Merkel cell
merkel cell
A specialized epithelial cell located in the skin epidermis and certain mucosal epithelia. It functions as a mechanoreceptor for light touch by forming synapse-like contacts with somatosensory afferent nerve endings, contributing to slowly adapting type I (SAI) tactile responses. Characterized by dense-core neuroendocrine granules, the Merkel cell exhibits both sensory and neuroendocrine properties, including regulated neurotransmitter release via SNARE complex-dependent mechanisms. Its development in mice depends on the transcription factor Atoh1.