A role for proprioceptors in sngception

Sci Adv. 2025 Jan 31;11(5):eabc5219. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abc5219. Epub 2025 Jan 31.

Abstract

Proprioceptors are primary mechanosensory neurons to monitor the status of muscle contraction and/or body position (1). Although proprioceptors are known as non-nociceptive mechanoreceptors, they also express the pro-nociceptive acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) (2-5). To probe the role for proprioceptors in sensing acidosis (or sngception) (6), we found that genetic deletion of Asic3 in proprioceptors but not in nociceptors abolished acid-induced chronic hyperalgesia in mice. Chemo-optogenetically activating proprioceptors resulted in hyperalgesic priming that favored chronic pain induced by acidosis. In humans, intramuscular acidification induced acid perception but not pain. Conversely, in a spinal cord-injured patient who lost pain sensation in the right leg, proprioception and sngception were remaining somatosensory functions, associated with the spinal dorsal column. Together, evidence from both mouse and human studies suggests a role for proprioceptors in sngception.

MeSH terms

  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels* / genetics
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels* / metabolism
  • Acidosis* / metabolism
  • Acidosis* / physiopathology
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperalgesia / metabolism
  • Hyperalgesia / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Mechanoreceptors* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Nociceptors / metabolism
  • Proprioception* / physiology
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / metabolism
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology

Substances

  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels
  • ASIC3 protein, mouse