Circular RNAs with exonic sequences represent a special form of non-coding RNAs, discovered by analyzing a handful of transcribed genes. It has been observed that circular RNAs function as microRNA sponges. In the present study, we investigated whether the expression of circular RNAs is altered during the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Using a TaqMan-based reverse tra...

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are the dominant product of eukaryotic transcription. These products range from short microRNAs (miRNAs) to long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs). Circular RNAs composed of exonic sequences represent an understudied form of ncRNA that was discovered more than 20 years ago. Using a TaqMan-based reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay, we analyzed the rel...

Itch is a somatosensory percept that is triggered by irritants at the skin’s surface. However, the manner in which itch is coded in the nervous system remains almost completely unknown. Recent work has uncovered a key role of spinal interneurons in the modulation of itch. Here we discuss these recent discoveries in the context of our understanding of spinal microcircuitry, highlighting the poss...

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in nonhistaminergic itch. Here we used electrophysiological methods to investigate whether mouse superficial dorsal horn neurons respond to intradermal (id) injection of ET-1 and whether ET-1-sensitive neurons additionally respond to other pruritic and algesic stimuli or spinal superfusion of bombesin, a homolog of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) that exc...

Previous studies have revealed that TRPV1 and TRPA1 function downstream of many itch receptors, where they mediate inward current to trigger action potentials in primary afferents. Although other TRP channels, such as TRPV4, are expressed in primary afferents, whether or not they play an analogous role in itch was previously unknown. Now, Akiyama et al. provide evidence that TRPV4 is a key medi...

Itch is the major symptom in, skin diseases with a variety of etiologies. Recent progress has been achieved in understanding the pathophysiology of itch in skin diseases. There are many) topical therapies availablte/for managingp ruritus. Emergin;g therapies include dominant ceramide moisturizers, topical immunomodulators, low pH moisturizers, topical aspirin, and combinations of moisturizers w...

Notch signaling is a conserved signaling pathway implicated in embryogenesis and adult tissue maintenance. Notch signaling strength is strictly regulated, notably by maintaining a controlled pool of functional receptor at the cell surface. Mammalian non-activated Notch receptor is internalized, ubiquitylated by the Itch E3 ubiquitin ligase and degraded in the lysosomes. Here, we show that β-arr...

Background Although itch and pain are distinct experiences, both are unpleasant, may demand attention, and interfere with daily activities. Research investigating the role of attention in tonic itch and pain stimuli, particularly whether attention is drawn to the stimulus location, is scarce. Methods In the somatosensory attention task, fifty-three healthy participants were exposed to 35-seco...

Endophilin A1 is an SH3 domain-containing protein functioning in membrane trafficking on the endocytic pathway. We have identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase itch/AIP4 as an endophilin A1-binding partner. Itch belongs to the Nedd4/Rsp5p family of proteins and contains an N-terminal C2 domain, four WW domains and a catalytic HECT domain. Unlike other Nedd4/Rsp5p family members, itch possesses a sho...

Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) was originally characterized as an endogenous inhibitor of thioredoxin, a key regulator in cellular redox homeostasis. TXNIP is also known to play important roles in tumor growth and metastasis, glucose and lipid metabolism. TXNIP expression is induced by various stress stimuli. However, it has been unclear how TXNIP is down-regulated. Here, we report tha...