CRELD1 protein links touch, temperature, pain, itch responses in mice

Researchers at Tsinghua University have identified a single protein that appears to influence several basic sensory responses in mice. The team, led by Bailong Xiao, found that removing the protein CRELD1 weakened the animals’ reactions to touch, heat, cold, painful pressure and itch. The study suggests that these distinct sensory pathways share a common molecular helper, raising the possibility that CRELD1 could serve as a new drug target for conditions involving touch, temperature, pain and itch.