About Ion channels in somatosensory transmission

Electrical excitation of the peripheral endings of sensory nerves is a primary event in most types of somatosensation, including pain. Traveling from peripheral nerves to the brain these electrical signals alert us about our environment and about our body’s integrity, mediating a wide spectrum of sensations ranging from caress to ache.

This electrical signaling within somatosensory pathways is brought about by the concerted action of the wide array of plasmalemmal ion channels, some of which are specific to somatosensory nerves. Accordingly, ion channel deficiencies or ‘channelopathies’ often underlie sensory disorders and pathological pain states and many current and prospective analgesics target ion channels.

This F1000Research collection focuses on current advances in understanding function and regulation of ion channels controlling excitability and synaptic transmission within the somatosensory pathways in the peripheral and central nervous systems. We also welcome discussions of emerging approaches, methods and techniques in somatosensory physiology.

Read the Editorial by Nikita Gamper for more details.