Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.19.211086v1?rss=1 Authors: Moehring, F., Mikesell, A. R., Sadler, K. E., Menzel, A. D., Stucky, C. L. Abstract: Epidermal keratinocytes mediate touch sensation by detecting and encoding tactile information to sensory neurons. However, the specific mechanotransducers that enable keratinocytes to respond to mechanical stimulation are unknown. Here, we found that the mechanically-gated ion channel Piezo1 is the major keratinocyte mechanotransducer. Keratinocyte expression of Piezo1 is critical for normal sensory afferent firing and behavioral responses to mechanical stimuli. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info