Understanding How We Feel Light Touch
Cellular and Ion Channel Mechanisms Underlying the Sense of Light Touch in Mammals
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11089417
This project aims to uncover the fundamental ways our bodies sense light touch, which is important for everyday activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11089417 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our sense of touch is vital for daily tasks like feeling objects and interacting with others. This research explores the tiny cells and channels in our skin, called Merkel discs, that are responsible for sensing light touch, especially in sensitive areas like fingertips. We know that a channel called Piezo2 helps Merkel cells detect touch, leading to signals sent to the brain. This project focuses on how these touch signals are passed from Merkel cells to nerve endings, specifically looking at other channels called ASICs and a chemical signal called proton.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but could eventually benefit individuals with conditions affecting their sense of touch.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of how touch works could eventually lead to new ways to help people who have lost their sense of touch or experience abnormal touch sensations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has identified key components like Merkel discs and Piezo2 channels in touch sensation, but the specific mechanism of signal transmission being explored here is a novel hypothesis.
Where this research is happening
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM — BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GU, JIANGUO — UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- Study coordinator: GU, JIANGUO
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.