"Unveiling Elkin1: The Key to Understanding Human Touch Perception"
Researchers have identified a new ion channel, Elkin1, as crucial for touch perception, complementing the role of Piezo2 in sensing mechanical stimuli. Genetically modified mice lacking Elkin1 showed reduced touch sensitivity, and studies on human sensory neurons suggest its importance in human touch perception. This discovery not only deepens our understanding of touch sensation but also opens new possibilities for treating chronic pain by targeting Elkin1.