We sense temperatures such as "hot" and "cold" mainly through sensory nerves. I know it will be bornHowever, TRPV32 channels that are activated at 'warm' temperatures of 39-3°C are largely absent from sensory nerves and predominantly present in the epidermal tissue of the skin.Therefore, the concept that not only sensory nerves but also epidermal cells in the skin sense temperature has been proposed for some time, but opinions have been divided.

　In this study, we focused on the protein TMEM3, which is also present in epidermal cells together with TRPV79, but whose function is not well understood. was found to be controlled.
First, we generated TMEM79-deficient mice and found that they had higher TRPV3 currents in epidermal cells and preferred warmer temperatures than normal mice.These results suggest that the magnitude of TRPV79 current is normally suppressed by TMEM3, but that the magnitude of the current is altered by TMEM79 deficiency, resulting in an effect on temperature sensation in mice.

　Next, we investigated the effects of co-expression of TRPV3 and TMEM79, and found that TRPV3 channels bind to TMEM79 in epidermal cells and work to incorporate TRPV3 on the cell membrane into cells. It was found that it was taken up by lysosomes, which are the organelles involved, and degraded.It is thought that this regulation of TRPV3 levels in the epidermis controls the skin's ability to sense warm temperatures.

　This result is clear evidence that responses in epidermal cells of the skin are transmitted to the brain and affect temperature sensation.By further developing this research, it is expected that the control of TRPV3 and TMEM79 may control the temperature sensation that we perceive as warm.

Paper information:[Nature Communications] Involvement of skin TRPV3 in temperature detection regulated by TMEM79 in mice