Researchers discover molecular 'switch' that simultaneously manages touch and pain
· Medical Xpressby Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin
Lisa Lock
Scientific Editor
Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process
Andrew Zinin
Chief Editor
Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process Editors' notes
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
fact-checked
trusted source
proofread
The GIST Add as preferred source
A research team led by Prof. Hyosang Lee of the Department of Brain Sciences at DGIST has identified TWIK-1, a type of potassium channel expressed in the spinal cord and peripheral sensory neurons of the somatosensory system, as a key molecular regulator of touch sensation and chronic pain. The study is significant because it presents a new molecular mechanism in the spinal cord that regulates touch responses and reveals the cause of persistent neuropathic pain, an intractable disorder, as well as a therapeutic target. The paper is published in the journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.
The somatosensory system is a neural system responsible for detecting touch, pain and temperature changes, and these sensory signals are transmitted through peripheral sensory neurons to the spinal cord, where they are processed. However, when nerves are damaged, neuropathic pain may occur, in which pain persists for an extended period without any specific cause, significantly reducing quality of life. To date, the precise mechanisms underlying the persistence of pain have not been fully elucidated, leaving effective treatment options limited.
Through precise experiments using genetically engineered mouse models, the research team confirmed that the TWIK-1 potassium channel plays a key role in processing tactile information by regulating the activity of inhibitory neurons in the spinal cord.
The research team also found that TWIK-1 regulates the persistence of pain and allodynia in peripheral sensory neurons. These findings advance current understanding of the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain and suggest new therapeutic possibilities for selectively regulating persistent pain.
"Through this study, we have demonstrated that the TWIK-1 potassium channel plays distinct roles in the formation of touch sensation and maintenance of chronic pain, depending on its location," stated Prof. Lee. "Furthermore, we have provided important experimental evidence for reinterpreting the conventional paradigm that potassium ion channels uniformly suppress pain.
"We expect this research to help further elucidate how touch is processed in the spinal cord and to lead to the development of neuropathic pain treatments that target TWIK-1."
More information
Seo Young Yang et al, TWIK-1 plays distinct roles in spinal and peripheral sensory circuits controlling mechanical sensitivity and neuropathic hypersensitivity, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41392-026-02748-8
Key medical concepts
Clinical categories
Neurology Provided by Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology Who's behind this story?
Lisa Lock
BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →
Andrew Zinin
Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →
Citation: Researchers discover molecular 'switch' that simultaneously manages touch and pain (2026, July 6) retrieved 6 July 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-07-molecular-simultaneously-pain.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.