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In this issue of Neuron , Yamada et al. 1 show that fast excitatory neurotransmission by protons acting at acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) mediates mechanical force-evoked signaling at the Merkel cell-neurite complex, contributing to mammalian tactile discrimination. In this issue of Neuron , Yamada et al. 1 show that fast excitatory neurotransmission by protons acting at acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) mediates mechanical force-evoked signaling at the Merkel cell-neurite complex (MNC), contributing to mammalian tactile discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]