A Subpopulation of Itch Receptors Marked by Ret Expression

In this study, a protocol was developed to analyze and sort peripheral sensory neurons using Fluorescently Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) to isolate specific subsets for gene expression profiling. The research focused on Ret-positive neurons in Avil-Cre::ReteGFP mice, identifying five diverse Ret-eGFP-positive subsets. Two subsets, Ret-eGFPLo:IB4Neg and Ret-eGFPHi:IB4Neg, were further analyzed. The Ret-eGFPLo:IB4Neg subset was identified as a new class of sensory neurons involved in itch perception. Functional characterization showed that this subset responded to histamine, IL-31, and LY344864, substances known to induce itching, suggesting their role as itch receptors. The study concluded that a new Ret-positive subset of sensory neurons involved in itch perception was discovered, with further characterization needed to clarify their role in vivo.