Evidence for the involvement of ASIC3 in sensory mechanotransduction in proprioceptors

Nat Commun. 2016 May 10:7:11460. doi: 10.1038/ncomms11460.

Abstract

Acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) is involved in acid nociception, but its possible role in neurosensory mechanotransduction is disputed. We report here the generation of Asic3-knockout/eGFPf-knockin mice and subsequent characterization of heterogeneous expression of ASIC3 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). ASIC3 is expressed in parvalbumin (Pv+) proprioceptor axons innervating muscle spindles. We further generate a floxed allele of Asic3 (Asic3(f/f)) and probe the role of ASIC3 in mechanotransduction in neurite-bearing Pv+ DRG neurons through localized elastic matrix movements and electrophysiology. Targeted knockout of Asic3 disrupts spindle afferent sensitivity to dynamic stimuli and impairs mechanotransduction in Pv+ DRG neurons because of substrate deformation-induced neurite stretching, but not to direct neurite indentation. In behavioural tasks, global knockout (Asic3(-/-)) and Pv-Cre::Asic3(f/f) mice produce similar deficits in grid and balance beam walking tasks. We conclude that, at least in mouse, ASIC3 is a molecular determinant contributing to dynamic mechanosensitivity in proprioceptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels / deficiency
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels / genetics
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Ganglia, Spinal / physiology
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Muscle Spindles / innervation
  • Muscle Spindles / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Parvalbumins / metabolism
  • Postural Balance / physiology
  • Proprioception / physiology
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / physiology*

Substances

  • ASIC3 protein, mouse
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels
  • Parvalbumins
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins