Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
09:27
Cell Subtype-specific Analysis of Neuronal Membrane Proteasome in Somatosensory Neurons
Published on: October 10, 2025
249
Beyond somatosensation: Mrgprs in mucosal tissues
Juan M Inclan-Rico1, Brian S Kim2, Ishmail Abdus-Saboor3
1Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Neuroscience Letters
|February 14, 2021
Summary
Mas-related G coupled receptors (Mrgprs) in sensory neurons signal skin sensations. Emerging research shows Mrgprs also regulate mucosal tissues, potentially offering new therapeutic targets for gut and airway conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Mas-related G coupled receptors (Mrgprs) are expressed in sensory neurons, primarily transmitting somatic sensations.
- Recent studies suggest Mrgprs play roles in sensory and motor functions within mucosal-associated neuronal circuits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Mrgpr signaling pathways in mucosal tissues.
- To highlight Mrgprs as potential therapeutic targets for intestinal and airway conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Mrgpr function in mucosal tissues.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms for Mrgpr activation and signaling in the gut and airways.
Main Results:
- Mrgprs are implicated in relaying signals about noxious stimuli in mucosal tissues.
- Mrgprs may mediate cross-talk between sensory neurons and immune cells, promoting host defense at barrier sites.
Conclusions:
- Mrgpr signaling is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in mucosal tissues.
- Mrgprs represent promising therapeutic targets for diseases affecting the gastrointestinal and pulmonary tracts.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Somatosensation
42.0K
The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.
42.0K
01:21G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
5.2K
GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision. The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
Sensory...
Sensory...
5.2K
01:25Cholinergic Receptors: Muscarinic
4.1K
The pharmacological actions of acetylcholine are elicited via its binding to two families of cholinergic receptors or cholinoceptors, namely, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Muscarinic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors and have five subtypes, M1–M5. All mAChR subtypes are activated by acetylcholine and blocked by the antagonist, atropine.
The subtypes M1, M3, and M5 couple with the Gq subunit and activate the phospholipase C (PLC) activity, mobilizing intracellular Ca2+....
The subtypes M1, M3, and M5 couple with the Gq subunit and activate the phospholipase C (PLC) activity, mobilizing intracellular Ca2+....
4.1K
01:24The Physiology of Taste
5.8K
The perception of a salty flavor is facilitated by sodium ions within the oral salivary fluid. Upon consumption of a salty substance, salt crystals disassemble, leading to the liberation of its constituents—Na+ and Cl- ions. These ions subsequently dissolve into the salivary fluid present in the oral cavity. The external environment of the gustatory cells experiences an elevation in Na+ concentration, thereby establishing a potent concentration gradient. This gradient propels the...
5.8K
01:15G Protein-coupled Receptors
15.0K
G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
15.0K
01:43Gustation
50.8K
Gustation is a chemical sense that, along with olfaction (smell), contributes to our perception of taste. It starts with the activation of receptors by chemical compounds (tastants) dissolved in the saliva. The saliva and filiform papillae on the tongue distribute the tastants and increase their exposure to the taste receptors.
50.8K