Merkel cells release ATP in response to mechanical stimulation to mediate paracrine signalling
Human Merkel cells release ATP in response to mechanical stimulation, activating neighboring Merkel cells through purinergic receptors. This study reveals a previously unrecognized paracrine signaling mechanism within epidermal touch domes that may modulate tactile sensitivity. These findings provide new insight into non-neuronal sensory communication and potential roles in age-related or pathological sensory changes.
Authors
- Kyung Chul Shin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3684-4005)
- Shadi Golpasandi
- Eustache Ntigura (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4654-894X)
- Juewon Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0975-7873)
- Jin Ryeol An
- Yeji Lim
- Shin-Young Ryu
- Doyoung Byun
- Solah Park
- Hyeryeong Lee
- Young Min Bae
Institutions
- Dongguk University (KR)
- Eulji University (KR)
- Konkuk University (KR)
- Hamad bin Khalifa University (QA)
- Rwanda Biomedical Center (RW)
- Sungkyunkwan University (KR)
- Texas A&M University (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- British Journal of Dermatology
- Published
- 2026-02-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljag067
- Primary Topic
- Polyomavirus and related diseases
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00