Sensory ion channels and signaling networks in somatosensory functions

The somatosensory system encodes diverse stimuli—including mechanical, thermal, and chemical cues—through the dynamic regulation of specialized ion channels and their associated signaling networks. Emerging evidence highlights the spatiotemporal dynamics of molecular sensors such as TRP channels, Piezo channels, and TMCs, which exhibit stimulus-specific kinetics. While recent advancements have highlighted core molecular constituents, there are still significant knowledge gaps. These include the dynamic regulation of sensory transduction complexes, activity-dependent modulation via post-translational networks, and the integration of sensory information at neural circuit and system levels. Addressing these gaps is crucial for understanding how sensory information is processed and interpreted.

This Research Topic aims to bridge the molecular-scale mechanisms to neural circuit operations, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among cellular biologists, systems neuroscientists, and behaviorists. The focus is on unravelling the roles of molecular sensors like TRP channels and Piezo channels, alongside neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and secondary messengers. Understanding their involvement in the broader network and circuit dynamics underlying somatosensation‌ is crucial. The interplay between these molecular components and the neural circuits they form can shed light on how sensory inputs are modulated and integrated to produce a coherent sensory experience.

We invite original research articles employing electrophysiological, imaging, structural biology, cellular, or behavioral approaches, as well as review articles. Contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes are encouraged:
• Structural and functional studies of sensory ion channels
• Mechanisms modulating channel function through post-translational modifications and lipid interactions
• Integration of downstream signaling molecules in sensory information processing
• Technological advancements for real-time monitoring of channel activity and signal transduction in sensory neurons and glial cells
• Analysis of neural circuits and networks underlying somatosensation

This Research Topic aims to foster a deeper understanding of the molecular and systems-level mechanisms driving somatosensory functions, paving the way for innovative discoveries in the field.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: molecular sensors, temperature, tactile sensation, Piezo channel function, TRP channel physiology, Mechanotransduction, neural circuits, signal transduction, Somatosensory system optogenetics, nociception, Sensory neuron proteomics

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.