Researchers discover molecular 'switch' that simultaneously manages touch and pain

A probe squad led by Prof. Hyosang Lee of the Department of Brain Sciences astatine DGIST has identified TWIK-1, a benignant of potassium transmission expressed successful the spinal cord and peripheral sensory neurons of the somatosensory system, arsenic a cardinal molecular regulator of interaction sensation and chronic pain. The survey is important due to the fact that it presents a caller molecular mechanics successful the spinal cord that regulates interaction responses and reveals the origin of persistent neuropathic pain, an intractable disorder, arsenic good arsenic a therapeutic target. The insubstantial is published successful the diary Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.