Page last updated: 2024-10-24

thigmotaxis

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The directed movement of an animal in response to touch. [GOC:dph]

Thigmotaxis is a behavioral response in which an organism or cell moves in response to touch or physical contact. It is a fundamental process in many organisms, from single-celled bacteria to complex animals, playing a crucial role in navigation, foraging, and survival.

Thigmotaxis can manifest as either positive or negative:

**Positive Thigmotaxis:** This occurs when an organism moves towards a surface or object upon contact. This behavior is often observed in organisms that seek refuge, protection, or support from the environment. For instance, some insects may exhibit positive thigmotaxis by clinging to the sides of a container or along the surface of a plant stem.

**Negative Thigmotaxis:** In contrast, negative thigmotaxis involves moving away from a surface or object upon contact. This behavior can be observed in organisms that are sensitive to touch, such as certain species of fish that avoid bumping into obstacles.

The underlying mechanisms of thigmotaxis vary depending on the organism. In simple organisms, such as bacteria, thigmotaxis can be triggered by physical changes in the cell membrane upon contact with a surface. In more complex organisms, thigmotaxis can involve specialized sensory receptors that detect touch, and complex neuronal pathways that process and relay this information to motor centers.

**Examples of Thigmotaxis:**

* **Insects:** Insects like cockroaches exhibit positive thigmotaxis by seeking shelter in crevices or under objects. This behavior provides them with protection from predators and adverse environmental conditions.
* **Fish:** Some species of fish display negative thigmotaxis, avoiding contact with surfaces like rocks or plants. This behavior allows them to navigate through their environment more efficiently and reduces the risk of injury.
* **Mammals:** Rodents such as mice often exhibit thigmotaxis. This behavior allows them to explore their surroundings and find safe havens.
* **Plants:** While plants don't move in the same way as animals, they can exhibit thigmotaxis in their growth patterns. For example, vines can grow towards surfaces, using touch as a signal to direct their growth.

Thigmotaxis is an essential biological process that allows organisms to interact with their environment, navigate, and find optimal conditions for survival. It is a testament to the intricate and interconnected nature of life, demonstrating how even simple sensory inputs can lead to complex and adaptive behavioral responses.'
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Proteins (2)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Sodium channel protein type 11 subunit alphaA sodium channel protein type 11 subunit alpha that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:Q9UI33]Homo sapiens (human)
Histone acetyltransferase p300A histone acetyltransferase p300 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q09472]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (43)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
4-aminophenol4-aminophenol : An amino phenol (one of the three possible isomers) which has the single amino substituent located para to the phenolic -OH group.

4-aminophenol: RN given refers to parent cpd
aminophenolallergen;
metabolite
amiodaroneamiodarone : A member of the class of 1-benzofurans that is 1-benzofuran substituted by a butyl group at position 2 and a 4-[2-(diethylamino)ethoxy]-3,5-diiodobenzoyl group at position 3. It is a cardiovascular drug used for the treatment of cardiac dysrhythmias.

Amiodarone: An antianginal and class III antiarrhythmic drug. It increases the duration of ventricular and atrial muscle action by inhibiting POTASSIUM CHANNELS and VOLTAGE-GATED SODIUM CHANNELS. There is a resulting decrease in heart rate and in vascular resistance.
1-benzofurans;
aromatic ketone;
organoiodine compound;
tertiary amino compound
cardiovascular drug
amitriptylineamitriptyline : An organic tricyclic compound that is 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d][7]annulene substituted by a 3-(dimethylamino)propylidene group at position 5.

Amitriptyline: Tricyclic antidepressant with anticholinergic and sedative properties. It appears to prevent the re-uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at nerve terminals, thus potentiating the action of these neurotransmitters. Amitriptyline also appears to antagonize cholinergic and alpha-1 adrenergic responses to bioactive amines.
carbotricyclic compound;
tertiary amine
adrenergic uptake inhibitor;
antidepressant;
environmental contaminant;
tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor agonist;
xenobiotic
chlorpromazinechlorpromazine : A substituted phenothiazine in which the ring nitrogen at position 10 is attached to C-3 of an N,N-dimethylpropanamine moiety.

Chlorpromazine: The prototypical phenothiazine antipsychotic drug. Like the other drugs in this class chlorpromazine's antipsychotic actions are thought to be due to long-term adaptation by the brain to blocking DOPAMINE RECEPTORS. Chlorpromazine has several other actions and therapeutic uses, including as an antiemetic and in the treatment of intractable hiccup.
organochlorine compound;
phenothiazines;
tertiary amine
anticoronaviral agent;
antiemetic;
dopaminergic antagonist;
EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor;
phenothiazine antipsychotic drug
cifenlinediarylmethane
haloperidolhaloperidol : A compound composed of a central piperidine structure with hydroxy and p-chlorophenyl substituents at position 4 and an N-linked p-fluorobutyrophenone moiety.

Haloperidol: A phenyl-piperidinyl-butyrophenone that is used primarily to treat SCHIZOPHRENIA and other PSYCHOSES. It is also used in schizoaffective disorder, DELUSIONAL DISORDERS, ballism, and TOURETTE SYNDROME (a drug of choice) and occasionally as adjunctive therapy in INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY and the chorea of HUNTINGTON DISEASE. It is a potent antiemetic and is used in the treatment of intractable HICCUPS. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p279)
aromatic ketone;
hydroxypiperidine;
monochlorobenzenes;
organofluorine compound;
tertiary alcohol
antidyskinesia agent;
antiemetic;
dopaminergic antagonist;
first generation antipsychotic;
serotonergic antagonist
imipramineimipramine : A dibenzoazepine that is 5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine substituted by a 3-(dimethylamino)propyl group at the nitrogen atom.

Imipramine: The prototypical tricyclic antidepressant. It has been used in major depression, dysthymia, bipolar depression, attention-deficit disorders, agoraphobia, and panic disorders. It has less sedative effect than some other members of this therapeutic group.
dibenzoazepineadrenergic uptake inhibitor;
antidepressant;
EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor
mexiletinemexiletine : An aromatic ether which is 2,6-dimethylphenyl ether of 2-aminopropan-1-ol.

Mexiletine: Antiarrhythmic agent pharmacologically similar to LIDOCAINE. It may have some anticonvulsant properties.
aromatic ether;
primary amino compound
anti-arrhythmia drug
nifedipineNifedipine: A potent vasodilator agent with calcium antagonistic action. It is a useful anti-anginal agent that also lowers blood pressure.C-nitro compound;
dihydropyridine;
methyl ester
calcium channel blocker;
human metabolite;
tocolytic agent;
vasodilator agent
nitrendipinenitrendipine : A dihydropyridine that is 1,4-dihydropyridine substituted by methyl groups at positions 2 and 6, a 3-nitrophenyl group at position 4, a ethoxycarbonyl group at position 3 and a methoxycarbonyl group at position 5. It is a calcium-channel blocker used in the treatment of hypertension.

Nitrendipine: A calcium channel blocker with marked vasodilator action. It is an effective antihypertensive agent and differs from other calcium channel blockers in that it does not reduce glomerular filtration rate and is mildly natriuretic, rather than sodium retentive.
C-nitro compound;
dicarboxylic acids and O-substituted derivatives;
diester;
dihydropyridine;
ethyl ester;
methyl ester
antihypertensive agent;
calcium channel blocker;
geroprotector;
vasodilator agent
3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole: antineoplastic; activates platelet guanylate cyclase; a radiosensitizing agent and guanylate cyclase activator; structure in first source

lificiguat : A member of the class of indazoles that is 1H-indazole which is substituted by a benzyl group at position 1 and a 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furyl group at position 3. It is an activator of soluble guanylate cyclase and inhibits platelet aggregation.
aromatic primary alcohol;
furans;
indazoles
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inducer;
platelet aggregation inhibitor;
soluble guanylate cyclase activator;
vasodilator agent
plumbaginplumbagin : A hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone that is 1,4-naphthoquinone in which the hydrogens at positions 2 and 5 are substituted by methyl and hydroxy groups, respectively.

plumbagin: a superoxide anion generator
hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone;
phenols
anticoagulant;
antineoplastic agent;
immunological adjuvant;
metabolite
pimozidepimozide : A member of the class of benzimidazoles that is 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one in which one of the nitrogens is substituted by a piperidin-4-yl group, which in turn is substituted on the nitrogen by a 4,4-bis(p-fluorophenyl)butyl group.

Pimozide: A diphenylbutylpiperidine that is effective as an antipsychotic agent and as an alternative to HALOPERIDOL for the suppression of vocal and motor tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, blockade of postsynaptic dopamine receptors has been postulated. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p403)
benzimidazoles;
heteroarylpiperidine;
organofluorine compound
antidyskinesia agent;
dopaminergic antagonist;
first generation antipsychotic;
H1-receptor antagonist;
serotonergic antagonist
palmatineburasaine: structure in first sourceberberine alkaloid;
organic heterotetracyclic compound
plant metabolite
diltiazemdiltiazem : A 5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepin-3-yl acetate in which both stereocentres have S configuration. A calcium-channel blocker and vasodilator, it is used as the hydrochloride in the management of angina pectoris and hypertension.

Diltiazem: A benzothiazepine derivative with vasodilating action due to its antagonism of the actions of CALCIUM ion on membrane functions.
5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepin-3-yl acetateantihypertensive agent;
calcium channel blocker;
vasodilator agent
sertindolesertindole : A phenylindole that is 1H-indole which is substituted on the nitrogen by a p-chlorophenyl group, at position 5 by chlorine, and at position 3 by a piperidin-4-yl group, which is itself substituted on the nitrogen by a 2-(2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)ethyl group.heteroarylpiperidine;
imidazolidinone;
organochlorine compound;
organofluorine compound;
phenylindole
alpha-adrenergic antagonist;
H1-receptor antagonist;
second generation antipsychotic;
serotonergic antagonist
mibefradilMibefradil: A benzimidazoyl-substituted tetraline that selectively binds and inhibits CALCIUM CHANNELS, T-TYPE.tetralinsT-type calcium channel blocker
epigallocatechin gallate(-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate : A gallate ester obtained by the formal condensation of gallic acid with the (3R)-hydroxy group of (-)-epigallocatechin.

epigallocatechin gallate: a steroid 5alpha-reductase inhibitor and antimutagen in green tea (Camellia sinensis)
flavans;
gallate ester;
polyphenol
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
apoptosis inducer;
geroprotector;
Hsp90 inhibitor;
neuroprotective agent;
plant metabolite
tedisamiltedisamil : A member of the class of diazabicyclononanes that is (1s,5s)-3,7-diazaspiro[bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-9,1'-cyclopentane] in which the hydrogens at positions 3 and 7 are replaced by cyclopropylmethyl groups. It is a potassium channel blocker and an antiarrhythmic agent currently currently in development for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
delphinidindelphinidin chloride : An anthocyanidin chloride that has delphinidin as the cationic counterpart.

Paraffin: A mixture of solid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It has a wide range of uses including as a stiffening agent in ointments, as a lubricant, and as a topical anti-inflammatory. It is also commonly used as an embedding material in histology.
anthocyanidin chloride
uk 68798aromatic ether;
sulfonamide;
tertiary amino compound
anti-arrhythmia drug;
potassium channel blocker
haloproginvenenatine: RN given for (3beta,16beta,17beta,20alpha)-isomer; structure in first source
taxodionetaxodione: structurediterpenoid
coenzyme aadenosine 3',5'-bisphosphatecoenzyme;
Escherichia coli metabolite;
mouse metabolite
c.i. direct red 23C.I. Direct Red 23: azo dye; structure in first source
n-(4-(7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin-3-yl)phenyl)maleimide7-diethylamino-3-(4-maleimidophenyl)-4-methylcoumarin : A member of the class of coumarins that is 2H-chromen-2-one substituted by 4-(2,5-dioxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)phenyl, methyl, and diethylamino groups at positions 3, 4 and 7, respectively. It is a thiol-reactive fluorescent dye.

N-(4-(7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin-3-yl)phenyl)maleimide: structure given in first source
benzenes;
coumarins;
maleimides;
tertiary amino compound
fluorescent dye
anacardic acidanacardic acid : A hydroxybenzoic acid that is salicylic acid substituted by a pentadecyl group at position 6. It is a major component of cashew nut shell liquid and exhibits an extensive range of bioactivities.

anacardic acid: isolated from Anacardium occidentale; monophenol monooxygenase inhibitor
hydroxy monocarboxylic acid;
hydroxybenzoic acid
anti-inflammatory agent;
antibacterial agent;
anticoronaviral agent;
apoptosis inducer;
EC 2.3.1.48 (histone acetyltransferase) inhibitor;
EC 3.4.22.69 (SARS coronavirus main proteinase) inhibitor;
neuroprotective agent;
plant metabolite
curcumincurcumin : A beta-diketone that is methane in which two of the hydrogens are substituted by feruloyl groups. A natural dyestuff found in the root of Curcuma longa.

Curcumin: A yellow-orange dye obtained from tumeric, the powdered root of CURCUMA longa. It is used in the preparation of curcuma paper and the detection of boron. Curcumin appears to possess a spectrum of pharmacological properties, due primarily to its inhibitory effects on metabolic enzymes.
aromatic ether;
beta-diketone;
diarylheptanoid;
enone;
polyphenol
anti-inflammatory agent;
antifungal agent;
antineoplastic agent;
biological pigment;
contraceptive drug;
dye;
EC 1.1.1.205 (IMP dehydrogenase) inhibitor;
EC 1.1.1.21 (aldehyde reductase) inhibitor;
EC 1.1.1.25 (shikimate dehydrogenase) inhibitor;
EC 1.6.5.2 [NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone)] inhibitor;
EC 1.8.1.9 (thioredoxin reductase) inhibitor;
EC 2.7.10.2 (non-specific protein-tyrosine kinase) inhibitor;
EC 3.5.1.98 (histone deacetylase) inhibitor;
flavouring agent;
food colouring;
geroprotector;
hepatoprotective agent;
immunomodulator;
iron chelator;
ligand;
lipoxygenase inhibitor;
metabolite;
neuroprotective agent;
nutraceutical;
radical scavenger
umi-77UMI-77: an Mcl-1 inhibitor; structure in first source
cyqualoncyclovalone: is a synthetic curcumin derivative; structure in first source
guttiferone eguttiferone E: isolated from the fruits of Garcinia pyrifera collected in Malaysia; structure in first source
2-hydroxy-6-[(8Z,11Z)-pentadeca-8,11,14-trien-1-yl]benzoic acidhydroxybenzoic acid
6h-thieno[3,2-f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine-6-acetamide, 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-n-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3,9-trimethyl-, (6s)-organonitrogen heterocyclic compound;
organosulfur heterocyclic compound
chetomin
camboginisogarcinol: has immunosuppresant activity; isolated from Garcinia mangostana; structure in first source
tetrodotoxin
3,4-dimethoxy-n-((2,2-dimethyl-2h-chromen-6-yl)methyl)-n-phenylbenzenesulfonamide3,4-dimethoxy-N-((2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromen-6-yl)methyl)-N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide: has antineoplastic activity; structure in first source
jq1 compoundcarboxylic ester;
organochlorine compound;
tert-butyl ester;
thienotriazolodiazepine
angiogenesis inhibitor;
anti-inflammatory agent;
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inducer;
bromodomain-containing protein 4 inhibitor;
cardioprotective agent;
ferroptosis inducer
gsk525762amolibresib: mimicks acetylated histones; structure in first sourcebenzodiazepine
i-bet726
saxitoxinsaxitoxin : An alkaloid isolated from the marine dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.

Saxitoxin: A compound that contains a reduced purine ring system but is not biosynthetically related to the purine alkaloids. It is a poison found in certain edible mollusks at certain times; elaborated by GONYAULAX and consumed by mollusks, fishes, etc. without ill effects. It is neurotoxic and causes RESPIRATORY PARALYSIS and other effects in MAMMALS, known as paralytic SHELLFISH poisoning.
alkaloid;
carbamate ester;
guanidines;
ketone hydrate;
paralytic shellfish toxin;
pyrrolopurine
cyanotoxin;
marine metabolite;
neurotoxin;
sodium channel blocker;
toxin
ajmaline
1,2-bis(isothiazol-5-yl)disulfane1,2-bis(isothiazol-5-yl)disulfane: structure in first source