response in patients with OD, but little is known about the expression of TRPM8, ASIC1, and ASIC3 in the human oropharynx. The aim of this study was to assess the expression and localization of TRPM8, ASIC1, and ASIC3 in human samples of the oropharynx to lay the basis for new pharmacological treatments for OD.
Methods:
Pathology-free samples from oropharyngeal regions innervated by cranial nerves V, IX, and X were obtained during major ENT surgery and processed to obtain mRNA (20 patients) or to be used in immunohistochemical assays (12 patients). TRPM8, ASIC1, and ASIC3 expression and localization were studied with RT-qPCR and fluorescent immunohistochemistry.
Key Results:
ASIC3 was expressed in the 3 regions studied with similar levels and was localized on sensory fibers innervating the mucosa below the basal lamina of all studied regions. TRPM8 was also co-localized on the sensory fibers innervating the mucosa below the basal lamina of all studied regions. In contrast, ASIC1 was only found in the nerves innervating the tongue muscular fibers.
Conclusions & Inferences:
TRPM8 and ASIC3 are found on submucosal sensory nerves in the human oropharynx. Our study lays the basis to use oropharyngeal TRPM8 and ASIC3 receptors as therapeutic targets to develop new active pharmacological treatments for OD patients.
Related Concept Videos
What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
Local Attraction
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics

