An Airway Protection Program Revealed by Sweeping Genetic Control of Vagal Afferents
Published in Cell, 2020
In this paper, we identified and characterized a defined subset of sensory neurons that detects chemical stimuli in the larynx to evoke protective reflexes. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse vagal ganglia and an optogenetic screen, we identified neurons that are necessary and sufficient for water- and acid-evoked airway protective reflexes. We further identified a role for purinergic signaling from upstream laryngeal taste cells in detection of laryngeal water cues.
Recommended citation: S. L. Prescott*, B. D. Umans*, E. K. Williams, R. D. Brust, and S. D. Liberles. (2020). "An Airway Protection Program Revealed by Sweeping Genetic Control of Vagal Afferents." Cell. 181(3) 574-589.e14.
Download Paper