Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was the first organism for which touch insensitive mutants were obtained. The study of the genes defective in these mutants has led to the identification of components of a mechanosensory complex needed for specific cells to sense gentle touch to the body. Multiple approaches using genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and electrophysiology have characterized a channel complex, containing two DEG/ENaC pore-forming subunits and several other proteins, that transduces the touch response. Other mechanical responses, sensed by other cells using a variety of other components, are less well understood in C. elegans. Many of these other senses may use TRP channels, although DEG/ENaC channels have also been implicated.
MeSH terms
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Adaptation, Physiological / genetics
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Adaptation, Physiological / physiology
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Animals
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Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
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Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology*
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism
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Cell Differentiation / genetics
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Epithelial Sodium Channels / genetics*
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Epithelial Sodium Channels / metabolism*
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Habituation, Psychophysiologic / physiology
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Ion Transport
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Male
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Mechanotransduction, Cellular / genetics
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Mechanotransduction, Cellular / physiology*
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Models, Biological
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Multiprotein Complexes / genetics
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Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism
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Neurons, Afferent / physiology*
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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Reflex / physiology
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Stress, Mechanical
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TRPC Cation Channels / genetics
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TRPC Cation Channels / metabolism
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Touch
Substances
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
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Epithelial Sodium Channels
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Multiprotein Complexes
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TRPC Cation Channels