Primary sensory neuron dysfunction underlying mechanical itch hypersensitivity in a Shank3 mouse model of autism.

ABSTRACT: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social deficits, repetitive behaviors and atypical sensory perception. The link between ASD and skin abnormalities, inducing itchiness, has never been investigated in depth. This study explores mechanical itch sensitivity in the Shank3^ΔC/ΔC mouse model. Key observations include heightened scratching in response to skin deformation and hypersensitivity to mechanical itch (i.e. alloknesis) in Shank3^ΔC/ΔC mice. In Shank3^ΔC/ΔC mice, ex vivo electrophysiological experiments revealed that C-fiber low-threshold mechanoreceptors (C-LTMRs) were hyporesponsive and transcriptomic analysis showed a downregulation of TAFA4, a protein secreted by C-LMTRs. Interestingly, pharmacologically inhibiting

SUBMITTER: Huzard D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12304312 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature