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Hewedy WA, Darwish IE. Activation of bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) protects against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity: Could ghrelin have a role? Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176802. [PMID: 38945288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176802] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) and their downstream signaling pathways are expressed not only in the oral tissues but also in extraoral tissues. Emerging data has demonstrated the beneficial effect of ghrelin in neurodegenerative diseases. Gaining more insight into the interaction between TAS2Rs and gut hormones may expand their therapeutic applications. Herein, we aimed to assess the possible effect of TAS2R activation by denatonium benzoate (DB) in modulating functional and neurobiochemical alterations in a model of Parkinson's disease (PD). MAIN METHODS PD model was induced by daily injection of rotenone (2 mg/kg). Rats received DB (5 mg/kg), atenolol (10 mg/kg), or both concomitantly with rotenone, daily for 28 days. Evaluation of the motor abnormalities and histological examination of brain tissues were conducted. In addition, striatal dopamine contents, immunohistochemical expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, plasma ghrelin level, and biochemical analysis of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed. KEY FINDINGS Treatment with DB increased serum levels of ghrelin and striatal dopamine contents with consequent amelioration of oxidative stress and attenuation of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, DB treatment significantly ameliorated motor disturbance and histological abnormalities compared to untreated rats. Atenolol inhibited ghrelin release and abolished the positive effect of DB suggesting the involvement of ghrelin on such effects. SIGNIFICANCE The current study suggests that TAS2Rs agonists are promising candidates for ameliorating rotenone-induced PD pathology in rats, an action that could be linked to the enhancement of ghrelin release with consequent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa A Hewedy
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Inas E Darwish
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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2
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Talmon M, Camillo L, Vietti I, Pollastro F, Fresu LG. Bitter Taste Receptor 46 (hTAS2R46) Protects Monocytes/Macrophages from Oxidative Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7325. [PMID: 39000432 PMCID: PMC11242669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are not only responsible for taste perception in the oral cavity, but are spread throughout the body, generating a widespread chemosensory system. In humans, 25 subtypes have been identified and are differentially expressed in tissues and organs, including in the immune system. In fact, several TAS2R subtypes have been detected in neutrophils, lymphocytes, B and T cells, NK cells, and monocytes/macrophages, in which they regulate various protective functions of the innate immune system. Given its recognized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, and the generally protective role of bitter taste receptors, in this work, we studied TAS2R46's potential in the protection of human monocyte/macrophage DNA from stress-induced damage. Through both direct and indirect assays and a single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, we demonstrated that absinthin, a specific TAS2R46 agonist, counteracts the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reduces DNA damage in both cell types. Even though the release of ROS from monocytes/macrophages is fundamental for contrast pathogen agents, supraphysiological ROS production impairs their function, finally leading to cell death. Our results highlight TAS2R46 as a novel player involved in the protection of monocytes and macrophages from oxidative stress damage, while simultaneously supporting their antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Talmon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Lara Camillo
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.C.); (I.V.)
| | - Ilaria Vietti
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.C.); (I.V.)
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Luigia Grazia Fresu
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (L.C.); (I.V.)
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3
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Schaefer S, Ziegler F, Lang T, Steuer A, Di Pizio A, Behrens M. Membrane-bound chemoreception of bitter bile acids and peptides is mediated by the same subset of bitter taste receptors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:217. [PMID: 38748186 PMCID: PMC11096235 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05202-6] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The vertebrate sense of taste allows rapid assessment of the nutritional quality and potential presence of harmful substances prior to ingestion. Among the five basic taste qualities, salty, sour, sweet, umami, and bitter, bitterness is associated with the presence of putative toxic substances and elicits rejection behaviors in a wide range of animals including humans. However, not all bitter substances are harmful, some are thought to be health-beneficial and nutritious. Among those compound classes that elicit a bitter taste although being non-toxic and partly even essential for humans are bitter peptides and L-amino acids. Using functional heterologous expression assays, we observed that the 5 dominant human bitter taste receptors responsive to bitter peptides and amino acids are activated by bile acids, which are notorious for their extreme bitterness. We further demonstrate that the cross-reactivity of bitter taste receptors for these two different compound classes is evolutionary conserved and can be traced back to the amphibian lineage. Moreover, we show that the cross-detection by some receptors relies on "structural mimicry" between the very bitter peptide L-Trp-Trp-Trp and bile acids, whereas other receptors exhibit a phylogenetic conservation of this trait. As some bile acid-sensitive bitter taste receptor genes fulfill dual-roles in gustatory and non-gustatory systems, we suggest that the phylogenetic conservation of the rather surprising cross-detection of the two substance classes could rely on a gene-sharing-like mechanism in which the non-gustatory function accounts for the bitter taste response to amino acids and peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Schaefer
- TUM Graduate School, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Alte Akademie 8, 85354, Freising, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Florian Ziegler
- TUM Graduate School, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Alte Akademie 8, 85354, Freising, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Tatjana Lang
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Alexandra Steuer
- TUM Graduate School, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Alte Akademie 8, 85354, Freising, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
- Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Maik Behrens
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 34, 85354, Freising, Germany.
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4
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Gedvilaite G, Pileckaite E, Ramanauskas I, Kriauciuniene L, Balnyte R, Liutkeviciene R. Investigating the Potential Influence of TAS2R16 Genetic Variants and Protein Levels on Multiple Sclerosis Development. J Pers Med 2024; 14:402. [PMID: 38673029 PMCID: PMC11051568 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14040402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the association between the TAS2R16 gene (rs860170, rs978739, rs1357949), TAS2R16 serum levels, and multiple sclerosis (MS). A total of 265 healthy control subjects and 218 MS patients were included in the study. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The serum concentration of TAS2R16 was measured using the ELISA method. Analyses revealed that the TAS2R16 rs860170 TT genotype was statistically significantly less frequent in the MS group than in the control group (p = 0.041), and the CC genotype was statistically significantly more frequent in the MS group than in the control group (p < 0.001). In the most robust (codominant) model, the CC genotype was found to increase the odds of MS by ~27-fold (p = 0.002), and each C allele increased the odds of MS by 1.8-fold (p < 0.001). Haplotype analysis of the rs860170, rs978739, and rs1357949 polymorphisms showed that the C-C-A haplotype was associated with a ~12-fold increased odds of MS occurrence (p = 0.02). Serum TAS2R16 levels were elevated in the MS group compared to control subjects (p = 0.014). Conclusions: The rs860170, rs978739, and rs1357949 polymorphisms demonstrated that the C-C-A haplotype and elevated TAS2R16 serum levels can promote the development of MS. These preliminary findings underscore the importance of specific genetic variants, such as rs860170, rs978739, and rs1357949, in MS risk. Additionally, elevated TAS2R16 serum levels in MS patients suggest a potential role in MS pathogenesis. These findings provide insights into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying MS and pave the way for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Integrating genetic and serum biomarker data in MS research offers promising avenues for improving clinical outcomes and advancing precision medicine approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Gedvilaite
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (G.G.); (L.K.); (R.L.)
- Medical Faculty, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Enrika Pileckaite
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (G.G.); (L.K.); (R.L.)
- Medical Faculty, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Ignas Ramanauskas
- Medical Faculty, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Loresa Kriauciuniene
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (G.G.); (L.K.); (R.L.)
| | - Renata Balnyte
- Department of Neurology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Rasa Liutkeviciene
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, LT-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (G.G.); (L.K.); (R.L.)
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5
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Pallante L, Cannariato M, Androutsos L, Zizzi EA, Bompotas A, Hada X, Grasso G, Kalogeras A, Mavroudi S, Di Benedetto G, Theofilatos K, Deriu MA. VirtuousPocketome: a computational tool for screening protein-ligand complexes to identify similar binding sites. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6296. [PMID: 38491261 PMCID: PMC10943019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56893-7] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein residues within binding pockets play a critical role in determining the range of ligands that can interact with a protein, influencing its structure and function. Identifying structural similarities in proteins offers valuable insights into their function and activation mechanisms, aiding in predicting protein-ligand interactions, anticipating off-target effects, and facilitating the development of therapeutic agents. Numerous computational methods assessing global or local similarity in protein cavities have emerged, but their utilization is impeded by complexity, impractical automation for amino acid pattern searches, and an inability to evaluate the dynamics of scrutinized protein-ligand systems. Here, we present a general, automatic and unbiased computational pipeline, named VirtuousPocketome, aimed at screening huge databases of proteins for similar binding pockets starting from an interested protein-ligand complex. We demonstrate the pipeline's potential by exploring a recently-solved human bitter taste receptor, i.e. the TAS2R46, complexed with strychnine. We pinpointed 145 proteins sharing similar binding sites compared to the analysed bitter taste receptor and the enrichment analysis highlighted the related biological processes, molecular functions and cellular components. This work represents the foundation for future studies aimed at understanding the effective role of tastants outside the gustatory system: this could pave the way towards the rationalization of the diet as a supplement to standard pharmacological treatments and the design of novel tastants-inspired compounds to target other proteins involved in specific diseases or disorders. The proposed pipeline is publicly accessible, can be applied to any protein-ligand complex, and could be expanded to screen any database of protein structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pallante
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, PolitoBIOMedLab, 10129, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Cannariato
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, PolitoBIOMedLab, 10129, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Eric A Zizzi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, PolitoBIOMedLab, 10129, Torino, Italy
| | - Agorakis Bompotas
- Industrial Systems Institute, Athena Research Center, 265 04, Patras, Greece
| | - Xhesika Hada
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, PolitoBIOMedLab, 10129, Torino, Italy
| | - Gianvito Grasso
- Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence IDSIA USI-SUPSI, 6962, Lugano-Viganello, Switzerland
| | | | - Seferina Mavroudi
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, 265 04, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Marco A Deriu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, PolitoBIOMedLab, 10129, Torino, Italy.
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6
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Gong T, Mu Q, Xu Y, Wang W, Meng L, Feng X, Liu W, Ao Z, Zhang Y, Chen X, Xu H. Expression of the umami taste receptor T1R1/T1R3 in porcine testis of: Function in regulating testosterone synthesis and autophagy in Leydig cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 236:106429. [PMID: 38035949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone is a vital male hormone responsible for male sexual characteristics. The taste receptor family 1 subunit 3 (T1R3) regulates testosterone synthesis and autophagy in non-taste cells, and the links with the taste receptor family 1 subunit 1 (T1R1) for umami perception. However, little is known about these mechanisms. Thus, we aimed to determine the relationship between the umami taste receptor (T1R1/T1R3) and testosterone synthesis or autophagy in testicular Leydig cells of the Xiang pig. There was a certain proportion of spermatogenic tubular dysplasia in the Xiang pig at puberty, in which autophagy was enhanced, and the testosterone level was increased with a weak expression of T1R3. Silenced T1R3 decreased testosterone level and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content and inhibited the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of testosterone synthesis enzyme genes [steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 (3β-HSD1), cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1 (CYP17A1) and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 3 (17β-HSD3)]. In addition, T1R3 increased the number of acidic autophagy bubbles and upregulated the expression levels of autophagy markers [Microtubule-associated protein 1 A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin-1] in testicular Leydig cells of the Xiang pig. Using an umami tasting agonist (10 mM L-glutamate for 6 h), the activation of T1R1/T1R3 enhanced the testosterone synthesis ability by increasing the intracellular cAMP level and upregulated the expression levels of StAR, 3β-HSD1, CYP17A1 and 17β-HSD3 in Leydig cells. Furthermore, the number of acidic autophagy bubbles decreased in the T1R1/T1R3-activated group with the downregulation of the expression levels of the autophagy markers, including LC3 and Beclin-1. These data suggest that the function of T1R1/T1R3 expressed in testicular Leydig cells of the Xiang pig is related to testosterone synthesis and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China.
| | - Qi Mu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Yongjian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Weiyong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Lijie Meng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Xianzhou Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Wenjiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Zheng Ao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Houqiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
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7
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Tiroch J, Dunkel A, Sterneder S, Zehentner S, Behrens M, Di Pizio A, Ley JP, Lieder B, Somoza V. Human Gingival Fibroblasts as a Novel Cell Model Describing the Association between Bitter Taste Thresholds and Interleukin-6 Release. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:5314-5325. [PMID: 36943188 PMCID: PMC10080686 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Human gingival fibroblast cells (HGF-1 cells) present an important cell model to investigate the gingiva's response to inflammatory stimuli such as lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg-LPS). Recently, we demonstrated trans-resveratrol to repress the Pg-LPS evoked release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) via involvement of bitter taste sensing receptor TAS2R50 in HGF-1 cells. Since HGF-1 cells express most of the known 25 TAS2Rs, we hypothesized an association between a compound's bitter taste threshold and its repressing effect on the Pg-LPS evoked IL-6 release by HGF-1 cells. To verify our hypothesis, 11 compounds were selected from the chemical bitter space and subjected to the HGF-1 cell assay, spanning a concentration range between 0.1 μM and 50 mM. In the first set of experiments, the specific role of TAS2R50 was excluded by results from structurally diverse TAS2R agonists and antagonists and by means of a molecular docking approach. In the second set of experiments, the HGF-1 cell response was used to establish a linear association between a compound's effective concentration to repress the Pg-LPS evoked IL-6 release by 25% and its bitter taste threshold concentration published in the literature. The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed for this linear association was R2 = 0.60 (p < 0.01), exceeding respective data for the test compounds from a well-established native cell model, the HGT-1 cells, with R2 = 0.153 (p = 0.263). In conclusion, we provide a predictive model for bitter tasting compounds with a potential to act as anti-inflammatory substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Tiroch
- Department
of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem), University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Andreas Dunkel
- Leibniz
Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of
Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
| | - Sonja Sterneder
- Department
of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem), University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Sofie Zehentner
- Department
of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School in Chemistry (DoSChem), University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Maik Behrens
- Leibniz
Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of
Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz
Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of
Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Lieder
- Department
of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Veronika Somoza
- Department
of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Leibniz
Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of
Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
- Chair
for Nutritional Systems Biology, Technical
University Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
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8
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Mang D, Toyama T, Yamagishi T, Sun J, Purba ER, Endo H, Matthews MM, Ito K, Nagata S, Sato R. Dietary compounds activate an insect gustatory receptor on enteroendocrine cells to elicit myosuppressin secretion. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 155:103927. [PMID: 36871864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Sensing of midgut internal contents is important for ensuring appropriate hormonal response and digestion following the ingestion of dietary components. Studies in mammals have demonstrated that taste receptors (TRs), a subgroup of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are expressed in gut enteroendocrine cells (EECs) to sense dietary compounds and regulate the production and/or secretion of peptide hormones. Although progress has been made in identifying expression patterns of gustatory receptors (GRs) in gut EECs, it is currently unknown whether these receptors, which act as ligand-gated ion channels, serve similar functions as mammalian GPCR TRs to elicit hormone production and/or secretion. A Bombyx mori Gr, BmGr6, has been demonstrated to express in cells by oral sensory organs, midgut and nervous system; and to sense isoquercitrin and chlorogenic acid, which are non-nutritional secondary metabolites of host mulberry. Here, we show that BmGr6 co-expresses with Bommo-myosuppressin (BMS) in midgut EECs, responds to dietary compounds and is involved in regulation of BMS secretion. The presence of dietary compounds in midgut lumen after food intake resulted in an increase of BMS secretions in hemolymph of both wild-type and BmGr9 knockout larvae, but BMS secretions in BmGr6 knockout larvae decreased relative to wild-type. In addition, loss of BmGr6 led to a significant decrease in weight gain, excrement, hemolymph carbohydrates levels and hemolymph lipid levels. Interestingly, although BMS is produced in both midgut EECs and brain neurosecretory cells (NSCs), BMS levels in tissue extracts suggested that the increase in hemolymph BMS during feeding conditions is primarily due to secretion from midgut EECs. Our studies indicate that BmGr6 expressed in midgut EECs responds to the presence of dietary compounds in the lumen by eliciting BMS secretion in B. mori larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingze Mang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Toyama
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Takayuki Yamagishi
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Jing Sun
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Endang R Purba
- Structural Cellular Biology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Haruka Endo
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Melissa M Matthews
- Molecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Ito
- Department of Science of Biological Production, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
| | - Shinji Nagata
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Sato
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan.
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9
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Mao Z, Cheng W, Li Z, Yao M, Sun K. Clinical Associations of Bitter Taste Perception and Bitter Taste Receptor Variants and the Potential for Personalized Healthcare. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:121-132. [PMID: 36819962 PMCID: PMC9936560 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s390201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) consist of 25 functional receptors that can be found in various types of cells throughout the human body with responses ranging from detecting bitter taste to suppressing pathogen-induced inflammation upon activation. Numerous studies have observed clinical associations with genetic or phenotypic variants in bitter taste receptors, most notably that of the receptor isoform T2R38. With genetic variants playing a role in the response of the body to bacterial quorum-sensing molecules, bacterial metabolites, medicinal agonists and nutrients, we examine how T2R polymorphisms, expression levels and bitter taste perception can lead to varying clinical associations. From these genetic and phenotypic differences, healthcare management can potentially be individualized through appropriately administering drugs with bitter masking to increase compliance; optimizing nutritional strategies and diets; avoiding the use of T2R agonists if this pathway is already activated from bacterial infections; adjusting drug regimens based on differing prognoses; or adjusting drug regimens based on T2R expression levels in the target cell type and bodily region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Mao
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children’s Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weyland Cheng
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children’s Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Weyland Cheng, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children’s Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, 33 Longhu Waihuan East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18502758200, Email
| | - Zhenwei Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Manye Yao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Keming Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China
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10
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Lee SH, Ko HM, Jee W, Kim H, Chung WS, Jang HJ. Isosinensetin Stimulates Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Secretion via Activation of hTAS2R50 and the G βγ-Mediated Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043682. [PMID: 36835092 PMCID: PMC9959872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors localized in the taste buds of the tongue. They may also be present in non-lingual organs, including the brain, lung, kidney, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Recent studies on bitter taste receptor functions have suggested TAS2Rs as potential therapeutic targets. The human bitter taste receptor subtype hTAS2R50 responds to its agonist isosinensetin (ISS). Here, we demonstrated that, unlike other TAS2R agonists, isosinensetin activated hTAS2R50 as well as increased Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion through the Gβγ-mediated pathway in NCI-H716 cells. To confirm this mechanism, we showed that ISS increased intracellular Ca2+ and was suppressed by the IP3R inhibitor 2-APB as well as the PLC inhibitor U73122, suggesting that TAS2Rs alters the physiological state of enteroendocrine L cells in a PLC-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ISS upregulated proglucagon mRNA and stimulated GLP-1 secretion. ISS-mediated GLP-1 secretion was suppressed in response to small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of Gα-gust and hTAS2R50 as well as 2-APB and U73122. Our findings improved the understanding of how ISS modulates GLP-1 secretion and indicates the possibility of using ISS as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hyeon Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Min Ko
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Wona Jee
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungsuk Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Seok Chung
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeung-Jin Jang
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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11
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Welcome MO, Dogo D, Nikos E Mastorakis. Cellular mechanisms and molecular pathways linking bitter taste receptor signalling to cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction in heart diseases. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:89-117. [PMID: 36471190 PMCID: PMC9734786 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Heart diseases and related complications constitute a leading cause of death and socioeconomic threat worldwide. Despite intense efforts and research on the pathogenetic mechanisms of these diseases, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are yet to be completely understood. Several lines of evidence indicate a critical role of inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in the development and progression of heart diseases. Nevertheless, the molecular machinery that drives cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress is not completely known. Recent data suggest an important role of cardiac bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in the pathogenetic mechanism of heart diseases. Independent groups of researchers have demonstrated a central role of TAS2Rs in mediating inflammatory, oxidative stress responses, autophagy, impulse generation/propagation and contractile activities in the heart, suggesting that dysfunctional TAS2R signalling may predispose to cardiac inflammatory and oxidative stress disorders, characterised by contractile dysfunction and arrhythmia. Moreover, cardiac TAS2Rs act as gateway surveillance units that monitor and detect toxigenic or pathogenic molecules, including microbial components, and initiate responses that ultimately culminate in protection of the host against the aggression. Unfortunately, however, the molecular mechanisms that link TAS2R sensing of the cardiac milieu to inflammatory and oxidative stress responses are not clearly known. Therefore, we sought to review the possible role of TAS2R signalling in the pathophysiology of cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction in heart diseases. Potential therapeutic significance of targeting TAS2R or its downstream signalling molecules in cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menizibeya O Welcome
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Plot 681 Cadastral Zone, C-00 Research and Institution Area, Jabi Airport Road Bypass, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
| | - Dilli Dogo
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nikos E Mastorakis
- Technical University of Sofia, Klement Ohridksi 8, Sofia, 1000, Bulgaria
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12
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Naciri LC, Mastinu M, Crnjar R, Barbarossa IT, Melis M. Automated identification of the genetic variants of TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor with supervised learning. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1054-1065. [PMID: 38213886 PMCID: PMC10782009 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies were focused on the genetic ability to taste the bitter compound 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) to assess the inter-individual taste variability in humans, and its effect on food predilections, nutrition, and health. PROP taste sensitivity and that of other chemical molecules throughout the body are mediated by the bitter receptor TAS2R38, and their variability is significantly associated with TAS2R38 genetic variants. We recently automatically identified PROP phenotypes with high precision using Machine Learning (mL). Here we have used Supervised Learning (SL) algorithms to automatically identify TAS2R38 genotypes by using the biological features of eighty-four participants. The catBoost algorithm was the best-suited model for the automatic discrimination of the genotypes. It allowed us to automatically predict the identification of genotypes and precisely define the effectiveness and impact of each feature. The ratings of perceived intensity for PROP solutions (0.32 and 0.032 mM) and medium taster (MT) category were the most important features in training the model and understanding the difference between genotypes. Our findings suggest that SL may represent a trustworthy and objective tool for identifying TAS2R38 variants which, reducing the costs and times of molecular analysis, can find wide application in taste physiology and medicine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lala Chaimae Naciri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
| | | | - Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA 09042, Italy
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13
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Yamaki M, Saito H, Mimori T, Suzuki Y, Nagasaki M, Suzuki K, Satoh-Kuriwada S, Shoji N, Isono K, Goto T, Shirakawa H, Komai M. Analysis of Genetic Polymorphism of Bitter Taste Receptor TAS2R38 and TAS2R46, and Its Relationship with Eating and Drinking Habits in Japanese ToMMo Subjects. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2023; 69:347-356. [PMID: 37940575 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.69.347] [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] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Human type 2 taste receptor (TAS2R) genes encode bitter-taste receptors that are activated by various bitter ligands. It has been said that TAS2R38 may detect bitter substances and then suppress their intake by controlling gustatory or digestive responses. The major haplotypes of TAS2R38 involve three non-synonymous, closely-linked single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), leading to three amino acid substitutions (A49P, V262A and I296V) and resulting in a PAV or AVI allele. The allele frequency of AVI/PAV was 0.42/0.58 in this study. The genotype frequency distributions of TAS2R38 were 18.32%, 46.95% and 33.95% for AVI/AVI, AVI/PAV and PAV/PAV, respectively, and were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Five haplotype combinations of minor alleles were identified: AVI/AAV, AVI/AVV, AAI/PAV, AVI/PVV, AVI/AAI, with corresponding frequencies of 0.49%, 0.10%, 0.10%, 0.05%, 0.05%, respectively, in 2,047 Japanese Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo) subjects (2KJPN). The 16 subjects with these minor alleles were excluded from the questionnaire analysis, which found no significant differences among the major TAS2R38 genotypes (AVI/AVI, AVI/PAV and PAV/PAV) in the intake frequency of cruciferous vegetables or in the frequency of drinking alcohol. This result differs from previous data using American and European subjects. This is the first study to analyze the relationship between TAS2R38 genotype and the eating and drinking habits of Japanese subjects. It was also shown that there were no relationships at all between the genetic polymorphism of TAS2R46 and the phenotypes such as clinical BMI, eating and drinking habits among the 3 genotypes of TAS2R46 (∗/∗, ∗/W, W/W) at position W250∗ (∗stop codon).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Yamaki
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Department of Food and Natural Product Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University
- Department of Home Economics, Division of Health and Nutrition, Tohoku Seikatsu Bunka University
| | - Hiroki Saito
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Department of Food and Natural Product Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University
| | | | - Yoichi Suzuki
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University
| | - Masao Nagasaki
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
| | | | - Shizuko Satoh-Kuriwada
- Department of Disease Management Dentistry, Division of Comprehensive Dentistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry
| | - Noriaki Shoji
- Department of Disease Management Dentistry, Division of Dental Informatics and Radiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry
| | - Kunio Isono
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Department of Food and Natural Product Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University
| | - Tomoko Goto
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Department of Food and Natural Product Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University
- Faculty of Human Life Science, Miyagi Gakuin Women's University
| | - Hitoshi Shirakawa
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Department of Food and Natural Product Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University
| | - Michio Komai
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Department of Food and Natural Product Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University
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14
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Talmon M, Pollastro F, Fresu LG. The Complex Journey of the Calcium Regulation Downstream of TAS2R Activation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223638. [PMID: 36429066 PMCID: PMC9688576 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) have recently arisen as a potential drug target for asthma due to their localization in airway cells. These receptors are expressed in all cell types of the respiratory system comprising epithelial, smooth muscle and immune cells; however, the expression pattern of the subtypes is different in each cell type and, accordingly, so is their role, for example, anti-inflammatory or bronchodilator. The most challenging aspect in studying TAS2Rs has been the identification of the downstream signaling cascades. Indeed, TAS2R activation leads to canonical IP3-dependent calcium release from the ER, but, alongside, there are other mechanisms that differ according to the histological localization. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the cytosolic calcium modulation downstream of TAS2R activation in the epithelial, smooth muscle and immune cells of the airway system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Talmon
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (L.G.F.); Tel.: +39-0321-660589 (M.T.); +39-0321-660687 (L.G.F.)
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Luigia Grazia Fresu
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.); (L.G.F.); Tel.: +39-0321-660589 (M.T.); +39-0321-660687 (L.G.F.)
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15
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Informed classification of sweeteners/bitterants compounds via explainable machine learning. Curr Res Food Sci 2022; 5:2270-2280. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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16
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Mang D, Mayu K, Toyama T, Yamagishi T, Sato R. BmGr4 responds to sucrose and glucose and expresses in tachykinin-related peptide-secreting enteroendocrine cells. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 150:103858. [PMID: 36244651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The regulatory hormones known as tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) are identified as brain-gut peptides in insects. Dietary components from mulberry leaves, including glucose, induce secretion of TRPs from Bombyx mori midgut. However, the sensory molecules that recognize these compounds are still unknown. Here, we identified the gustatory receptor, BmGr4, as a sucrose and glucose receptor using Ca2+ imaging. Immunostaining revealed BmGr4 expression not only in the midgut, but also in the brain. In addition, BmGr4 expression was found to co-localize with TRP-expressing cells in both midgut enteroendocrine cells (EECs) and brain neurosecretory cells (NSCs). Furthermore, dietary nutrients after food intake result in an increase of TRP-level in hemolymph of silkworm larvae. These results provide significant circumstantial evidence for the involvement of the sucrose and glucose receptor, BmGr4, in the elicitation of TRP secretion in midgut EECs and brain NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingze Mang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan.
| | - Kasubuchi Mayu
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Tomoko Toyama
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Takayuki Yamagishi
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Sato
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan.
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17
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Delompré T, Belloir C, Martin C, Salles C, Briand L. Detection of Bitterness in Vitamins Is Mediated by the Activation of Bitter Taste Receptors. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194141. [PMID: 36235793 PMCID: PMC9571608 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamins are known to generate bitterness, which may contribute to an off-taste or aftertaste for some nutritional supplements. This negative sensation can lead to a reduction in their consumption. Little is known about the bitter taste threshold and taste sensing system for the bitter taste detection of vitamins. To better understand the mechanisms involved in bitterness perception, we combined taste receptor functional assays and sensory analysis. In humans, bitter taste detection is mediated by 25 G-protein-coupled receptors belonging to the TAS2R family. First, we studied the bitterness of thirteen vitamins using a cellular-based functional taste receptor assay. We found four vitamins that can stimulate one or more TAS2Rs. For each positive molecule-receptor combination, we tested seven increasing concentrations to determine the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) and the cellular bitter taste threshold. Second, we measured the bitter taste detection threshold for four vitamins that exhibit a strong bitter taste using a combination of ascending series and sensory difference tests. A combination of sensory and biological data can provide useful results that explain the perception of vitamin bitterness and its real contribution to the off-taste of nutritional supplements.
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18
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Ki SY, Jeong YT. Taste Receptors beyond Taste Buds. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179677. [PMID: 36077074 PMCID: PMC9455917 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste receptors are responsible for detecting their ligands not only in taste receptor cells (TRCs) but also in non-gustatory organs. For several decades, many research groups have accumulated evidence for such “ectopic” expression of taste receptors. More recently, some of the physiologic functions (apart from taste) of these ectopic taste receptors have been identified. Here, we summarize our current understanding of these ectopic taste receptors across multiple organs. With a particular focus on the specialized epithelial cells called tuft cells, which are now considered siblings of type II TRCs, we divide the ectopic expression of taste receptors into two categories: taste receptors in TRC-like cells outside taste buds and taste receptors with surprising ectopic expression in completely different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Young Ki
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Yong Taek Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2286-1295
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19
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Behrens M, Lang T. Extra-Oral Taste Receptors-Function, Disease, and Perspectives. Front Nutr 2022; 9:881177. [PMID: 35445064 PMCID: PMC9014832 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.881177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste perception is crucial for the critical evaluation of food constituents in human and other vertebrates. The five basic taste qualities salty, sour, sweet, umami (in humans mainly the taste of L-glutamic acid) and bitter provide important information on the energy content, the concentration of electrolytes and the presence of potentially harmful components in food items. Detection of the various taste stimuli is facilitated by specialized receptor proteins that are expressed in taste buds distributed on the tongue and the oral cavity. Whereas, salty and sour receptors represent ion channels, the receptors for sweet, umami and bitter belong to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. In particular, the G protein-coupled taste receptors have been located in a growing number of tissues outside the oral cavity, where they mediate important processes. This article will provide a brief introduction into the human taste perception, the corresponding receptive molecules and their signal transduction. Then, we will focus on taste receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which participate in a variety of processes including the regulation of metabolic functions, hunger/satiety regulation as well as in digestion and pathogen defense reactions. These important non-gustatory functions suggest that complex selective forces have contributed to shape taste receptors during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Behrens
- Leibniz Institute of Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Tatjana Lang
- Leibniz Institute of Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
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20
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Liu S, Zhu P, Tian Y, Chen Y, Liu Y, Chen W, Liping D, Wu C. Preparation and application of taste bud organoids in biomedicine towards chemical sensation mechanisms. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2015-2030. [PMID: 35441364 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Taste is one of the most basic and important sensations that is able to monitor the food quality and avoid intake of potential danger materials. Whether as an inevitable symptom of aging or a complication of cancer treatment, taste loss very seriously affects the patient's life quality. Taste bud organoids provide an alternative and convenient approach for the research of taste functions and the underlying mechanisms due to their characteristics of availability, strong maneuverability, and high similarity to the in-vivo taste buds. This review gives a systemic and comprehensive introduction to the preparation and application of taste bud organoids towards chemical sensing mechanisms. For the first, the basic structure and functions of taste buds will be briefly introduced. Then, the currently available approaches for the preparation of taste bud organoids are summarized and discussed, which are mainly divided into two categories, i.e. the stem/progenitor cell-derived approach and the tissue-derived approach. For the next, different applications of taste bud organoids in biomedicine are outlined based on their central roles such as disease modeling, biological sensing, gene regulation, and signal transduction. Finally, the current challenges, future development trends and prospects of research in taste bud organoids are proposed and discussed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuge Liu
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yulan Tian
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yating Chen
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yage Liu
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Du Liping
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Chunsheng Wu
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, 710061, China
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21
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Zhao A, Jeffery EH, Miller MJ. Is Bitterness Only a Taste? The Expanding Area of Health Benefits of Brassica Vegetables and Potential for Bitter Taste Receptors to Support Health Benefits. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071434. [PMID: 35406047 PMCID: PMC9002472 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The list of known health benefits from inclusion of brassica vegetables in the diet is long and growing. Once limited to cancer prevention, a role for brassica in prevention of oxidative stress and anti-inflammation has aided in our understanding that brassica provide far broader benefits. These include prevention and treatment of chronic diseases of aging such as diabetes, neurological deterioration, and heart disease. Although animal and cell culture studies are consistent, clinical studies often show too great a variation to confirm these benefits in humans. In this review, we discuss causes of variation in clinical studies, focusing on the impact of the wide variation across humans in commensal bacterial composition, which potentially result in variations in microbial metabolism of glucosinolates. In addition, as research into host-microbiome interactions develops, a role for bitter-tasting receptors, termed T2Rs, in the gastrointestinal tract and their role in entero-endocrine hormone regulation is developing. Here, we summarize the growing literature on mechanisms of health benefits by brassica-derived isothiocyanates and the potential for extra-oral T2Rs as a novel mechanism that may in part describe the variability in response to brassica among free-living humans, not seen in research animal and cell culture studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Zhao
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Elizabeth H. Jeffery
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Michael J. Miller
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Correspondence:
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22
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Catarina Duarte A, Raquel Costa A, Gonçalves I, Quintela T, Preissner R, R A Santos C. The druggability of bitter taste receptors for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 197:114915. [PMID: 35051386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of therapeutic drugs to the brain remains a major pharmacology challenge. A complex system of chemical surveillance to protect the brain from endogenous and exogenous toxicants at brain barriers hinders the uptake of many compounds with significant in vitro and ex vivo therapeutic properties. Despite the advances in the field in recent years, the components of this system are not completely understood. Recently, a large group of chemo-sensing receptors, have been identified in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Among these chemo-sensing receptors, bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) hold promise as potential drug targets, as many TAS2R bind compounds with recognized neuroprotective activity (quercetin, resveratrol, among others). Whether activation of TAS2R by their ligands contributes to their diverse biological actions described in other cells and tissues is still debatable. In this review, we discuss the potential role of TAS2R gene family as the mediators of the biological activity of their ligands for the treatment of central nervous system disorders and discuss their potential to counteract drug resistance by improving drug delivery to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Duarte
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; CPIRN-IPG- Centro de Potencial e Inovação de Recursos Naturais- Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Av. Dr. Francisco de Sá Carneiro, 6300-559, Guarda, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Costa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Telma Quintela
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Robert Preissner
- Institute of Physiology and Science-IT, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Philippstrasse 12, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cecília R A Santos
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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23
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D'Urso O, Drago F. Pharmacological significance of extra-oral taste receptors. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174480. [PMID: 34496302 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
It has recently been shown that taste receptors, in addition to being present in the oral cavity, exist in various extra-oral organs and tissues such as the thyroid, lungs, skin, stomach, intestines, and pancreas. Although their physiological function is not yet fully understood, it appears that they can help regulate the body's homeostasis and provide an additional defense function against pathogens. Since the vast majority of drugs are bitter, the greatest pharmacological interest is in the bitter taste receptors. In this review, we describe how bitter taste 2 receptors (TAS2Rs) induce bronchodilation and mucociliary clearance in the airways, muscle relaxation in various tissues, inhibition of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in thyrocytes, and release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and ghrelin in the digestive system. In fact, substances such as dextromethorphan, chloroquine, methimazole and probably glimepiride, being agonists of TAS2Rs, lead to these effects. TAS2Rs and taste 1 receptors (TAS1R2/3) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). TAS1R2/3 are responsible for sweet taste perception and may induce GLP-1 release and insulin secretion. Umami taste receptors, belonging to the same superfamily of receptors, perform a similar function with regard to insulin. The sour and salty taste receptors work in a similar way, both being channel receptors sensitive to amiloride. Finally, gene-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) and GPR120 for fatty taste perception are also protein-coupled receptors and may induce GLP-1 secretion and insulin release, similar to those of other receptors belonging to the same superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavio D'Urso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 97, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 97, 95125 Catania, Italy.
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24
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Martens K, Steelant B, Bullens DMA. Taste Receptors: The Gatekeepers of the Airway Epithelium. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112889. [PMID: 34831117 PMCID: PMC8616034 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Taste receptors are well known for their role in the sensation of taste. Surprisingly, the expression and involvement of taste receptors in chemosensory processes outside the tongue have been recently identified in many organs including the airways. Currently, a clear understanding of the airway-specific function of these receptors and the endogenous activating/inhibitory ligands is lagging. The focus of this review is on recent physiological and clinical data describing the taste receptors in the airways and their activation by secreted bacterial compounds. Taste receptors in the airways are potentially involved in three different immune pathways (i.e., the production of nitric oxide and antimicrobial peptides secretion, modulation of ciliary beat frequency, and bronchial smooth muscle cell relaxation). Moreover, genetic polymorphisms in these receptors may alter the patients’ susceptibility to certain types of respiratory infections as well as to differential outcomes in patients with chronic inflammatory airway diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma. A better understanding of the function of taste receptors in the airways may lead to the development of a novel class of therapeutic molecules that can stimulate airway mucosal immune responses and could treat patients with chronic airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katleen Martens
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (K.M.); (B.S.)
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Brecht Steelant
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (K.M.); (B.S.)
| | - Dominique M. A. Bullens
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (K.M.); (B.S.)
- Clinical Division of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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25
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Abstract
Bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptors (TAS2Rs or T2Rs), belonging to the subgroup of family A G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), are of crucial importance in the perception of bitterness. Although in the first instance, TAS2Rs were considered to be exclusively distributed in the apical microvilli of taste bud cells, numerous studies have detected these sensory receptor proteins in several extra-oral tissues, such as in pancreatic or ovarian tissues, as well as in their corresponding malignancies. Critical points of extra-oral TAS2Rs biology, such as their structure, roles, signaling transduction pathways, extensive mutational polymorphism, and molecular evolution, have been currently broadly studied. The TAS2R cascade, for instance, has been recently considered to be a pivotal modulator of a number of (patho)physiological processes, including adipogenesis or carcinogenesis. The latest advances in taste receptor biology further raise the possibility of utilizing TAS2Rs as a therapeutic target or as an informative index to predict treatment responses in various disorders. Thus, the focus of this review is to provide an update on the expression and molecular basis of TAS2Rs functions in distinct extra-oral tissues in health and disease. We shall also discuss the therapeutic potential of novel TAS2Rs targets, which are appealing due to their ligand selectivity, expression pattern, or pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Tuzim
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Korolczuk
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
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26
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Yang MY, Kim SK, Kim D, Liggett SB, Goddard WA. Structures and Agonist Binding Sites of Bitter Taste Receptor TAS2R5 Complexed with Gi Protein and Validated against Experiment. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:9293-9300. [PMID: 34542294 PMCID: PMC8650975 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c02162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) function in taste perception, but are also expressed in many extraoral tissues, presenting attractive therapeutic targets. TAS2R5s expressed on human airway smooth muscle cells can induce bronchodilation for treating asthma and other obstructive diseases. But TAS2R5s display low agonist affinity and the lack of a 3D structure has hindered efforts to design more active ligands. We report the structure of the activated TAS2R5 coupled to the Gi protein and bound to each of 19 agonists, using computational approaches. These agonists bind to two polar residues in TM3 that are unique for TAS2R5 among 25 TAS2R subtypes. Our predicted results correlate well with experimental results of agonist-receptor signaling coefficients, providing validation of the predicted structure. These results provide highly specific data on how agonists activate TAS2R5, how modifications of ligand structure alter receptor activation, and a guide to structure-based drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Young Yang
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125
| | - Soo-Kyung Kim
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125
| | - Donghwa Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, 33602
| | - Stephen B. Liggett
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, 33602
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical Engineering, and Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, 33602
| | - William A. Goddard
- Materials and Process Simulation Center, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125
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27
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Sterneder S, Stoeger V, Dugulin CA, Liszt KI, Di Pizio A, Korntheuer K, Dunkel A, Eder R, Ley JP, Somoza V. Astringent Gallic Acid in Red Wine Regulates Mechanisms of Gastric Acid Secretion via Activation of Bitter Taste Sensing Receptor TAS2R4. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:10550-10561. [PMID: 34460245 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Red wine is rich in phenolic compounds, which chiefly determine its characteristic taste. One of its major phenolic acid constituents for which an astringency, yet no clear contribution to bitter taste has been reported, is gallic acid (GA). In previous studies, we have demonstrated bitter-tasting constituents to regulate cellular proton secretion (PS) as a key mechanism of gastric acid secretion via activation of bitter taste sensing receptors (TAS2Rs). Here, we hypothesized a contributing role of GA to the red wine-stimulated effect on PS in human gastric tumor cells (HGT-1 cells). Sensory analyses revealed that 10 μM GA as the lowest concentration tested more bitter than tap water, with increasing bitter ratings up to 1000 μM. In HGT-1 cells, the concentration of 10 μM GA evoked the most pronounced effect on PS secretion, either when added to cells as in-water solution or when spiked to a red wine matrix. GA-spiking of Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch red wine samples up to a concentration of 10 μM resulted in an equally stimulated PS, whereas the non-GA-spiked wine samples demonstrated contrary effects on PS, indicating a functional role of GA on PS. Involvement of TAS2R4 in the GA-induced PS was verified by means of an HGT-1 homozygote CRISPR-Cas9 TAS2R4 knockout approach. Moreover, gene expression analyses revealed GA to increase TAS2R4. These results demonstrate a functional role of TAS2R4 in GA-evoked PS as a key mechanism of gastric acid secretion aiding digestion. Moreover, our data provide mechanistic insights, which will help to produce stomach-friendly red wines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Sterneder
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14 (UZA II), Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Verena Stoeger
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14 (UZA II), Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Celina Angela Dugulin
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14 (UZA II), Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Kathrin Ingrid Liszt
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14 (UZA II), Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz-Institute of Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Karin Korntheuer
- Federal College and Research Institute for Viticulture and Pomology, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
| | - Andreas Dunkel
- Leibniz-Institute of Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Reinhard Eder
- Federal College and Research Institute for Viticulture and Pomology, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
| | - Jakob Peter Ley
- Research & Technology Flavors Division, Symrise AG, 37603 Holzminden, Germany
| | - Veronika Somoza
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14 (UZA II), Vienna 1090, Austria
- Leibniz-Institute of Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Nutritional Systems Biology, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
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28
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Lu P, ElMallah MK, Liu Z, Wu C, Chen J, Lifshitz LM, ZhuGe R. Genetic deletion of the Tas2r143/Tas2r135/Tas2r126 cluster reveals that TAS2Rs may not mediate bitter tastant-induced bronchodilation. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6407-6423. [PMID: 33559206 PMCID: PMC8223514 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) and their signaling elements are detected throughout the body, and bitter tastants induce a wide variety of biological responses in tissues and organs outside the mouth. However, the roles of TAS2Rs in these responses remain to be tested and established genetically. Here, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique to delete three bitter taste receptors-Tas2r143/Tas2r135/Tas2r126 (i.e., Tas2r triple knockout [TKO]) in mice. The fidelity and effectiveness of the Tas2r deletions were validated genetically at DNA and messenger RNA levels and functionally based on the tasting of TAS2R135 and TAS2R126 agonists. Bitter tastants are known to relax airways completely. However, TAS2R135 or TAS2R126 agonists either failed to induce relaxation of pre-contracted airways in wild-type mice and Tas2r TKO mice or relaxed them dose-dependently, but to the same extent in both types of mice. These results indicate that TAS2Rs are not required for bitter tastant-induced bronchodilation. The Tas2r TKO mice also provide a valuable model to resolve whether TAS2Rs mediate bitter tastant-induced responses in many other extraoral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mai K ElMallah
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zeyu Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chan Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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29
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Wei X, Jiang D, Chen C, Wu J, Qin C, Yuan Q, Xue Y, Xiong Y, Zhuang L, Hu N, Wang P. Hybrid Integrated Cardiomyocyte Biosensors for Bitter Detection and Cardiotoxicity Assessment. ACS Sens 2021; 6:2593-2604. [PMID: 34253023 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Among basic taste sensations, bitter taste is vital to the survival of mammals due to its indispensable role in toxin prediction or identification, so the identification of bitter compounds is of great value in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Recently, bitter taste receptor (T2Rs)-based biosensors have been developed for specific bitter detection. However, the taste biosensors based on taste cells/tissues suffer from simple function, low sensitivity, low content, and limited parameters. Here, to establish a high-content, highly sensitive, and multifunctional taste biosensor, we developed a multifunctional hybrid integrated cardiomyocyte biosensor (HICB) for bitter detection. Due to the expression of bitter taste receptors in cardiomyocytes, the HICB can recognize the specific bitter agonists by synchronously recording the extracellular field potential (EFP) and mechanical beating (MB) signals from the cultured cardiomyocytes in vitro. Multiple feature parameters were defined and extracted from the electromechanical signals of cardiomyocytes to analyze the specific responses to four typical bitter compounds. The radar map, heat map, and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to visualize and classify the specific responses. Moreover, bitter-induced cardiotoxicity also was chronically evaluated, and these bitter compounds presented an inhibition effect on the electrophysiological and contractile activities of cardiomyocytes. This high-content HICB offers an alternative platform for both bitter detection and cardiotoxicity assessment, showing promising applications in the fields of taste detection and toxicity screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Wei
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Deming Jiang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Changming Chen
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Chunlian Qin
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Qunchen Yuan
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yingying Xue
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yizhou Xiong
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Liujing Zhuang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Ning Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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30
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Di Menna L, Busceti CL, Ginerete RP, D'Errico G, Orlando R, Alborghetti M, Bruno V, Battaglia G, Fornai F, Leoni L, Rampioni G, Visca P, Monn JA, Nicoletti F. The bacterial quorum sensing molecule, 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS), inhibits signal transduction mechanisms in brain tissue and is behaviorally active in mice. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105691. [PMID: 34044128 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Interkingdom communication between bacteria and host organisms is one of the most interesting research topics in biology. Quorum sensing molecules produced by Gram-negative bacteria, such as acylated homoserine lactones and quinolones, have been shown to interact with host cell receptors, stimulating innate immunity and bacterial clearance. To our knowledge, there is no evidence that these molecules influence CNS function. Here, we have found that low micromolar concentrations of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing autoinducer, 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS), inhibited polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in mouse brain slices, whereas four selected acylated homoserine lactones were inactive. PQS also inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation in brain slices. We therefore focused on PQS in our study. Biochemical effects of PQS were not mediated by the bitter taste receptors, T2R4 and T2R16. Interestingly, submicromolar concentrations of PQS could be detected in the serum and brain tissue of adult mice under normal conditions. Levels increased in five selected brain regions after single i.p. injection of PQS (10 mg/kg), peaked after 15 min, and returned back to normal between 1 and 4 h. Systemically administered PQS reduced spontaneous locomotor activity, increased the immobility time in the forced swim test, and largely attenuated motor response to the psychostimulant, methamphetamine. These findings offer the first demonstration that a quorum sensing molecule specifically produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is centrally active and influences cell signaling and behavior. Quorum sensing autoinducers might represent new interkingdom signaling molecules between ecological communities of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms and the host CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - R Orlando
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Phamacology, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
| | - M Alborghetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University, Italy
| | - V Bruno
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Phamacology, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
| | - G Battaglia
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Phamacology, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
| | - F Fornai
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - L Leoni
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy
| | - G Rampioni
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - P Visca
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Roma, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | | | - F Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Phamacology, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy.
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31
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Melis M, Haehner A, Mastinu M, Hummel T, Tomassini Barbarossa I. Molecular and Genetic Factors Involved in Olfactory and Gustatory Deficits and Associations with Microbiota in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084286. [PMID: 33924222 PMCID: PMC8074606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in olfaction and taste are among the most frequent non-motor manifestations in Parkinson’s disease (PD) that start very early and frequently precede the PD motor symptoms. The limited data available suggest that the basis of the olfactory and gustatory dysfunction related to PD are likely multifactorial and may include the same determinants responsible for other non-motor symptoms of PD. This review describes the most relevant molecular and genetic factors involved in the PD-related smell and taste impairments, and their associations with the microbiota, which also may represent risk factors associated with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Antje Haehner
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.H.); (T.H.)
| | - Mariano Mastinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (A.H.); (T.H.)
| | - Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-675-4144
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Predicted structure of fully activated human bitter taste receptor TAS2R4 complexed with G protein and agonists. QRB DISCOVERY 2021. [PMID: 37529671 PMCID: PMC10392674 DOI: 10.1017/qrd.2021.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Bitter taste is sensed by bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) that belong to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. In addition to bitter taste perception, TAS2Rs have been reported recently to be expressed in many extraoral tissues and are now known to be involved in health and disease. Despite important roles of TAS2Rs in biological functions and diseases, no crystal structure is available to help understand the signal transduction mechanism or to help develop selective ligands as new therapeutic targets. We report here the three-dimensional structure of the fully activated TAS2R4 human bitter taste receptor predicted using the GEnSeMBLE complete sampling method. This TAS2R4 structure is coupled to the gustducin G protein and to each of several agonists. We find that the G protein couples to TAS2R4 by forming strong salt bridges to each of the three intracellular loops, orienting the activated Gα5 helix of the Gα subunit to interact extensively with the cytoplasmic region of the activated receptor. We find that the TAS2Rs exhibit unique motifs distinct from typical Class A GPCRs, leading to a distinct activation mechanism and a less stable inactive state. This fully activated bitter taste receptor complex structure provides insight into the signal transduction mechanism and into ligand binding to TAS2Rs.
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Welcome MO, Mastorakis NE. The taste of neuroinflammation: Molecular mechanisms linking taste sensing to neuroinflammatory responses. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105557. [PMID: 33737243 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence indicates a critical role of neuroinflammatory response as an underlying pathophysiological process in several central nervous system disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms that trigger neuroinflammatory processes are not fully known. The discovery of bitter taste receptors in regions other than the oral cavity substantially increased research interests on their functional roles in extra-oral tissues. It is now widely accepted that bitter taste receptors, for instance, in the respiratory, intestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts, are crucial not only for sensing poisonous substances, but also, act as immune sentinels, mobilizing defense mechanisms against pathogenic aggression. The relatively recent discovery of bitter taste receptors in the brain has intensified research investigation on the functional implication of cerebral bitter taste receptor expression. Very recent data suggest that responses of bitter taste receptors to neurotoxins and microbial molecules, under normal condition, are necessary to prevent neuroinflammatory reactions. Furthermore, emerging data have revealed that downregulation of key components of the taste receptor signaling cascade leads to increased oxidative stress and inflammasome signaling in neurons that ultimately culminate in neuroinflammation. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that link taste receptor mediated surveillance of the extracellular milieu to neuroinflammatory responses are not completely understood. This review integrates new data on the molecular mechanisms that link bitter taste receptor sensing to neuroinflammatory responses. The role of bitter taste receptor-mediated sensing of toxigenic substances in brain disorders is also discussed. The therapeutic significance of targeting these receptors for potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menizibeya O Welcome
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
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Medapati MR, Bhagirath AY, Singh N, Chelikani P. Pharmacology of T2R Mediated Host-Microbe Interactions. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 275:177-202. [PMID: 33580389 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_435] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) belong to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Humans express 25 T2Rs that are known to detect several bitter compounds including bacterial quorum sensing molecules (QSM). Primarily found to be key receptors for bitter sensation T2Rs are known to play an important role in mediating innate immune responses in oral and extraoral tissues. Several studies have led to identification of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial QSMs as agonists for T2Rs in airway epithelial cells and immune cells. However, the pharmacological characterization for many of the QSM-T2R interactions remains poorly defined. In this chapter, we discuss the extraoral roles including localization of T2Rs in extracellular vesicles, molecular pharmacology of QSM-T2R interactions, role of T2Rs in mediating innate immune responses, and some of the challenges in understanding T2R pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Reddy Medapati
- Manitoba Chemosensory Biology Research Group, Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Anjali Y Bhagirath
- Manitoba Chemosensory Biology Research Group, Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nisha Singh
- Manitoba Chemosensory Biology Research Group, Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Prashen Chelikani
- Manitoba Chemosensory Biology Research Group, Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Salvestrini V, Ciciarello M, Pensato V, Simonetti G, Laginestra MA, Bruno S, Pazzaglia M, De Marchi E, Forte D, Orecchioni S, Martinelli G, Bertolini F, Méndez-Ferrer S, Adinolfi E, Di Virgilio F, Cavo M, Curti A. Denatonium as a Bitter Taste Receptor Agonist Modifies Transcriptomic Profile and Functions of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1225. [PMID: 32793492 PMCID: PMC7393209 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of cell-extrinsic factors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) generation and persistence has gained interest. Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors known for their primary role as a central warning signal to induce aversion toward noxious or harmful substances. Nevertheless, the increasing amount of evidence about their extra-oral localization has suggested a wider function in sensing microenvironment, also in cancer settings. In this study, we found that AML cells express functional TAS2Rs. We also highlighted a significant association between the modulation of some TAS2Rs and the poor-prognosis AML groups, i.e., TP53- and TET2-mutated, supporting a potential role of TAS2Rs in AML cell biology. Gene expression profile analysis showed that TAS2R activation with the prototypical agonist, denatonium benzoate, significantly modulated a number of genes involved in relevant AML cellular processes. Functional assay substantiated molecular data and indicated that denatonium reduced AML cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase or induced apoptosis via caspase cascade activation. Moreover, denatonium exposure impaired AML cell motility and migratory capacity, and inhibited cellular respiration by decreasing glucose uptake and oxidative phosphorylation. In conclusion, our results in AML cells expand the observation of cancer TAS2R expression to the setting of hematological neoplasms and shed light on a role of TAS2Rs in the extrinsic regulation of leukemia cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Salvestrini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marilena Ciciarello
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Pensato
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Simonetti
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Maria Antonella Laginestra
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Samantha Bruno
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Pazzaglia
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena De Marchi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dorian Forte
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Orecchioni
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertolini
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Simon Méndez-Ferrer
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
- Department of Haematology, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Adinolfi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Virgilio
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Cavo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Curti
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Institute of Hematology “L. and A. Seràgnoli”, University-Hospital S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
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Zhang L, Cao QQ, Granato D, Xu YQ, Ho CT. Association between chemistry and taste of tea: A review. Trends Food Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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37
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Yuan G, Jing Y, Wang T, Fernandes VS, Xin W. The bitter taste receptor agonist-induced negative chronotropic effects on the Langendorff-perfused isolated rat hearts. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 876:173063. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Wang Q, Liszt KI, Depoortere I. Extra-oral bitter taste receptors: New targets against obesity? Peptides 2020; 127:170284. [PMID: 32092303 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Taste perception on the tongue is essential to help us to identify nutritious or potential toxic food substances. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the expression and function of bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in a wide range of extra-oral tissues. In particular, TAS2Rs in gastrointestinal enteroendocrine cells control the secretion of appetite regulating gut hormones and influence hunger and food intake. Furthermore, these effects may be reinforced by the presence of TAS2Rs on intestinal smooth muscle cells, adipocytes and the brain. This review summarises how activation of extra-oral TAS2Rs can influence appetite and body weight control and how obesity impacts the expression and function of TAS2Rs. Region-selective targeting of bitter taste receptors may be promising targets for the treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoling Wang
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kathrin I Liszt
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Inge Depoortere
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Spaggiari G, Di Pizio A, Cozzini P. Sweet, umami and bitter taste receptors: State of the art of in silico molecular modeling approaches. Trends Food Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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40
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Melis M, Errigo A, Crnjar R, Pes GM, Tomassini Barbarossa I. TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor and attainment of exceptional longevity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18047. [PMID: 31792278 PMCID: PMC6889489 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54604-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors play crucial roles in detecting bitter compounds not only in the oral cavity, but also in extraoral tissues where they are involved in a variety of non‒tasting physiological processes. On the other hand, disorders or modifications in the sensitivity or expression of these extraoral receptors can affect physiological functions. Here we evaluated the role of the bitter receptor TAS2R38 in attainment of longevity, since it has been widely associated with individual differences in taste perception, food preferences, diet, nutrition, immune responses and pathophysiological mechanisms. Differences in genotype distribution and haplotype frequency at the TAS2R38 gene between a cohort of centenarian and near-centenarian subjects and two control cohorts were determined. Results show in the centenarian cohort an increased frequency of subjects carrying the homozygous genotype for the functional variant of TAS2R38 (PAV/PAV) and a decreased frequency of those having homozygous genotype for the non-functional form (AVI/AVI), as compared to those determined in the two control cohorts. In conclusion, our data providing evidence of an association between genetic variants of TAS2R38 gene and human longevity, suggest that TAS2R38 bitter receptor can be involved in the molecular physiological mechanisms implied in the biological process of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, 09042, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Errigo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, SS, 07100, Italy
| | - Roberto Crnjar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, 09042, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mario Pes
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, SS, 07100, Italy.,Sardinia Longevity Blue Zone Observatory, Ogliastra, Italy
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41
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The senses of the choroid plexus. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 182:101680. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.101680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Wei X, Qin C, Gu C, He C, Yuan Q, Liu M, Zhuang L, Wan H, Wang P. A novel bionic in vitro bioelectronic tongue based on cardiomyocytes and microelectrode array for bitter and umami detection. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 145:111673. [PMID: 31546200 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Electronic tongues (ETs) have been developed and widely used in food, beverage and pharmaceutical fields, but limited in sensitivity and specificity. In recent years, bioelectronic tongues (BioETs) integrating biological materials and various types of transducers are proposed to bridge the gap between ET system and biological taste. In this work, a bionic in vitro cell-based BioET is developed for bitter and umami detection, utilizing rat cardiomyocytes as a primary taste sensing element and microelectrode arrays (MEAs) as a secondary transducer for the first time. The primary cardiomyocytes of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, which endogenously express bitter and umami taste receptors, were cultured on MEAs. Cells attached and grew well on the sensor surface, and syncytium was formed for potential conduction and mechanical beating, indicating the good biocompatibility of surface coating. The specificity of this BioET was verified by testing different tastants and bitter compounds. The results show that the BioET responds to bitter and umami compounds specifically among five basic tastants. For bitter recognition, only those can activate receptors in cardiomyocytes can be recognized by the BioET, and different bitter substances could be discriminated by principal component analysis (PCA). Moreover, the specific detections of two bitters (Denatonium Benzoate, Diphenidol) and an umami compound (Monosodium Glutamate) were realized with a detection limit of 10-6 M. The cardiomyocytes-based BioET proposed in this work provides a new approach for the construction of BioETs and has promising applications in taste detection and pharmaceutical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Wei
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China; State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Chunlian Qin
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Chenlei Gu
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Chuanjiang He
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Qunchen Yuan
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Mengxue Liu
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Liujing Zhuang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Hao Wan
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China; State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China; State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China.
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Sarnelli G, Annunziata G, Magno S, Oriolo C, Savastano S, Colao A. Taste and the Gastrointestinal tract: from physiology to potential therapeutic target for obesity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBESITY SUPPLEMENTS 2019; 9:1-9. [PMID: 31391920 DOI: 10.1038/s41367-019-0012-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Flavor is the combination of gustatory, olfactory and trigeminal sensations, representing the three main sensory pathways that allow detecting environmental chemical substances. Taste, in particular, is a complex chemosensory path that allows identification of substances present in ingested foods and beverages. In this manuscript, we propose a conceptual roadmap from aspects related to the evolution and the physiological role of taste, up to the current knowledge about its implication in the modulation of a healthy state, or obesity. More specifically, we focused on the role of stimulation of taste receptors in releasing gut hormones (also known as enterohormones), and their effects on the regulation of food intake, by inducing satiety, either by locally acting (in the gastrointestinal tract), or centrally (in the brain). Recent evidence demonstrated that some enterohormones are able to modulate gastrointestinal motility, thus affecting an orexigenic responses in the central nervous system. In keeping with this, we discuss the ability of the gustatory system to be a final checkpoint control for food intake regulation, and we speculate about taste perception manipulation in the management of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sarnelli
- 1Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Magno
- Obesity Center at the Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Oriolo
- 4Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department of Care Continuity and Disability, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Savastano
- 5Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unit of Endocrinology, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Napoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- 5Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unit of Endocrinology, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Napoli, Italy
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44
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Le-Kim T, Koo BI, Yun JS, Cho SW, Nam YS. Hydrogel Skin-Covered Neurons Self-Assembled with Gustatory Cells for Selective Taste Stimulation. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:12393-12401. [PMID: 31460357 PMCID: PMC6681981 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Many technical challenges exist in the co-culture of multiple types of cells, including medium optimization, cell-to-cell connection, and selective data acquisition of cellular responses. Particularly, mixed cellular responses limit the precise interpretation of intercellular signal transduction. Here, we report the formation of an agarose gel skin on neurons closely assembled with gustatory cells to selectively stimulate gustatory cells by retarding the diffusion of tastants to neurons. The signal transmission, triggered by denatonium benzoate, from gustatory cells to neurons was monitored using intracellular calcium ion concentrations. The agarose gel skin efficiently suppressed the direct transfer of tastants to neurons, decreasing the number of responsive neurons from 56 to 13% and the number of calcium ion signals per neuron from multiple to single. The assembly of neurons with gustatory cells induced the high level of neuronal responses through taste signal transduction from gustatory cells to neurons. However, the calcium ion signal peaks of free neurons coated with agarose gel were much shorter and weaker than those of neurons closely assembled with gustatory cells. This work demonstrated that agarose gel skin is a simple, fast, and effective means to increase the signal selectivity of cellular responses in the co-culture of multiple types of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang
Huyen Le-Kim
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering and KAIST Institute for NanoCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro,
Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Bon Il Koo
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering and KAIST Institute for NanoCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro,
Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Su Yun
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering and KAIST Institute for NanoCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro,
Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department
of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic
of Korea
| | - Yoon Sung Nam
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering and KAIST Institute for NanoCentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro,
Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- E-mail:
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45
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Schier LA, Spector AC. The Functional and Neurobiological Properties of Bad Taste. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:605-663. [PMID: 30475657 PMCID: PMC6442928 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00044.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The gustatory system serves as a critical line of defense against ingesting harmful substances. Technological advances have fostered the characterization of peripheral receptors and have created opportunities for more selective manipulations of the nervous system, yet the neurobiological mechanisms underlying taste-based avoidance and aversion remain poorly understood. One conceptual obstacle stems from a lack of recognition that taste signals subserve several behavioral and physiological functions which likely engage partially segregated neural circuits. Moreover, although the gustatory system evolved to respond expediently to broad classes of biologically relevant chemicals, innate repertoires are often not in register with the actual consequences of a food. The mammalian brain exhibits tremendous flexibility; responses to taste can be modified in a specific manner according to bodily needs and the learned consequences of ingestion. Therefore, experimental strategies that distinguish between the functional properties of various taste-guided behaviors and link them to specific neural circuits need to be applied. Given the close relationship between the gustatory and visceroceptive systems, a full reckoning of the neural architecture of bad taste requires an understanding of how these respective sensory signals are integrated in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Schier
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California ; and Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University , Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Alan C Spector
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California ; and Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University , Tallahassee, Florida
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Old age-associated phenotypic screening for Alzheimer's disease drug candidates identifies sterubin as a potent neuroprotective compound from Yerba santa. Redox Biol 2018; 21:101089. [PMID: 30594901 PMCID: PMC6309122 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2018.101089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent age-associated dementia with no treatments that can prevent or slow its progression. Since age is by far the major risk factor for AD, there is a strong rationale for an alternative approach to drug discovery based upon the biology of aging. Phenotypic screening assays that reflect multiple, age-associated neurotoxicity pathways rather than single molecular targets can identify compounds that have therapeutic efficacy by targeting aspects of aging that contribute to AD pathology. And, while the suitability of any single assay can be questioned, a combination of assays can make reliable predictions about the neuroprotective effects of compounds in vivo. Therefore, our lab has developed a combination of phenotypic screening assays that are ideally suited not only to identify novel neuroprotective compounds for the treatment of AD but also their target pathways, thereby potentially providing new therapeutic targets for disease treatment. Using these assays, we screened a large library of extracts from plants with identified pharmacological uses. Analysis of one of these extracts from the plant Yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum) identified the flavanone sterubin as the active component and further studies showed it to be a potent neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory compound. Phenotypic screening of a curated library of plant extracts identifies Yerba santa. The flavonoid sterubin is the main active component of Yerba santa. Sterubin is very neuroprotective against multiple toxicities of the aging brain. Sterubin has potent anti-inflammatory activity that is dependent on Nrf2 induction. Sterubin is also an iron chelator which could enhance its neuroprotective activity.
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Dalesio NM, Barreto Ortiz SF, Pluznick JL, Berkowitz DE. Olfactory, Taste, and Photo Sensory Receptors in Non-sensory Organs: It Just Makes Sense. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1673. [PMID: 30542293 PMCID: PMC6278613 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory receptors that detect and respond to light, taste, and smell primarily belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. In addition to their established roles in the nose, tongue, and eyes, these sensory GPCRs have been found in many ‘non-sensory' organs where they respond to different physicochemical stimuli, initiating signaling cascades in these extrasensory systems. For example, taste receptors in the airway, and photoreceptors in vascular smooth muscle cells, both cause smooth muscle relaxation when activated. In addition, olfactory receptors are present within the vascular system, where they play roles in angiogenesis as well as in modulating vascular tone. By better understanding the physiological and pathophysiological roles of sensory receptors in non-sensory organs, novel therapeutic agents can be developed targeting these receptors, ultimately leading to treatments for pathological conditions and potential cures for various disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Dalesio
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sebastian F Barreto Ortiz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer L Pluznick
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dan E Berkowitz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Bitter taste receptors are expressed in human epithelial ovarian and prostate cancers cells and noscapine stimulation impacts cell survival. Mol Cell Biochem 2018; 454:203-214. [PMID: 30350307 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-018-3464-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (Tas2Rs) are a subfamily of G-protein coupled receptors expressed not only in the oral cavity but also in several extra-oral tissues and disease states. Several natural bitter compounds from plants, such as bitter melon extract and noscapine, have displayed anti-cancer effects against various cancer types. In this study, we examined the prevalence of Tas2R subtype expression in several epithelial ovarian or prostate cancer cell lines, and the functionality of Tas2R14 was determined. qPCR analysis of five TAS2Rs demonstrated that mRNA expression often varies greatly in cancer cells in comparison to normal tissue. Using receptor-specific siRNAs, we also demonstrated that noscapine stimulation of ovarian cancer cells increased apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells in a receptor-dependent, but ROS-independent manner. This study furthers our understanding of the function of Tas2Rs in ovarian cancer by demonstrating that their activation has an impact on cell survival.
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Zhang C, Alashi AM, Singh N, Liu K, Chelikani P, Aluko RE. Beef Protein-Derived Peptides as Bitter Taste Receptor T2R4 Blockers. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:4902-4912. [PMID: 29706068 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to determine the T2R4 bitter taste receptor-blocking ability of enzymatic beef protein hydrolysates and identified peptide sequences. Beef protein was hydrolyzed with each of six commercial enzymes (alcalase, chymotrypsin, trypsin, pepsin, flavourzyme, and thermoase). Electronic tongue measurements showed that the hydrolysates had significantly ( p < 0.05) lower bitter scores than quinine. Addition of the hydrolysates to quinine led to reduced bitterness intensity of quinine with trypsin and pepsin hydrolysates being the most effective. Addition of the hydrolysates to HEK293T cells that heterologously express one of the bitter taste receptors (T2R4) showed alcalase, thermoase, pepsin, and trypsin hydrolysates as the most effective in reducing calcium mobilization. Eight peptides that were identified from the alcalase and chymotrypsin hydrolysates also suppressed quinine-dependent calcium release from T2R4 with AGDDAPRAVF and ETSARHL being the most effective. We conclude that short peptide lengths or the presence of multiple serine residues may not be desirable structural requirements for blocking quinine-dependent T2R4 activation.
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50
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Iven J, Biesiekierski JR, Zhao D, Deloose E, O'Daly OG, Depoortere I, Tack J, Van Oudenhove L. Intragastric quinine administration decreases hedonic eating in healthy women through peptide-mediated gut-brain signaling mechanisms. Nutr Neurosci 2018; 22:850-862. [PMID: 29607741 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2018.1457841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Intragastric bitter tastants may decrease appetite and food intake. We aimed to investigate the gut-brain signaling and brain mechanisms underlying these effects.Methods: Brain responses to intragastric quinine-hydrochloride (QHCl, 10 µmol/kg) or placebo infusion were recorded using functional magnetic resonance imaging in 15 healthy women. Appetite-related sensations, plasma levels of gastrointestinal hormones and hedonic food intake (ad libitum drink test) were assessed.Results: Lower octanoylated ghrelin (P<0.04), total ghrelin (P<0.01), and motilin (P<0.01) plasma levels were found after QHCl administration, along with lower prospective food consumption ratings (P<0.02) and hedonic food intake (P<0.05). QHCl increased neural activity in the hypothalamus and hedonic (anterior insula, putamen, caudate, pallidum, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, midbrain) regions, but decreased activity in the homeostatic medulla (all pFWE-corrected<0.05). Differential brain responses to QHCl versus placebo covaried with subjective and hormonal responses and predicted differences in hedonic food intake.Discussion: Intragastric QHCl decreases prospective and actual food intake in healthy women by interfering with homeostatic and hedonic brain circuits in a ghrelin- and motilin-mediated fashion. These findings suggest a potential of bitter tastants to reduce appetite and food intake, through the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Iven
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jessica R Biesiekierski
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dongxing Zhao
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eveline Deloose
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Owen G O'Daly
- Center for Neuroimaging Sciences, Psychology, and Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Inge Depoortere
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Tack
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lukas Van Oudenhove
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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