Itch

Itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase is a protein that in humans is encoded by the gene ITCH. It is a HECT domain–containing E3 ubiquitin ligase, whose name comes from it being ablated in non-agouti-lethal 18H ( Itchy) mice. Itchy mice develop a severe immunological phenotype after birth that includes hyperplasia of lymphoid and hematopoietic cells, and stomach and lung inflammation. In humans ITCH deficiency causes altered physical growth, craniofacial morphology defects, defective muscle development, and aberrant immune system function. The ITCH gene is located on chromosome 20 in humans. ITCH contains a C2 domain, proline-rich region, WW domains, HECT domain, and multiple amino acids that are phosphorylated and ubiquitinated.

An itch (also known as pruritus) is a sensation that causes a strong desire or reflex to scratch. Itches have many similarities to pain, and while both are unpleasant sensory experiences, their behavioral response patterns are different. Pain creates a withdrawal reflex, whereas itches lead to a scratch reflex. Unmyelinated nerve fibers for itches and pain both originate in the skin. Information for them is conveyed centrally in two distinct systems that both use the same nerve bundle and spinothalamic tract. ===Itches due to specific stimuli=== In polycythemia vera itching is particularly caused by skin contact with warm water, such as in bath or shower.

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