Protein tether linked to touch perception

Thursday, February 18, 2010 - 11:35 in Biology & Nature

Humans and animals are able to perceive even the slightest vibration and touch of the skin. Mechanosensitive ion channels play a crucial role in the mediation of these sensations. Researchers have now discovered that the presence of a protein filament causes the ion channels to open and shut like a tethered gate.

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