Somatosensory neurons express specific sets of lincRNAs, and lincRNA CLAP promotes itch sensation in mice.

Somatosensory neurons are highly heterogeneous with distinct types of neural cells responding to specific stimuli. However, the distribution and roles of cell-type-specific long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) in somatosensory neurons remain largely unexplored. Here, by utilizing droplet-based single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) and full-length Smart-seq2, we show that lincRNAs, but not coding mRNAs, are enriched in specific types of mouse somatosensory neurons.

mA-modified lincRNA Dubr is required for neuronal development by stabilizing YTHDF1/3 and facilitating mRNA translation.

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are crucial regulators in numerous biological processes. However, the functions and mechanisms of mA-modified lincRNAs in neuronal development remain unclear. Here, we report an mA-modified lincRNA, Dppa2 upstream binding RNA (Dubr), abundantly expressed at the early developmental stage of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and cerebral cortex.

Axon-enriched lincRNA ALAE is required for axon elongation via regulation of local mRNA translation.

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are critical regulators involved in diverse biological processes. However, the roles and related mechanisms of lincRNAs in axon development are largely unknown. Here we report an axon-enriched lincRNA regulating axon elongation, referred to as ALAE.

FGF13 Is Required for Histamine-Induced Itch Sensation by Interaction with Na1.7.

Itch can be induced by activation of small-diameter DRG neurons, which express abundant intracellular fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13). Although FGF13 is revealed to be essential for heat nociception, its role in mediating itch remains to be investigated. Here, we reported that loss of FGF13 in mouse DRG neurons impaired the histamine-induced scratching behavior.

FMRP-Mediated Axonal Delivery of miR-181d Regulates Axon Elongation by Locally Targeting Map1b and Calm1.

Subcellular targeting and local translation of mRNAs are critical for axon development. However, the precise local control of mRNA translation requires investigation. We report that the Fmr1-encoded protein, FMRP-mediated axonal delivery of miR-181d negatively regulates axon elongation by locally targeting the transcripts of MAP1B (Map1b) and calmodulin (Calm1) in primary sensory neurons.