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Keratinocytes Communicate with Sensory Neurons via Synaptic-like Contacts
Matthieu Talagas1,2,3, Nicolas Lebonvallet1,3, Raphael Leschiera1,3
1Univ Brest, LIEN, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France.
Annals of Neurology
|September 20, 2020
Summary
Skin cells, called keratinocytes, communicate with sensory neurons via synaptic-like junctions. This discovery challenges traditional views of how we sense pain and itch, suggesting a new model for cutaneous sensory perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Traditionally, pain, temperature, and itch perception were attributed solely to intraepidermal nerve endings.
- Emerging evidence suggests epidermal keratinocytes also play a role in sensory transduction.
- The precise mechanisms of keratinocyte-neuron communication in sensory perception remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synaptic nature of contacts between keratinocytes and sensory neurons.
- To elucidate the role of these contacts in sensory communication within the epidermis.
Main Methods:
- Co-culturing epidermal keratinocytes and sensory neurons.
- Employing morphological, molecular, and functional analyses.
- Utilizing in situ correlative light electron microscopy on human skin biopsies.
Main Results:
- Identified synaptic-like, en passant contacts between epidermal keratinocytes and sensory neurons.
- These contacts exhibit ultrastructural and molecular characteristics of chemical synapses.
- Demonstrated sensory information transmission from keratinocytes to neurons via SNARE-mediated vesicle release.
Conclusions:
- Synaptic-like contacts between keratinocytes and sensory neurons form a novel two-site receptor system.
- These findings necessitate a re-evaluation of fundamental concepts in cutaneous sensory perception.
- This discovery offers new insights into the pathophysiology of pain and itch and the physiology of touch.
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