1
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Bradshaw CM. Comparison of sucrose and maltose as reinforcers in an operant choice paradigm. Behav Processes 2024; 220:105075. [PMID: 38944130 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105075] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Two experiments compared the reinforcing effects of sucrose and maltose across a range of concentrations. The results were interpreted using the Multiplicative Hyperbolic Model of reinforcer value (MHM). In Experiment 1, rats were exposed to a discrete-trials schedule in which they chose between the test compound (sucrose or maltose) and a standard sucrose solution (0.4 M, delivered after a 4-s delay). Percentage choice of each test compound increased as a function of concentration. The maximum percentage choice of maltose was significantly less than that of sucrose; the concentration corresponding to the half-maximal selection of the test compound was lower for maltose than for sucrose. In Experiment 2 the preference function for sucrose alone was compared with the preference function for a sucrose solution to which a fixed concentration of maltose had been added. The presence of maltose elevated the function and shifted it leftwards (i.e. towards lower concentrations). The results were interpreted in terms of MHM using two alterntive models 'borrowed' from classical pharmacological receptor theory. It was concluded that maltose and sucrose are not fully substitutable reinforcers and that the reinforcing effect of maltose may be mediated by an action at more than one species of sweet taste receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Bradshaw
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, University of Nottingham, UK.
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2
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Wang Y, Chang S, Lu S, Tong M, Kong F, Liu B. The sweet taste receptors in Lemuriformes respond to aspartame, a non-nutritive sweetener and critical residues mediating their taste. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00164-0. [PMID: 38996999 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Aspartame is a high potency artificial sweetener which is popularly used in foods and beverages. The species-dependent sweet taste toward aspartame has not been completely understood. In a recent publication, we reported that the prosimians Lemuriformes species, which are proposed as aspartame nontasters, could taste aspartame based on the sequence and structure analysis. In this study, by mutagenesis, cell-based functional analysis and molecular simulations, we reveal that Lemuriformes species can respond to aspartame at the cell-based receptor activity level. Furthermore, it is proved that the conserved critical residues D142 and S40 mediate the species-dependent sweet taste toward aspartame. This research provides a deeper insight on the species taste, structure-activity relationship and evolution for eliciting the sweetness of this important synthetic sweetener.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, Shandong, 250353, China
| | - Shiyu Chang
- Tobacco Research Institute, Laboratory of Tobacco and Aromatic Plants Quality and Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Shangyang Lu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, Shandong, 250353, China
| | - Mingqiong Tong
- School of Medicine and Nursing, Dezhou University, Dezhou, Shandong, 253023, China
| | - Fanyu Kong
- Tobacco Research Institute, Laboratory of Tobacco and Aromatic Plants Quality and Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, Shandong, 250353, China.
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3
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Ishida H, Yasui N, Yamashita A. Chemical range recognized by the ligand-binding domain in a representative amino acid-sensing taste receptor, T1r2a/T1r3, from medaka fish. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300981. [PMID: 38517842 PMCID: PMC10959364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Taste receptor type 1 (T1r) proteins are responsible for recognizing nutrient chemicals in foods. In humans, T1r2/T1r3 and T1r1/T1r3 heterodimers serve as the sweet and umami receptors that recognize sugars or amino acids and nucleotides, respectively. T1rs are conserved among vertebrates, and T1r2a/T1r3 from medaka fish is currently the only member for which the structure of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) has been solved. T1r2a/T1r3 is an amino acid receptor that recognizes various l-amino acids in its LBD as observed with other T1rs exhibiting broad substrate specificities. Nevertheless, the range of chemicals that are recognized by T1r2a/T1r3LBD has not been extensively explored. In the present study, the binding of various chemicals to medaka T1r2a/T1r3LBD was analyzed. A binding assay for amino acid derivatives verified the specificity of this protein to l-α-amino acids and the importance of α-amino and carboxy groups for receptor recognition. The results further indicated the significance of the α-hydrogen for recognition as replacing it with a methyl group resulted in a substantially decreased affinity. The binding ability to the protein was not limited to proteinogenic amino acids, but also to non-proteinogenic amino acids, such as metabolic intermediates. Besides l-α-amino acids, no other chemicals showed significant binding to the protein. These results indicate that all of the common structural groups of α-amino acids and their geometry in the l-configuration are recognized by the protein, whereas a wide variety of α-substituents can be accommodated in the ligand binding sites of the LBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Ishida
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Norihisa Yasui
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsuko Yamashita
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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4
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Smith L, Moran AW, Al-Rammahi M, Daly K, Shirazi-Beechey SP. Determination of sweetener specificity of horse gut-expressed sweet taste receptor T1R2-T1R3 and its significance for energy provision and hydration. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1325135. [PMID: 38410741 PMCID: PMC10894948 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1325135] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies carried out in several species have demonstrated that detection of low-calorie sweeteners in the lumen of the intestine, by the sweet receptor, T1R2-T1R3, initiates a signaling pathway leading to enhanced expression and activity of intestinal Na+/glucose cotransporter 1, SGLT1. This results in an increased gut capacity to absorb glucose, sodium chloride and water, the basis for oral rehydration therapy. Horses express T1R2, T1R3 and downstream signaling elements in the intestinal tissue. As such, the potential of sweetener-stimulation of T1R2-T1R3 leading to upregulation of SGLT1 allows the provision of more glucose (energy) and hydration for horses. This is especially important when the need for glucose increases during strenuous exercise, pregnancy, and lactation. There are significant differences among species in the ability to detect sweeteners. Amino acid substitutions and pseudogenization of taste receptor genes underlie these variations. Nothing is known about the sweetener specificity of horse T1R2-T1R3. Using heterologous expression methodology, we demonstrate that sweeteners sucralose, stevia and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) activate horse T1R2-T1R3, but cyclamate does not. Determination of sweetener specificity of equine sweet receptor is crucial for developing suitable dietary additives to optimize glucose absorption, hydration and avoiding the intestinal disease brought about by microbial fermentation of unabsorbed carbohydrate reaching the large intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liberty Smith
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew W. Moran
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Miran Al-Rammahi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | - Kristian Daly
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Soraya P. Shirazi-Beechey
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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5
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OLUWOLE DT, EBIWONJUMI O, AJAYI LO, ALABI OD, AMOS V, AKANBI G, ADEYEMI WJ, AJAYI AF. Disruptive consequences of monosodium glutamate on male reproductive function: A review. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 6:100148. [PMID: 38287921 PMCID: PMC10823071 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most extensively used flavour enhancers worldwide. Although it is widely regarded as a safe food additive with no recommended daily dosage, its over-consumption has been associated with notably pathophysiological events in various tissues and organs of the body. Previous studies have reported of the neuro- cardio- and hepato- toxic effects of its excessive exposure. Moreover, the food additive instigates metabolic dysfunction. It has been established that MSG damages male reproductive accessory organs like prostate glands and epididymis. In addition, it impairs serum enzymatic activities and serum levels of testosterone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone and cholesterol. Reduced sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm viability, imbalances in male reproductive hormones, alongside alteration in the histoarchitecture of the testes and other male reproductive tissues have also been connected with excessive exposure to MSG. Literature reports affirm the link between the over-consumption of MSG and reproductive organ weight and male sexual behaviour. This review article addresses the multi-systemic effects of exposure to MSG and the possible mechanism of action of the compound with a focus on the negative implications of the food additive on male reproductive functions and the possible role of natural antioxidants in male reproductive functions. carefully selected keywords were used during the literature search to gather credible and up-to-date information about the subject matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Tolulope OLUWOLE
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Lydia Oluwatoyin AJAYI
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Anchor Biomed Research Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Olubunmi Dupe ALABI
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Victor AMOS
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Anchor Biomed Research Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Grace AKANBI
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Anchor Biomed Research Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Ayodeji Folorunsho AJAYI
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
- Anchor Biomed Research Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
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6
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Yuan Y, Yiasmin MN, Tristanto NA, Chen Y, Liu Y, Guan S, Wang Z, Hua X. Computational simulations on the taste mechanism of steviol glycosides based on their interactions with receptor proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 255:128110. [PMID: 37981277 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128110] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Steviol glycoside (SG) is a potential natural sugar substitute. The taste of various SG structures differ significantly, while their mechanism has not been thoroughly investigated. To investigate the taste mechanism, molecular docking simulations of SGs with sweet taste receptor TAS1R2 and bitter taste receptor TAS2R4 were conducted. The result suggested that four flexible coils (regions) in TAS1R2 constructed a geometry open pocket in space responsible for the binding of sweeteners. Amino acids that form hydrogen bonds with sweeteners are located in different receptor regions. In bitterness simulation, fewer hydrogen bonds were formed with the increased size of SG molecules. Particularly, there was no interaction between RM and TAS2R4 due to its size, which explains the non-bitterness of RM. Molecular dynamics simulations further indicated that the number of hydrogen bonds between SGs and TAS1R2 was maintained during a simulation time of 50 ns, while sucrose was gradually released from the binding site, leading to the break of interaction. Conclusively, the high sweetness intensity of SG can be attributed to its durative concurrent interaction with the receptor's binding site, and such behavior was determined by the structure feature of SG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Yuan
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mst Nushrat Yiasmin
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | | | - Yujie Chen
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Sevtia Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Wuxi 214181, China
| | - Yaxian Liu
- Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Garbenstr. 25, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Shuyi Guan
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zijie Wang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiao Hua
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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7
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Yoshida A, Ito A, Yasui N, Yamashita A. Direct binding of calmodulin to the cytosolic C-terminal regions of sweet/umami taste receptors. J Biochem 2023; 174:451-459. [PMID: 37527916 PMCID: PMC11033526 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad060] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sweet and umami taste receptors recognize chemicals such as sugars and amino acids on their extracellular side and transmit signals into the cytosol of the taste cell. In contrast to ligands that act on the extracellular side of these receptors, little is known regarding the molecules that regulate receptor functions within the cytosol. In this study, we analysed the interaction between sweet and umami taste receptors and calmodulin, a representative Ca2+-dependent cytosolic regulatory protein. High prediction scores for calmodulin binding were observed on the C-terminal cytosolic side of mouse taste receptor type 1 subunit 3 (T1r3), a subunit that is common to both sweet and umami taste receptors. Pull-down assay and surface plasmon resonance analyses showed different affinities of calmodulin to the C-terminal tails of distinct T1r subtypes. Furthermore, we found that T1r3 and T1r2 showed the highest and considerable binding to calmodulin, whereas T1r1 showed weaker binding affinity. Finally, the binding of calmodulin to T1rs was consistently higher in the presence of Ca2+ than in its absence. The results suggested a possibility of the Ca2+-dependent feedback regulation process of sweet and umami taste receptor signaling by calmodulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuki Yoshida
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ayumi Ito
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Norihisa Yasui
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsuko Yamashita
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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8
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Zhao S, Zheng H, Lu Y, Zhang N, Soladoye OP, Zhang Y, Fu Y. Sweet Taste Receptors and Associated Sweet Peptides: Insights into Structure and Function. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:13950-13964. [PMID: 37698386 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c04479] [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: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Long-term consumption of a high-sugar diet may contribute to the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Sweet peptides derived from a wide range of food sources can enhance sweet taste without compromising the sensory properties. Therefore, the research and application of sweet peptides are promising strategies for reducing sugar consumption. This work first outlined the necessity for global sugar reduction, followed by the introduction of sweet taste receptors and their associated transduction mechanisms. Subsequently, recent research progress in sweet peptides from different protein sources was summarized. Furthermore, the main methods for the preparation and evaluation of sweet peptides were presented. In addition, the current challenges and potential applications are also discussed. Sweet peptides can stimulate sweetness perception by binding sweet taste receptors T1R2 and T1R3 in taste buds, which is an effective strategy for reducing sugar consumption. At present, sweet peptides are mainly prepared artificially by synthesis, hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, and bioengineering strategies. Furthermore, sensory evaluation, electronic tongues, and cell models have been used to assess the sweet taste intensity. The present review can provide a theoretical reference for reducing sugar consumption with the aid of sweet peptides in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulei Zhao
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
- Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanyuan Zheng
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
- Westa College, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujia Lu
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Food Science and Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150076, People's Republic of China
| | - Olugbenga P Soladoye
- Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Government of Canada, 6000 C&E Trail, Lacombe, Alberta T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Fu
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
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9
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Evangelista-Falcón W, Denhez C, Baena-Moncada A, Ponce-Vargas M. Revisiting the Sweet Taste Receptor T1R2-T1R3 through Molecular Dynamics Simulations Coupled with a Noncovalent Interactions Analysis. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:1110-1119. [PMID: 36705604 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c07180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
It is nowadays widely accepted that sweet taste perception is elicited by the activation of the heterodimeric complex T1R2-T1R3, customarily known as sweet taste receptor (STR). However, the interplay between STR and sweeteners has not yet been fully clarified. Here through a methodology coupling molecular dynamics and the independent gradient model (igm) approach we determine the main interacting signatures of the closed (active) conformation of the T1R2 Venus flytrap domain (VFD) toward aspartame. The igm methodology provides a rapid and reliable quantification of noncovalent interactions through a score (Δginter) based on the attenuation of the electronic density gradient when two molecular fragments approach each other. Herein, this approach is coupled to a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation (MD-igm) to explore the ligand-cavity contacts on a per-residue basis as well as a series of key inter-residue interactions that stabilize the closed form of VFD. We also apply an atomic decomposition scheme of noncovalent interactions to quantify the contribution of the ligand segments to the noncovalent interplay. Finally, a series of structural modification on aspartame are conducted in order to obtain guidelines for the rational design of novel sweeteners. Given that innovative methodologies to reliably quantify the extent of ligand-protein coupling are strongly demanded, this approach combining a noncovalent analysis and MD simulations represents a valuable contribution, that can be easily applied to other relevant biomolecular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfredo Evangelista-Falcón
- Laboratory of Biomolecules, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima15023, Perú
| | - Clément Denhez
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims UMR CNRS 7312, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Moulin de la Housse 51687, ReimsCedex 02 BP39, France
| | - Angélica Baena-Moncada
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Electroquímica Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Av. Túpac Amaru 210, Rímac, Lima31-139, Perú
| | - Miguel Ponce-Vargas
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de Reims UMR CNRS 7312, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Moulin de la Housse 51687, ReimsCedex 02 BP39, France
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10
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Wang C, Liu Y, Cui M, Liu B. Systematic analysis reveals novel insight into the molecular determinants of function, diversity and evolution of sweet taste receptors T1R2/T1R3 in primates. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1037966. [PMID: 36762208 PMCID: PMC9905694 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1037966] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sweet taste is a primary sensation for the preference and adaption of primates to diet, which is crucial for their survival and fitness. It is clear now that the sweet perception is mediated by a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3, and many behavioral or physiological experiments have described the diverse sweet taste sensitivities in primates. However, the structure-function relationship of T1R2s/T1R3s in primates, especially the molecular basis for their species-dependent sweet taste, has not been well understood until now. In this study, we performed a comprehensive sequence, structural and functional analysis of sweet taste receptors in primates to elucidate the molecular determinants mediating their species-dependent sweet taste recognition. Our results reveal distinct taxonomic distribution and significant characteristics (interaction, coevolution and epistasis) of specific key function-related residues, which could partly account for the previously reported behavioral results of taste perception in primates. Moreover, the prosimians Lemuriformes species, which were reported to have no sensitivity to aspartame, could be proposed to be aspartame tasters based on the present analysis. Collectively, our study provides new insights and promotes a better understanding for the diversity, function and evolution of sweet taste receptors in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congrui Wang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Meng Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States,*Correspondence: Meng Cui, ; Bo Liu,
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Meng Cui, ; Bo Liu,
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11
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Ben Abu N, Ben Shoshan-Galeczki Y, Malach E, Y Niv M. The T1R3 subunit of the sweet taste receptor is activated by D2O in transmembrane domain-dependent manner. Chem Senses 2023; 48:bjad032. [PMID: 37589415 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjad032] [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: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Deuterium oxide (D2O) is water in which the heavier and rare isotope deuterium replaces both hydrogens. We have previously shown that D2O has a distinctly sweet taste, mediated by the T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptor. Here, we explore the effect of heavy water on T1R2 and T1R3 subunits. We show that D2O activates T1R3-transfected HEK293T cells similarly to T1R2/T1R3-transfected cells. The response to glucose dissolved in D2O is higher than in water. Mutations of phenylalanine at position 7305.40 in the transmembrane domain of T1R3 to alanine, leucine, or tyrosine impair or diminish activation by D2O, suggesting a critical role for T1R3 TMD domain in relaying the heavy water signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Ben Abu
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yaron Ben Shoshan-Galeczki
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Einav Malach
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Masha Y Niv
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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12
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Liu W, Gong T, Shi F, Xu H, Chen X. Taste receptors affect male reproduction by influencing steroid synthesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:956981. [PMID: 36035992 PMCID: PMC9407969 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.956981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
For the male genetic materials to reach and fertilize the egg, spermatozoa must contend with numerous environmental changes in a complex and highly sophisticated process from generation in the testis, and maturation in the epididymis to capacitation and fertilization. Taste is an ancient chemical sense that has an essential role in the animal's response to carbohydrates in the external environment and is involved in the body's energy perception. In recent years, numerous studies have confirmed that taste signaling factors (taste receptor families 1, 2 and their downstream molecules, Gα and PLCβ2) are distributed in testes and epididymis tissues outside the oral cavity. Their functions are directly linked to spermatogenesis, maturation, and fertilization, which are potential targets for regulating male reproduction. However, the specific signaling mechanisms of the taste receptors during these processes remain unknown. Herein, we review published literature and experimental results from our group to establish the underlying signaling mechanism in which the taste receptor factors influence testosterone synthesis in the male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ting Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,*Correspondence: Ting Gong,
| | - Fangxiong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Houqiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Yu J, Xie J, Xie H, Hu Q, Wu Z, Cai X, Guo Z, Lin J, Han L, Zhang D. Strategies for Taste Masking of Orodispersible Dosage Forms: Time, Concentration, and Perception. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:3007-3025. [PMID: 35848076 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Orodispersible dosage forms, characterized as quick dissolving and swallowing without water, have recently gained great attention from the pharmaceutical industry, as these forms can satisfy the needs of children, the elderly, and patients suffering from mental illnesses. However, poor taste by thorough exposure of the drugs' dissolution in the oral cavity hinders the effectiveness of the orodispersible dosage forms. To bridge this gap, we put forward three taste-masking strategies with respect to the intensity of time, concentration, and perception. We further investigated the raw material processing, the composition of auxiliary material, formulation techniques, and process control in each strategy and drew conclusions about their effects on taste masking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Jin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Huijuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Qi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Zhenfeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, PR China
| | - Xinfu Cai
- Sichuan Guangda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Pengzhou 611930, PR China
| | - Zhiping Guo
- Sichuan Houde Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Junzhi Lin
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, PR China
| | - Li Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
| | - Dingkun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, PR China
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14
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Current Advances and Future Aspects of Sweetener Synergy: Properties, Evaluation Methods and Molecular Mechanisms. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12105096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Sweetener synergy is the phenomenon in which certain combinations of sweeteners work more effectively than the theoretical sum of the effects of each components. It provides benefits in reducing sweetener dosages and improving their sweetness. Many mixtures of sweeteners with synergistic effects have been reported up to now. Both artificial high-intensity sweeteners and natural sweeteners are popularly used in sweetener mixtures for synergism, although the former seem to display more potential to exhibit synergy than the latter. Furthermore, several evaluation methods to investigate sweetener synergy have been applied, which could lead to discrepancies in results. Moreover, structurally dissimilar sweeteners could cooperatively bind at the different sites in the sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3 to activate the receptor, and their hydration characters/packing characteristics in solvents could affect their interaction with the receptor, providing the preliminary explanations for the molecular basis of sweetener synergy. In this article, we firstly present a systematic review, analysis and comment on the properties, evaluation methods and molecular mechanisms of sweetener synergy. Secondly, challenges of sweetener synergy in both theory and practice and possible strategies to overcome these limitations are comprehensively discussed. Finally, future perspectives for this important performance in human sweet taste perception are proposed.
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Fernández-Carrión R, Sorlí JV, Coltell O, Pascual EC, Ortega-Azorín C, Barragán R, Giménez-Alba IM, Alvarez-Sala A, Fitó M, Ordovas JM, Corella D. Sweet Taste Preference: Relationships with Other Tastes, Liking for Sugary Foods and Exploratory Genome-Wide Association Analysis in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome. Biomedicines 2021; 10:biomedicines10010079. [PMID: 35052758 PMCID: PMC8772854 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste perception and its association with nutrition and related diseases (type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular, etc.) are emerging fields of biomedicine. There is currently great interest in investigating the environmental and genetic factors that influence sweet taste and sugary food preferences for personalized nutrition. Our aims were: (1) to carry out an integrated analysis of the influence of sweet taste preference (both in isolation and in the context of other tastes) on the preference for sugary foods and its modulation by type 2 diabetes status; (2) as well as to explore new genetic factors associated with sweet taste preference. We studied 425 elderly white European subjects with metabolic syndrome and analyzed taste preference, taste perception, sugary-foods liking, biochemical and genetic markers. We found that type 2 diabetic subjects (38%) have a small, but statistically higher preference for sweet taste (p = 0.021) than non-diabetic subjects. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in preferences for the other tastes (bitter, salty, sour or umami) were detected. For taste perception, type 2 diabetic subjects have a slightly lower perception of all tastes (p = 0.026 for the combined “total taste score”), bitter taste being statistically lower (p = 0.023). We also carried out a principal component analysis (PCA), to identify latent variables related to preferences for the five tastes. We identified two factors with eigenvalues >1. Factor 2 was the one with the highest correlation with sweet taste preference. Sweet taste preference was strongly associated with a liking for sugary foods. In the exploratory SNP-based genome-wide association study (GWAS), we identified some SNPs associated with sweet taste preference, both at the suggestive and at the genome-wide level, especially a lead SNP in the PTPRN2 (Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type N2) gene, whose minor allele was associated with a lower sweet taste preference. The PTPRN2 gene was also a top-ranked gene obtained in the gene-based exploratory GWAS analysis. In conclusion, sweet taste preference was strongly associated with sugary food liking in this population. Our exploratory GWAS identified an interesting candidate gene related with sweet taste preference, but more studies in other populations are required for personalized nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Fernández-Carrión
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.F.-C.); (J.V.S.); (E.C.P.); (C.O.-A.); (R.B.); (I.M.G.-A.); (A.A.-S.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Jose V. Sorlí
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.F.-C.); (J.V.S.); (E.C.P.); (C.O.-A.); (R.B.); (I.M.G.-A.); (A.A.-S.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Oscar Coltell
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.); (M.F.)
- Department of Computer Languages and Systems, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellon, Spain
| | - Eva C. Pascual
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.F.-C.); (J.V.S.); (E.C.P.); (C.O.-A.); (R.B.); (I.M.G.-A.); (A.A.-S.)
| | - Carolina Ortega-Azorín
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.F.-C.); (J.V.S.); (E.C.P.); (C.O.-A.); (R.B.); (I.M.G.-A.); (A.A.-S.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Rocío Barragán
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.F.-C.); (J.V.S.); (E.C.P.); (C.O.-A.); (R.B.); (I.M.G.-A.); (A.A.-S.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.); (M.F.)
- Sleep Center of Excellence, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ignacio M. Giménez-Alba
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.F.-C.); (J.V.S.); (E.C.P.); (C.O.-A.); (R.B.); (I.M.G.-A.); (A.A.-S.)
| | - Andrea Alvarez-Sala
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.F.-C.); (J.V.S.); (E.C.P.); (C.O.-A.); (R.B.); (I.M.G.-A.); (A.A.-S.)
| | - Montserrat Fitó
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.); (M.F.)
- Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group (CARIN), Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose M. Ordovas
- Nutrition and Genomics Laboratory, JM-USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
- Nutritional Genomics and Epigenomics Group, IMDEA Alimentación, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Corella
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.F.-C.); (J.V.S.); (E.C.P.); (C.O.-A.); (R.B.); (I.M.G.-A.); (A.A.-S.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (O.C.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-96-386-4800
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Zhao X, Wang C, Zheng Y, Liu B. New Insight Into the Structure-Activity Relationship of Sweet-Tasting Proteins: Protein Sector and Its Role for Sweet Properties. Front Nutr 2021; 8:691368. [PMID: 34222309 PMCID: PMC8249704 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.691368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sweet-tasting protein is a kind of biomacromolecule that has remarkable sweetening power and is regarded as the promising sugar replacer in the future. Some sweet-tasting proteins has been used in foods and beverages. However, the structure and function relationship of these proteins is still elusive, and guidelines for their protein engineering is limited. It is well-known that the sweet-tasting proteins bind to and activate the sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3, thus eliciting their sweetness. The “wedge-model” for describing the interaction between sweet-tasting proteins and sweet taste receptor to elucidate their sweetness has been reported. In this perspective article, we revealed that the intramolecular interaction forces in sweet-tasting proteins is directly correlated to their properties (sweetness and stability). This intramolecular interaction pattern, named as “protein sector,” refers to a small subset of residues forming physically connections, which cooperatively affect the function of the proteins. Based on the analysis of previous experimental data, we suggest that “protein sector” of sweet-tasting proteins is pivotal for their sweet properties, which are meaningful guidelines for the future protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhong Zhao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Congrui Wang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Shandong Aojing Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zoucheng, China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
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Ebrahim-Habibi A, Kashani-Amin E, Larijani B. Modeling and simulation in medical sciences: an overview of specific applications based on research experience in EMRI (Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences). J Diabetes Metab Disord 2021:1-7. [PMID: 33500880 PMCID: PMC7821172 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-020-00706-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The concomitant use of various types of models (in silico, in vitro, and in vivo) has been exemplified here within the context of biomedical researches performed in the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute (EMRI) of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Two main research aeras have been discussed: the search for new small molecules as therapeutics for diabetes and related metabolic conditions, and diseases related to protein aggregation. Due to their multidisciplinary nature, the majority of these studies have needed the collaboration of different specialties. In both cases, a brief overview of the subject is provided through literature examples, and sequential use of these methods is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Ebrahim-Habibi
- Biosensor Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Jalal-al-Ahmad Street, Chamran Highway, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Kashani-Amin
- Biosensor Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Jalal-al-Ahmad Street, Chamran Highway, 1411713137 Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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