Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: TRP

Title: Mechanosensory molecules and circuits in C. elegans.

Authors: William R Schafer

Journal, date & volume: Pflugers Arch., 2015 Jan , 467, 39-48

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25053538

Abstract
Mechanosensory neurons, whose activity is controlled by mechanical force, underlie the senses of touch, hearing, and proprioception, yet despite their importance, the molecular basis of mechanotransduction is poorly understood. Genetic studies in Caenorhabditis elegans have provided a useful approach for identifying potential components of mechanotransduction complexes that might be conserved in more complex organisms. This review describes the mechanosensory systems of C. elegans, including the sensory neurons and circuitry involved in body touch, nose touch, and proprioception. In addition, the roles of genes encoding known and potential mechanosensory receptors, including members of the broadly conserved transient receptor potential (TRP) and degerin/epithelial Na(+) channel (DEG/ENaC) channel families, are discussed.