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Mahmoud MAA, Zhang Y. Enhancing Odor Analysis with Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry (GC-O): Recent Breakthroughs and Challenges. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:9523-9554. [PMID: 38640191 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) has made significant advancements in recent years, with breakthroughs in its applications and the identification of its limitations. This technology is widely used for analyzing complex odor patterns. The review begins by explaining the principles of GC-O, including sample preparation, separation methods, and olfactory evaluation techniques. It then explores the diverse range of applications where GC-O has found success, such as food and beverage industries, environmental monitoring, perfume and aroma development, and forensic analysis. One of the major breakthroughs in GC-O analysis is the improvement in separation power and resolution of odorants. Techniques like rapid GC, comprehensive two-dimensional GC, and multidimensional GC have enhanced the identification and quantification of odor-active chemicals. However, GC-O also has limitations. These include the challenges in detecting and quantifying trace odorants, dealing with matrix effects, and ensuring the repeatability and consistency of results across laboratories. The review examines these limitations closely and discusses potential solutions and future directions for improvement in GC-O analysis. Overall, this review presents a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in GC-O, covering breakthroughs, applications, and limitations. It aims to promote the wider usage of GC-O analysis in odor analysis and related industries. Researchers, practitioners, and anyone interested in leveraging the capabilities of GC-O in analyzing complex odor patterns will find this review a valuable resource. The article highlights the potential of GC-O and encourages further research and development in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A A Mahmoud
- Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Hadayek Shobra, Cairo 11241, Egypt
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Department of Flavor Chemistry, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstraße 12, Stuttgart 70599, Germany
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2
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Matějková T, Dodoková A, Kreisinger J, Stopka P, Stopková R. Microbial, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling of the estrous cycle in wild house mice. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0203723. [PMID: 38171017 PMCID: PMC10846187 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02037-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic microbial communities affect the host immune system and produce molecules contributing to the odor of an individual. In many mammalian species, saliva and vaginal fluids are important sources of chemical signals that originate from bacterial metabolism and may act as honest signals of health and reproductive status. In this study, we aimed to define oral and vaginal microbiomes and their dynamics throughout the estrous cycle in wild house mice. In addition, we analyzed a subset of vaginal proteomes and metabolomes to detect potential interactions with microbiomes. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that both saliva and vagina are dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria but differ at the genus level. The oral microbiome is more stable during the estrous cycle and most abundant bacteria belong to the genera Gemella and Streptococcus, while the vaginal microbiome shows higher bacterial diversity and dynamics during the reproductive cycle and is characterized by the dominance of Muribacter and Rodentibacter. These two genera cover around 50% of the bacterial community during estrus. Proteomic profiling of vaginal fluids revealed specific protein patterns associated with different estrous phases. Highly expressed proteins in estrus involve the keratinization process thus providing estrus markers (e.g., Hrnr) while some proteins are downregulated such as immune-related proteins that limit bacterial growth (Camp, Clu, Elane, Lyz2, and Ngp). The vaginal metabolome contains volatile compounds potentially involved in chemical communication, for example, ketones, aldehydes, and esters of carboxylic acids. Data integration of all three OMICs data sets revealed high correlations, thus providing evidence that microbiomes, host proteomes, and metabolomes may interact.IMPORTANCEOur data revealed dynamic changes in vaginal, but not salivary, microbiome composition during the reproductive cycle of wild mice. With multiple OMICs platforms, we provide evidence that changes in microbiota in the vaginal environment are accompanied by changes in the proteomic and metabolomics profiles of the host. This study describes the natural microbiota of wild mice and may contribute to a better understanding of microbiome-host immune system interactions during the hormonal and cellular changes in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, analysis of volatiles in the vaginal fluid shows particular substances that can be involved in chemical communication and reproductive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Matějková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Alica Dodoková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Jakub Kreisinger
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Pavel Stopka
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Romana Stopková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
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3
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Nakanishi S, Tsutsui T, Itai N, Denda M. Distinct sets of olfactory receptors highly expressed in different human tissues evaluated by meta-transcriptome analysis: Association of OR10A6 in skin with keratinization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1102585. [PMID: 36776557 PMCID: PMC9909485 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1102585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfactory receptors (ORs) are expressed in many tissues and have multiple functions. However, most studies have focused on individual ORs. Here, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive meta-transcriptome analysis of OR gene expression in human tissues by using open-source tools to search a large, publicly available genotype-tissue expression (GTEx) data set. Analysis of RNA-seq data from GTEx revealed that OR expression patterns were tissue-dependent, and we identified distinct sets of ORs that were highly expressed in 12 tissues, involving 97 ORs in total. Among them, OR5P2, OR5P3 and OR10A6 were associated with skin. We further examined the roles of these ORs in skin by performing weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and c3net analysis. WGCNA suggested that the three ORs are involved in epidermal differentiation and water-impermeable barrier homeostasis, and OR10A6 showed the largest gene sub-network in the c3net network. Immunocytochemical examination of human skin keratinocytes revealed a sparse expression pattern of OR10A6, suggesting that it is not uniformly distributed among all keratinocytes. An OR10A6 agonist, 3-phenylpropyl propionate (3PPP), transiently increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration and increased cornified envelope (CE) production in cultured keratinocytes. Knock-down of OR10A6 diminished the effect of 3PPP. Overall, integration of meta-transcriptome analysis and functional analysis uncovered distinct expression patterns of ORs in various human tissues, providing basic data for future studies of the biological functions of highly expressed ORs in individual tissues. Our results further suggest that expression of OR10A6 in skin is related to epidermal differentiation, and OR10A6 may be a potential target for modulation of keratinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinobu Nakanishi
- Shiseido Global Innovation Center, Yokohama, Japan,*Correspondence: Shinobu Nakanishi, ; Taiki Tsutsui,
| | - Taiki Tsutsui
- Shiseido Global Innovation Center, Yokohama, Japan,*Correspondence: Shinobu Nakanishi, ; Taiki Tsutsui,
| | - Nao Itai
- Shiseido Global Innovation Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Denda
- Institute for Advanced Study of Mathematical Sciences, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Yuan X, Wang Y, Ali MA, Qin Z, Guo Z, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Zhou G, Yang J, Chen L, Shen L, Zhu L, Zeng C. Odorant Receptor OR2C1 Is an Essential Modulator of Boar Sperm Capacitation by Binding with Heparin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021664. [PMID: 36675176 PMCID: PMC9861704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Heparin, a class of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), is widely used to induce sperm capacitation and fertilization. How heparin induces sperm capacitation remains unclear. Olfactory receptors (ORs) which are G protein-coupled receptors, have been proposed to be involved in sperm capacitation. However, the interaction between ORs and odor molecules and the molecular mechanism of ORs mediating sperm capacitation are still unclear. The present study aimed to explore the underlying interaction and mechanism between heparin and ORs in carrying out the boar sperm capacitation. The results showed that olfactory receptor 2C1 (OR2C1) is a compulsory unit which regulates the sperm capacitation by recognizing and binding with heparin, as determined by Dual-Glo Luciferase Assay and molecular docking. In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation indicated that OR2C1 binds with heparin via a hydrophobic cavity comprises of Arg3, Ala6, Thr7, Asn171, Arg172, Arg173, and Pro287. Furthermore, we demonstrated that knocking down OR2C1 significantly inhibits sperm capacitation. In conclusion, we highlighted a novel olfactory receptor, OR2C1, in boar sperm and disclosed the potential binding of heparin to Pro287, a conserved residue in the transmembrane helices region 7 (TMH7). Our findings will benefit the further understanding of ORs involved in sperm capacitation and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yihan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Malik Ahsan Ali
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Ziyue Qin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhihua Guo
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Guangbin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiandong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Linyuan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Changjun Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-28-8629-1010
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Teveroni E, Di Nicuolo F, Vergani E, Bruno C, Maulucci G, Bianchetti G, Astorri AL, Grande G, Gervasoni J, Santucci L, De Spirito M, Urbani A, Pontecorvi A, Mancini F, Milardi D. Short-Chain Fatty Acids Modulate Sperm Migration through Olfactory Receptor 51E2 Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112726. [PMID: 36361515 PMCID: PMC9658011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-orthotopic expression of olfactory receptors (ORs) includes the male reproductive system, and in particular spermatozoa; their active ligands could be essential to sperm chemotaxis and chemical sperm-oocyte communication. OR51E2 expression has been previously reported on sperm cells' surface. It has been demonstrated in different cellular models that olfactory receptor 51E2 (OR51E2) binds volatile short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as specific ligands. In the present research, we make use of Western blot, confocal microscopy colocalization analysis, and the calcium-release assay to demonstrate the activation of sperm cells through OR51E2 upon SCFAs stimulus. Moreover, we perform a novel modified swim-up assay to study the involvement of OR51E2/SCFAs in sperm migration. Taking advantage of computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA system), we determine the kinematics parameters of sperm cells migrating towards SCFAs-enriched medium, revealing that these ligands are able to promote a more linear sperm-cell orientation. Finally, we obtain SCFAs by mass spectrometry in cervico-vaginal mucus and show for the first time that a direct incubation between cervical mucus and sperm cells could promote their activation. This study can shed light on the possible function of chemosensory receptors in successful reproduction activity, laying the foundation for the development of new strategies for the treatment of infertile individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Teveroni
- International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, ISI, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Nicuolo
- International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, ISI, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vergani
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Bruno
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maulucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Biophysics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Bianchetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Biophysics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Astorri
- International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, ISI, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Jacopo Gervasoni
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Santucci
- Metabolomics Research Core Facility, Gemelli Science and Technology Park (GSteP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Biophysics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, ISI, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | - Francesca Mancini
- International Scientific Institute “Paul VI”, ISI, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Milardi
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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6
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Raka RN, Wu H, Xiao J, Hossen I, Cao Y, Huang M, Jin J. Human ectopic olfactory receptors and their food originated ligands: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:5424-5443. [PMID: 33605814 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1885007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic olfactory receptors (EORs) are expressed in non-nasal tissues of human body. They belong to the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. EORs may not be capable of differentiating odorants as nasal olfactory receptors (ORs), but still can be triggered by odorants and are involved in different biological processes such as anti-inflammation, energy metabolism, apoptosis etc. Consumption of strong flavored foods like celery, oranges, onions, and spices, is a good aid to attenuate inflammation and boost our immune system. During the digestion of these foods in human digestive system and the metabolization by gut microbiota, the odorants closely interacting with EORs, may play important roles in various bio-functions like serotonin release, appetite regulation etc., and ultimately impact health and diseases. Thus, EORs could be a potential target linking the ligands from food and their bioactivities. There have been related studies in different research fields of medicine and physiology, but still no systematic food oriented review. Our review portrays that EORs could be a potential target for functional food development. In this review, we summarized the EORs found in human tissues, their impacts on health and disease, ligands interacting with EORs exerting specific biological effects, and the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifat Nowshin Raka
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing, China.,Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Wu
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of Plant Resource Research and Development, Beijing, China
| | - Junsong Xiao
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing, China.,Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing, China
| | - Imam Hossen
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing, China.,Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Cao
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing, China
| | - Mingquan Huang
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Jin
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of Plant Resource Research and Development, Beijing, China
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Abstract
Olfactory and taste receptors are expressed primarily in the nasal olfactory epithelium and gustatory taste bud cells, where they transmit real-time sensory signals to the brain. However, they are also expressed in multiple extra-nasal and extra-oral tissues, being implicated in diverse biological processes including sperm chemotaxis, muscle regeneration, bronchoconstriction and bronchodilatation, inflammation, appetite regulation and energy metabolism. Elucidation of the physiological roles of these ectopic receptors is revealing potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications in conditions including wounds, hair loss, asthma, obesity and cancers. This Review outlines current understanding of the diverse functions of ectopic olfactory and taste receptors and assesses their potential to be therapeutically exploited.
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Luddi A, Governini L, Wilmskötter D, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I, Piomboni P. Taste Receptors: New Players in Sperm Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E967. [PMID: 30813355 PMCID: PMC6413048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste receptors were first described as sensory receptors located on the tongue, where they are expressed in small clusters of specialized epithelial cells. However, more studies were published in recent years pointing to an expression of these proteins not only in the oral cavity but throughout the body and thus to a physiological role beyond the tongue. The recent observation that taste receptors and components of the coupled taste transduction cascade are also expressed during the different phases of spermatogenesis as well as in mature spermatozoa from mouse to humans and the overlap between the ligand spectrum of taste receptors with compounds in the male and female reproductive organs makes it reasonable to assume that sperm "taste" these different cues in their natural microenvironments. This assumption is assisted by the recent observations of a reproductive phenotype of different mouse lines carrying a targeted deletion of a taste receptor gene as well as the finding of a significant correlation between human male infertility and some polymorphisms in taste receptors genes. In this review, we depict recent findings on the role of taste receptors in male fertility, especially focusing on their possible involvement in mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis and post testicular sperm maturation. We also highlight the impact of genetic deletions of taste receptors, as well as their polymorphisms on male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Dorke Wilmskötter
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany.
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany.
| | - Ingrid Boekhoff
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany.
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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9
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Maßberg D, Hatt H. Human Olfactory Receptors: Novel Cellular Functions Outside of the Nose. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1739-1763. [PMID: 29897292 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00013.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory receptors (ORs) are not exclusively expressed in the olfactory sensory neurons; they are also observed outside of the olfactory system in all other human tissues tested to date, including the testis, lung, intestine, skin, heart, and blood. Within these tissues, certain ORs have been determined to be exclusively expressed in only one tissue, whereas other ORs are more widely distributed in many different tissues throughout the human body. For most of the ectopically expressed ORs, limited data are available for their functional roles. They have been shown to be involved in the modulation of cell-cell recognition, migration, proliferation, the apoptotic cycle, exocytosis, and pathfinding processes. Additionally, there is a growing body of evidence that they have the potential to serve as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, as ORs are highly expressed in different cancer tissues. Interestingly, in addition to the canonical signaling pathways activated by ORs in olfactory sensory neurons, alternative pathways have been demonstrated in nonolfactory tissues. In this review, the existing data concerning the expression, as well as the physiological and pathophysiological functions, of ORs outside of the nose are highlighted to provide insights into future lines of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Maßberg
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Department of Cell Physiology , Bochum , Germany
| | - Hanns Hatt
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Department of Cell Physiology , Bochum , Germany
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10
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Flegel C, Vogel F, Hofreuter A, Schreiner BSP, Osthold S, Veitinger S, Becker C, Brockmeyer NH, Muschol M, Wennemuth G, Altmüller J, Hatt H, Gisselmann G. Characterization of the Olfactory Receptors Expressed in Human Spermatozoa. Front Mol Biosci 2016; 2:73. [PMID: 26779489 PMCID: PMC4703994 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2015.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of external cues is fundamental for human spermatozoa to locate the oocyte in the female reproductive tract. This task requires a specific chemoreceptor repertoire that is expressed on the surface of human spermatozoa, which is not fully identified to date. Olfactory receptors (ORs) are candidate molecules and have been attributed to be involved in sperm chemotaxis and chemokinesis, indicating an important role in mammalian spermatozoa. An increasing importance has been suggested for spermatozoal RNA, which led us to investigate the expression of all 387 OR genes. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of OR transcripts in human spermatozoa of several individuals by RNA-Seq. We detected 91 different transcripts in the spermatozoa samples that could be aligned to annotated OR genes. Using stranded mRNA-Seq, we detected a class of these putative OR transcripts in an antisense orientation, indicating a different function, rather than coding for a functional OR protein. Nevertheless, we were able to detect OR proteins in various compartments of human spermatozoa, indicating distinct functions in human sperm. A panel of various OR ligands induced Ca(2+) signals in human spermatozoa, which could be inhibited by mibefradil. This study indicates that a variety of ORs are expressed at the mRNA and protein level in human spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Flegel
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University BochumBochum, Germany
| | - Felix Vogel
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University BochumBochum, Germany
| | - Adrian Hofreuter
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University BochumBochum, Germany
| | | | - Sandra Osthold
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University BochumBochum, Germany
| | - Sophie Veitinger
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University BochumBochum, Germany
| | | | - Norbert H. Brockmeyer
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Ruhr University BochumBochum, Germany
- Competence Network for HIV/AIDS, Ruhr University BochumBochum, Germany
| | - Michael Muschol
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital EssenEssen, Germany
| | | | | | - Hanns Hatt
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University BochumBochum, Germany
| | - Günter Gisselmann
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University BochumBochum, Germany
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Flegel C, Schöbel N, Altmüller J, Becker C, Tannapfel A, Hatt H, Gisselmann G. RNA-Seq Analysis of Human Trigeminal and Dorsal Root Ganglia with a Focus on Chemoreceptors. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128951. [PMID: 26070209 PMCID: PMC4466559 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemosensory capacity of the somatosensory system relies on the appropriate expression of chemoreceptors, which detect chemical stimuli and transduce sensory information into cellular signals. Knowledge of the complete repertoire of the chemoreceptors expressed in human sensory ganglia is lacking. This study employed the next-generation sequencing technique (RNA-Seq) to conduct the first expression analysis of human trigeminal ganglia (TG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). We analyzed the data with a focus on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels, which are (potentially) involved in chemosensation by somatosensory neurons in the human TG and DRG. For years, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have been considered the main group of receptors for chemosensation in the trigeminal system. Interestingly, we could show that sensory ganglia also express a panel of different olfactory receptors (ORs) with putative chemosensory function. To characterize OR expression in more detail, we performed microarray, semi-quantitative RT-PCR experiments, and immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, we analyzed the expression data to identify further known or putative classes of chemoreceptors in the human TG and DRG. Our results give an overview of the major classes of chemoreceptors expressed in the human TG and DRG and provide the basis for a broader understanding of the reception of chemical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Flegel
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nicole Schöbel
- Department of Animal Physiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Hanns Hatt
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Günter Gisselmann
- Department of Cell Physiology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Pitts RJ, Liu C, Zhou X, Malpartida JC, Zwiebel LJ. Odorant receptor-mediated sperm activation in disease vector mosquitoes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:2566-71. [PMID: 24550284 PMCID: PMC3932880 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1322923111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects, such as the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, depend upon chemoreceptors to respond to volatiles emitted from a range of environmental sources, most notably blood meal hosts and oviposition sites. A subset of peripheral signaling pathways involved in these insect chemosensory-dependent behaviors requires the activity of heteromeric odorant receptor (OR) ion channel complexes and ligands for numerous A. gambiae ORs (AgOrs) have been identified. Although AgOrs are expressed in nonhead appendages, studies characterizing potential AgOr function in nonolfactory tissues have not been conducted. In the present study, we explore the possibility that AgOrs mediate responses of spermatozoa to endogenous signaling molecules in A. gambiae. In addition to finding AgOr transcript expression in testes, we show that the OR coreceptor, AgOrco, is localized to the flagella of A. gambiae spermatozoa where Orco-specific agonists, antagonists, and other odorant ligands robustly activate flagella beating in an Orco-dependent process. We also demonstrate Orco expression and Orco-mediated activation of spermatozoa in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Moreover, we find Orco localization in testes across distinct insect taxa and posit that OR-mediated responses in spermatozoa may represent a general characteristic of insect reproduction and an example of convergent evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Jason Pitts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235; and
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235; and
| | - Xiaofan Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235; and
| | - Juan C. Malpartida
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235; and
| | - Laurence J. Zwiebel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235; and
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Program in Developmental Biology and Institutes of Chemical Biology and Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235
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