Journal article
PIEZO2 and perineal mechanosensation are essential for sexual function
Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), Vol.381(6660), pp.906-910
08/25/2023
DOI: 10.1126/science.adg0144
PMCID: PMC11418610
PMID: 37616369
Abstract
Despite the potential importance of genital mechanosensation for sexual reproduction, little is known about how perineal touch influences mating. We explored how mechanosensation affords exquisite awareness of the genitals and controls reproduction in mice and humans. Using genetic strategies and in vivo functional imaging, we demonstrated that the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO2 (piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2) is necessary for behavioral sensitivity to perineal touch. PIEZO2 function is needed for triggering a touch-evoked erection reflex and successful mating in both male and female mice. Humans with complete loss of PIEZO2 function have genital hyposensitivity and experience no direct pleasure from gentle touch or vibration. Together, our results help explain how perineal mechanoreceptors detect the gentlest of stimuli and trigger physiologically important sexual responses, thus providing a platform for exploring the sensory basis of sexual pleasure and its relationship to affective touch.
Editor’s summary It is well known that the genitals are unusually sensitive, and that genital touch is crucial for mating and associated pleasure, but the underlying basis is not completely understood. By studying mice and humans with a rare inherited mechanosensory syndrome, Lam et al . identified a mechanism involving the mechanoreceptor PIEZO2 that is responsible for determining genital sensitivity (see the Perspective by George and Abraira). Their results highlight the importance of touch for driving physiological responses needed for sexual function. The identification of PIEZO2 and a specific type of touch neuron as key mediators might help in the development of therapeutic approaches for both hypo- and hypersensitivity that interfere with the enjoyment of sex. —Mattia Maroso
A select set of perineal mechanosensors provide exquisite behavioral sensitivity, require Piezo2, and control sexual function in mice and humans.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- PIEZO2 and perineal mechanosensation are essential for sexual function
- Creators
- Ruby M. Lam - National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthLars J. von Buchholtz - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial ResearchMelanie Falgairolle - National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthJennifer Osborne - National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthEleni Frangos - National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthM. Rocio Servin-Vences - Scripps Research InstituteMaximilian Nagel - National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthMinh Q. Nguyen - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial ResearchMonessha Jayabalan - National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthDimah Saade - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeArdem Patapoutian - Scripps Research InstituteCarsten G. Bönnemann - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeNicholas J. P. Ryba - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial ResearchAlexander T. Chesler - National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), Vol.381(6660), pp.906-910
- DOI
- 10.1126/science.adg0144
- PMID
- 37616369
- PMCID
- PMC11418610
- NLM abbreviation
- Science
- ISSN
- 0036-8075
- eISSN
- 1095-9203
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/25/2023
- Academic Unit
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Neurology (Pediatrics)
- Record Identifier
- 9984459414702771
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