A new study has identified a protein called CRELD1 that plays an important role in regulating sensory responses, including touch, temperature, pain and itch. Researchers led by Bailong Xiao at Tsinghua University found that removing this protein weakened these responses in mice. Published in Nature Neuroscience, the study highlights CRELD1 as a potential target for developing future treatments for pain and persistent itching.
CRELD1 Plays a Key Role in Sensory Responses
To investigate how the body processes sensations, researchers used CRISPR gene-editing technology to disable selected genes in mice. Among 20 candidate genes, Creld1 stood out because of its influence on multiple sensory responses. Mice lacking this gene showed reduced sensitivity to gentle touch, painful pressure, heat and cold. They also scratched less in response to substances that normally trigger itching. The researchers confirmed that these changes were linked to sensory neurons rather than problems with movement or coordination.
How Does CRELD1 Influence Sensory Signals?
The study found that CRELD1 supports the activity of sodium channels, which help sensory neurons generate electrical impulses and transmit signals through the nervous system. Without CRELD1, sodium currents weakened, making neurons less responsive to stimulation. In contrast, increasing CRELD1 production strengthened these currents and enhanced sensory responses. This explains how a single protein can influence several sensations without directly detecting individual stimuli.
A Potential New Target for Pain and Itch Treatments
The researchers suggest that the interaction between CRELD1 and sodium channels could offer a new direction for drug development. However, further studies are needed to determine whether the same mechanism works in humans. The team also found that two versions of the human CRELD1 protein behaved differently in laboratory experiments, highlighting the need for more research. Scientists must also ensure that future treatments reduce unwanted pain and itching without affecting the normal sensory signals that protect the body, as reported by Medical Xpress.