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Li N, Li C, Zheng A, Liu W, Shi Y, Jiang M, Xiao Y, Qiu Z, Qiu Y, Jia A. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation reveals the source of bitterness in the traditional Chinese medicine formula Runchang-Tongbian. Biomed Chromatogr 2024; 38:e5929. [PMID: 38881323 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5929] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The Runchang-Tongbian (RCTB) formula is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consisting of four herbs, namely Cannabis Fructus (Huomaren), Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), and Aurantii Fructus (Zhiqiao). It is widely used clinically because of its beneficial effect on constipation. However, its strong bitter taste leads to poor patient compliance. The bitter components of TCM compounds are complex and numerous, and inhibiting the bitter taste of TCM has become a major clinical challenge. Here, we use ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry to identify 59 chemical components in the TCM compound RCTB formula. Next, four bitter taste receptors, TAS2R39, TAS2R14, TAS2R7, and TAS2R5, which are tightly bound to the compounds in RCTB, were screened as molecular docking receptors using the BitterX database. The top-three-scoring receptor-small-molecule complexes for each of the four receptors were selected for molecular dynamics simulation. Finally, seven bitter components were identified, namely six flavonoids (rhoifolin, naringin, poncirin, diosmin, didymin, and narirutin) and one phenylpropanoid (purpureaside C). Thus, we proposed a new method for identifying the bitter components in TCM compounds, which provides a theoretical reference for bitter taste inhibition in TCM compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Aizhu Zheng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Weipeng Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yuwen Shi
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Mengcheng Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yusheng Xiao
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zhidong Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Ailing Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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Bi S, Zhu J, Huang L, Feng W, Peng L, Leng L, Wang Y, Shan P, Kong W, Zhu S. Comprehensive Analysis of the Function and Prognostic Value of TAS2Rs Family-Related Genes in Colon Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6849. [PMID: 38999959 PMCID: PMC11241446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136849] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the realm of colon carcinoma, significant genetic and epigenetic diversity is observed, underscoring the necessity for tailored prognostic features that can guide personalized therapeutic strategies. In this study, we explored the association between the type 2 bitter taste receptor (TAS2Rs) family-related genes and colon cancer using RNA-sequencing and clinical datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Our preliminary analysis identified seven TAS2Rs genes associated with survival using univariate Cox regression analysis, all of which were observed to be overexpressed in colon cancer. Subsequently, based on these seven TAS2Rs prognostic genes, two colon cancer molecular subtypes (Cluster A and Cluster B) were defined. These subtypes exhibited distinct prognostic and immune characteristics, with Cluster A characterized by low immune cell infiltration and less favorable outcomes, while Cluster B was associated with high immune cell infiltration and better prognosis. Finally, we developed a robust scoring system using a gradient boosting machine (GBM) approach, integrated with the gene-pairing method, to predict the prognosis of colon cancer patients. This machine learning model could improve our predictive accuracy for colon cancer outcomes, underscoring its value in the precision oncology framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzhen Bi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liting Huang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Wanting Feng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Lulu Peng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Liangqi Leng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Peipei Shan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Weikaixin Kong
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sujie Zhu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
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Singh N, Ulmer B, Medapati MR, Zhang C, Schroth RJ, Ghavami S, Chelikani P. Bitter Taste Receptor T2R14 and Autophagy Flux in Gingival Epithelial Cells. Cells 2024; 13:531. [PMID: 38534375 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is a lysosomal degradation pathway that functions in nutrient recycling and as a mechanism of innate immunity. Previously, we reported a novel host-bacteria interaction between cariogenic S. mutans and bitter taste receptor (T2R14) in gingival epithelial cells (GECs), leading to an innate immune response. Further, S. mutans might be using the host immune system to inhibit other Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus. To determine whether these bacteria exploit the autophagic machinery of GEC, it is first necessary to evaluate the role of T2R14 in modulating autophagic flux. So far, the role of T2R14 in the regulation of autophagy is not well characterized. Therefore, in this study, for the first time, we report that T2R14 downregulates autophagy flux in GECs, and T2R14 knockout increases acidic vacuoles. However, the treatments of GEC WT with a T2R14 agonist and antagonist did not lead to a significant change in acidic vacuole formation. Transmission electron microscopy morphometric results also suggested an increased number of autophagic vesicles in T2R14-knockout GEC. Further, our results suggest that S. mutans competence stimulating peptide CSP-1 showed robust intracellular calcium release and this effect is both T2R14- and autophagy protein 7-dependent. In this study, we provide the first evidence that T2R14 modulates autophagy flux in GEC. The results of the current study could help in identifying the impact of T2R in regulation of the immuno-microenvironment of GEC and subsequently oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Singh
- Manitoba Chemosensory Biology (MCSB) Research Group, Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W4, Canada
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Ben Ulmer
- Manitoba Chemosensory Biology (MCSB) Research Group, Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W4, Canada
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Manoj Reddy Medapati
- Manitoba Chemosensory Biology (MCSB) Research Group, Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W4, Canada
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Christine Zhang
- University of Manitoba Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Robert J Schroth
- Manitoba Chemosensory Biology (MCSB) Research Group, Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W4, Canada
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba College of Medicine, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Prashen Chelikani
- Manitoba Chemosensory Biology (MCSB) Research Group, Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba, 780 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W4, Canada
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba College of Medicine, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
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Ni K, Che B, Gu R, Wang C, Xu H, Li H, Cen S, Luo M, Deng L. BitterDB database analysis plus cell stiffness screening identify flufenamic acid as the most potent TAS2R14-based relaxant of airway smooth muscle cells for therapeutic bronchodilation. Theranostics 2024; 14:1744-1763. [PMID: 38389834 PMCID: PMC10879871 DOI: 10.7150/thno.92492] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are abundantly expressed in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), which have been recognized as promising targets for bitter agonists to initiate relaxation and thereby prevent excessive airway constriction as the main characteristic of asthma. However, due to the current lack of tested safe and potent agonists functioning at low effective concentrations, there has been no clinically approved TAS2R-based drug for bronchodilation in asthma therapy. This study thus aimed at exploring TAS2R agonists with bronchodilator potential by BitterDB database analysis and cell stiffness screening. Methods: Bitter compounds in the BitterDB database were retrieved and analyzed for their working subtype of TAS2R and effective concentration. Compounds activating TAS2R5, 10, and 14 at < 100 μM effective concentration were identified and subsequently screened by cell stiffness assay using optical magnetic twisting cytometry (OMTC) to identify the most potent to relax ASMCs. Then the compound identified was further characterized for efficacy on various aspects related to relaxation of ASMCs, incl. but not limited to traction force by Fourier transform traction force microscopy (FTTFM), [Ca2+]i signaling by Fluo-4/AM intensity, cell migration by scratch wound healing, mRNA expression by qPCR, and protein expressing by ELISA. The compound identified was also compared to conventional β-agonist (isoproterenol and salbutamol) for efficacy in reducing cell stiffness of cultured ASMCs and airway resistance of ovalbumin-treated mice. Results: BitterDB analysis found 18 compounds activating TAS2R5, 10, and 14 at < 100 μM effective concentration. Cell stiffness screening of these compounds eventually identified flufenamic acid (FFA) as the most potent compound to rapidly reduce cell stiffness at 1 μM. The efficacy of FFA to relax ASMCs in vitro and abrogate airway resistance in vivo was equivalent to that of conventional β-agonists. The FFA-induced effect on ASMCs was mediated by TAS2R14 activation, endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release, and large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel opening. FFA also attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in cultured ASMCs. Conclusions: FFA as a potent TAS2R14 agonist to relax ASMCs while suppressing cytokine release might be a favorite drug agent for further development of TAS2R-based novel dual functional medication for bronchodilation and anti-inflammation in asthma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mingzhi Luo
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, and School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linhong Deng
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, and School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Grădinaru TC, Vlad A, Gilca M. Bitter Phytochemicals as Novel Candidates for Skin Disease Treatment. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 46:299-326. [PMID: 38248322 PMCID: PMC10814078 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46010020] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Skin diseases represent a global healthcare challenge due to their rising incidence and substantial socio-economic burden. While biological, immunological, and targeted therapies have brought a revolution in improving quality of life and survival rates for certain dermatological conditions, there remains a stringent demand for new remedies. Nature has long served as an inspiration for drug development. Recent studies have identified bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in both skin cell lines and human skin. Additionally, bitter natural compounds have shown promising benefits in addressing skin aging, wound healing, inflammatory skin conditions, and even skin cancer. Thus, TAS2Rs may represent a promising target in all these processes. In this review, we summarize evidence supporting the presence of TAS2Rs in the skin and emphasize their potential as drug targets for addressing skin aging, wound healing, inflammatory skin conditions, and skin carcinogenesis. To our knowledge, this is a pioneering work in connecting information on TAS2Rs expression in skin and skin cells with the impact of bitter phytochemicals on various beneficial effects related to skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora-Cristiana Grădinaru
- Department of Functional Sciences I/Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (T.-C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Adelina Vlad
- Department of Functional Sciences I/Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marilena Gilca
- Department of Functional Sciences I/Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (T.-C.G.); (M.G.)
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Woo JAA, Castaño M, Kee TR, Lee J, Koziol-White CJ, An SS, Kim D, Kang DE, Liggett SB. A Par3/LIM Kinase/Cofilin Pathway Mediates Human Airway Smooth Muscle Relaxation by TAS2R14. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 68:417-429. [PMID: 36662576 PMCID: PMC10112429 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0303oc] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
TAS2Rs (bitter taste receptors) are GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors) expressed on human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells; when activated by receptor agonists they evoke marked airway relaxation. In both taste and HASM cells, TAS2Rs activate a canonical Gβγ-mediated stimulation of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores by activation of PLCβ (phospholipase Cβ). Alone, this [Ca2+]i signaling does not readily account for relaxation, particularly since bronchoconstrictive agonists acting at Gq-coupled receptors also increase [Ca2+]i. We established that TAS2R14 activation in HASM promotes relaxation through F-actin (filamentous actin) severing. This destabilization of actin was from agonist-promoted activation (dephosphorylation) of cofilin, which was pertussis toxin sensitive. Cofilin dephosphorylation was due to TAS2R-mediated deactivation of LIM domain kinase. The link between early receptor action and the distal cofilin dephosphorylation was found to be the polarity protein partitioning defective 3 (Par3), a known binding partner with PLCβ that inhibits LIM kinase. The physiologic relevance of this pathway was assessed using knock-downs of cofilin and Par3 in HASM cells and in human precision-cut lung slices. Relaxation by TAS2R14 agonists was ablated with knock-down of either protein as assessed by magnetic twisting cytometry in isolated cells or intact airways in the slices. Blocking [Ca2+]i release by TAS2R14 inhibited agonist-promoted cofilin dephosphorylation, confirming a role for [Ca2+]i in actin-modifying pathways. These results further elucidate the mechanistic basis of TAS2R-mediated HASM relaxation and point toward nodal points that may act as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease response modifiers or additional targets for novel bronchodilators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-A A. Woo
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Teresa R. Kee
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Molecular Medicine
| | - Jordan Lee
- Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Cynthia J. Koziol-White
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey; and
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Steven S. An
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey; and
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Donghwa Kim
- Center for Personalized Medicine and Genomics
| | - David E. Kang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Stephen B. Liggett
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology
- Center for Personalized Medicine and Genomics
- Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
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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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