Molecular switch triggers itch

Molecular switch triggers itch
Credit: Hill et al., JNeurosci (2018)

A new study of male mice published in JNeurosci uncovers two distinct pathways through which a single molecule can cause both itchy and painful skin. The research could inform the development of drugs for a variety of skin diseases.

Diana Bautista and colleagues show that sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)—a molecule implicated in skin conditions such as psoriasis as well as other including asthma and multiple sclerosis—triggers itch in addition to its known role in pain.

Their work identifies a receptor of this molecule, S1PR3, expressed in is responsible for these sensations.

The findings suggest that blocking this receptor may represent a promising therapeutic approach for managing both pain and itch.

More information: Rose Z. Hill et al, S1PR3 mediates itch and pain via distinct TRP channel-dependent pathways, The Journal of Neuroscience (2018). DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1266-18.2018

Journal information: Journal of Neuroscience
Citation: Molecular switch triggers itch (2018, August 6) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-08-molecular-triggers.html
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