New Findings Identify a Touch and Temperature Receptor in the Human Colon
Researchers at Flinders University have identified a receptor in the human colon that is involved in sensing touch and temperature. This discovery could open new paths for treating chronic pain linked to digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. The findings were published in the journal Neuron and mark a significant step in understanding how the gut communicates pain signals to the brain.
In a landmark development tied to Nobel Prize work, Ardem Patapoutian was honored for uncovering the Piezo2 receptor, a key player in the sense of touch on the skin and in monitoring body position in space. Recent work demonstrates that Piezo2 also exists in the human colon and participates in the pain associated with digestive processes. This cross tissue presence suggests a shared mechanism of somatic and visceral sensation that could be targeted to relieve gut pain. Source: Neuron.
Chronic pain arising from internal organs such as the intestines or bladder presents a persistent therapeutic challenge. Traditional opioid therapies, while sometimes effective, carry risks of dependence and a range of adverse effects. A deeper understanding of how sensory nerves convey gut pain to the brain is essential for developing safer, more precise gut pain relievers. This new receptor finding provides a potential entry point for such therapies and could shift the current approach to managing gut pain across several conditions. Source: Neuron.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond irritable bowel syndrome. They may also influence approaches to pain associated with conditions like endometriosis or abdominal cancers, where visceral pain is a dominant symptom. By clarifying the role of Piezo2 and related channels in the colon, researchers hope to pave the way for treatments that reduce pain without the drawbacks of conventional opioids. These advances could lead to better quality of life for patients while lowering the risk of drug-related harm. Source: Neuron.
Experts note that translating these findings into clinical practice will require careful study of how Piezo2 operates in the complex gut environment, including how it interacts with other sensory pathways and how it responds to disease-related changes. Ongoing research will aim to map the receptor’s activity under various physiological conditions and to identify compounds that can modulate its function with high specificity. The ultimate goal is a new class of gut pain therapies that are effective, safer, and easier to tolerate than current options. Source: Neuron.