First junction in eczema itch pathway regulated by a skin receptor protein

Eczema sufferers endure incessant itching, dryness, redness, and flaking skin due to their condition – many factors can cause these outbreaks including irritants, reactions to certain foods, and allergies. Researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State), who have long been studying the biological processes behind eczema, claimed a receptor protein in the skin acting as a “switch” for itch-related neurons can greatly exacerbate the allergic response.

Santosh Mishra, an Assistant professor of neuroscience at NC State, explained that itch sensations are transmitted from sensory projections in the skin through to the spinal cord via clusters of sensory cells located at the root of the spinal nerves. In experiments with chemically-induced mice, the researchers noticed an increase in a skin protein, called periostin, when the animals were exposed to common allergens such as dust mites. Periostin would cause the infamous“itch.”

The researchers later found that “switching off” a receptor protein, called αvβ3; will significantly reduce the severity of itching. That receptor protein is apparently avital connector for periostin and also connects the skin to the central nervous system.

“We have found that periostin can begin the itch response. Additionally, we have identified the neuronal receptor that is the initial connection between periostin and the itch response – if we can break that connection, we can relieve the itch,” Mishra said.

Category: Education, Features