Molecular basis of somatosensation in insects

Abstract

Among our senses, somatosensation represents the stimuli from the skin as well as the relative body positioning in space. Somatosensory cues are multimodal, including mechanical, temperature, and noxious stimuli. Somatosensation has profound effects on animal physiology and behaviors. Insects have thrived for half a billion years and spread every corner of the earth. The dedicated somatosensory system of insects has helped them to adapt to highly diverse environments. The study of somatosensation in insects, especially in the model organism fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, has provided valuable insights for our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of somatosensation. Here, we highlight recent advances of somatosensation research in insects, with a focus on the key molecules that were identified in insect somatosensation.