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Navarro-Dorado J, Climent B, López-Oliva ME, Pilar Martínez M, Hernández-Martín M, Agis-Torres Á, Recio P, Victoria Barahona M, Benedito S, Fernandes VS, Hernández M. The bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) agonist denatonium promotes a strong relaxation of rat corpus cavernosum. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115754. [PMID: 37597814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) are found in numerous extra-oral tissues, including smooth muscle (SM) cells in both vascular and visceral tissues. Upon activation, TAS2R stimulate the relaxation of the SM. Nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway is involved in penile erection, and type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors, a cGMP-specific hydrolase are used as first-line treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). Nevertheless, PDE5 inhibitors are ineffective in a considerable number of patients, prompting research into alternative pharmacological targets for ED. Since TAS2R agonists regulate SM contractility, this study investigates the role of TAS2Rs in rat corpus cavernosum (CC). We performed immunohistochemistry to detect TAS2R10, isometric force recordings for TAS2R agonists denatonium and chloroquine, the slow-release H2S donor GYY 4137, the NO donor SNAP, the β-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol and electrical field stimulation (EFS), as well as measurement of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production. The immunofluorescence staining indicated that TAS2R10 was broadly expressed in the CC SM and to some extent in the nerve fibers. Denatonium, chloroquine, SNAP, and isoproterenol cause potent dose-dependent SM relaxations. H2S production was decreased by NO and H2S synthase inhibitors, while it was enhanced by denatonium. In addition, denatonium increased the relaxations induced by GYY 4137 and SNAP but failed to modify EFS- and isoproterenol-induced responses. These results suggest neuronal and SM TAS2R10 expression in the rat CC, where denatonium induces a strong SM relaxation per se and promotes the H2S- and NO-mediated inhibitory gaseous neurotransmission. Thus, TAS2R10 might represent a valuable therapeutic target in ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Navarro-Dorado
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Climent
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - María Elvira López-Oliva
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - María Pilar Martínez
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Hernández-Martín
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Agis-Torres
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Paz Recio
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - María Victoria Barahona
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Benedito
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Vítor S Fernandes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain.
| | - Medardo Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain.
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2
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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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3
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Acrid and Bitter Chinese Herbs in Decoction Effectively Relieve Lung Inflammation and Regulation of TRPV1/TAS2R14 Channels in a Rat Asthmatic Model. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8061740. [PMID: 36045655 PMCID: PMC9423947 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8061740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Shegan Mahuang decoction (SGMHD) was widely used as a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine to treat asthma. However, there is no research on the acrid and bitter Chinese herbs in the SGMHD to treat asthma. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SGMHD and its acrid-bitter Chinese herbs composition on airway inflammation and the expression of TRPV1 and TAS2R14 genes and proteins in asthmatic rats. Methods SD (Sprague Dawley) rats of asthma were induced by ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide, then randomly divided into the Normal group, Model group, SGMHD group, Dexamethasone (Dex) group, Guilongkechuangning (GLKC) group, The Acrid Chinese Herbs group (ACH), and The Bitter Chinese Herbs group (BCH). The rats were given intragastric gavage after 21 days for 4 weeks. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected, and the levels of IL-4, IL-13, nerve factors SP, CGRP, PGE2, and serum of IgE were determined by ELISA. Pathological changes in the lungs were determined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of TRPV1 and TAS2R14 in the rat lung group was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The expression levels of TRPV1 and TAS2R14 were measured using western blotting. The mRNA levels of TRPV1 and TAS2R14 were measured using RT-qPCR. Results The levels of serum IgE in treated rats and the cytokines IL-4, IL-13, SP, CGRP, and PGE2 were all decreased. HE-staining showed that significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue. IF-staining showed the expression levels except those of the normal group were enhanced. Acrid Chinese herbs inhibited TRPV1, and bitter Chinese herbs activated the gene and protein expression of TAS2R in the lung. Conclusion The acrid Chinese herbs regulate TRPV1, and bitter Chinese herbs regulate the gene and protein expression of TAS2R14, through nerve and immune-inflammatory factors, reduced airway inflammation, reduced airway reactivity, promoted airway remodeling, and the combination of acrid-bitter Chinese herbs can enhance the above effects. This will lay a foundation for further in vivo study of specific compounds of acrid-bitter Chinese herbs.
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4
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Kwon Y, Haam CE, Byeon S, Choi SK, Lee YH. Effects of 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor, on the elevated blood pressure and arterial dysfunction of angiotensin II-induced hypertensive mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113588. [PMID: 35994821 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system that disassembles cytoplasmic components through autophagosomes fused with lysosomes. Recently, it has been reported that autophagy is associated with cardiovascular diseases, including pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, and myocardial ischemia. However, the involvement of autophagy in hypertension is not well understood. In the present study, we hypothesized that excessive autophagy contributes to the dysfunction of mesenteric arteries in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertensive mice. Treatment of an autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), reduced the elevated blood pressure and wall thickness, and improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in mesenteric arteries of Ang II-treated mice. The expression levels of autophagy markers, beclin1 and LC3 II, were significantly increased by Ang II infusion, which was reduced by treatment of 3-MA. Furthermore, treatment of 3-MA induced vasodilation in the mesenteric resistance arteries pre-contracted with U46619 or phenylephrine, which was dependent on endothelium. Interestingly, nitric oxide production and phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS) at S1177 in the mesenteric arteries of Ang II-treated mice were increased by treatment with 3-MA. In HUVECs, p-eNOS was reduced by Ang II, which was increased by treatment of 3-MA. 3-MA had direct vasodilatory effect on the pre-contracted mesenteric arteries. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), Ang II induced increase in beclin1 and LC3 II and decrease in p62, which was reversed by treatment of 3-MA. These results suggest that autophagy inhibition exerts beneficial effects on the dysfunction of mesenteric arteries in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngin Kwon
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University, 50 Yonseiro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, the Republic of the Korea
| | - Chae Eun Haam
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University, 50 Yonseiro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, the Republic of the Korea
| | - Seonhee Byeon
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University, 50 Yonseiro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, the Republic of the Korea
| | - Soo-Kyoung Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University, 50 Yonseiro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, the Republic of the Korea.
| | - Young-Ho Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University, 50 Yonseiro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, the Republic of the Korea.
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Ren Y, Zhong X, Wang H, Chen Z, Liu Y, Zeng X, Ma Y. Chloroquine Attenuates Asthma Development by Restoring Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype Via the ROS-AKT Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:916508. [PMID: 35721212 PMCID: PMC9198701 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.916508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Switching of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell phenotype from differentiated-contractile to dedifferentiated-proliferative/synthetic state often occurs in asthmatic subjects with airway dysfunction. Evidence has been provided that chloroquine (an agonist of bitter taste receptors) presented benefits to ASM cell function implicated in asthma. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. House dust mite (HDM)-sensitized mice were administered with chloroquine or dexamethasone before challenge. BALF and lung tissue were obtained for cell counting, histological analysis or ELISA. Primary cultured ASM cells were stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 or H2O2. Cells and supernatant were collected for the detection of ASM phenotype, ROS level, and proinflammatory cytokine production. In HDM-sensitized mice, chloroquine attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation and remodeling with an inhibition of immunoglobulin E, IL-4/-13, and TGF-β1 in BALF. ASM cell proliferation (PCNA), hypertrophy (α-SMA), and parasecretion (MMP-9 and MMP-13) were strongly suppressed by chloroquine, hinting the rebalance of the heterogeneous ASM populations in asthmatic airway. Our data in vitro indicated that chloroquine markedly restrained maladaptive alteration in ASM phenotype in concert with a remission of ROS. Using H2O2 and PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), we found that the inhibition of oxidative stress level and ROS-AKT signal by chloroquine may serve as a potential mechanism that dedicates to the restoration of the phenotypic imbalance in ASM cells. Overall, the present findings suggested that chloroquine improves asthmatic airway function by controlling ASM cell phenotype shift, sketching a novel profile of chloroquine as a new therapeutic candidate for airway remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuhua Zhong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongqi Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoning Zeng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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6
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Bunik V, Aleshin V, Nogues I, Kähne T, Parroni A, Contestabile R, Salvo ML, Graf A, Tramonti A. Thiamine‐dependent regulation of mammalian brain pyridoxal kinase
in vitro
and
in vivo. J Neurochem 2022; 161:20-39. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Bunik
- Belozersky Institute of Physico‐Chemical Biology Lomonosov Moscow State University 19991 Moscow Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics Lomonosov Moscow State University Moscow 119991 Russia
- Sechenov University 119048 Moscow Russia
| | - Vasily Aleshin
- Belozersky Institute of Physico‐Chemical Biology Lomonosov Moscow State University 19991 Moscow Russia
- Sechenov University 119048 Moscow Russia
| | - Isabel Nogues
- Research Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems Italian National Research Council Via Salaria Km. 29 300–00015 Monterotondo Scalo
| | - Thilo Kähne
- Institute of Exptl. Internal Medicine Otto‐von‐Guericke‐Universität Magdeburg 39120 Magdeburg Germany
| | - Alessia Parroni
- Istituto Pasteur Italia‐ Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli” Sapienza University of Rome P.le A. Moro 5 ‐ 00185 Rome Italy
| | - Roberto Contestabile
- Istituto Pasteur Italia‐ Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli” Sapienza University of Rome P.le A. Moro 5 ‐ 00185 Rome Italy
| | - Martino Luigi Salvo
- Istituto Pasteur Italia‐ Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli” Sapienza University of Rome P.le A. Moro 5 ‐ 00185 Rome Italy
| | - Anastasia Graf
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology 123098 Moscow Russia
- Faculty of Biology Lomonosov Moscow State University 19991 Moscow Russia
| | - Angela Tramonti
- Istituto Pasteur Italia‐ Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi Fanelli” Sapienza University of Rome P.le A. Moro 5 ‐ 00185 Rome Italy
- Istitute of Molecular Biology and Pathology Italian National Research Council P.le A. Moro 5 ‐ 00185 Rome Italy
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7
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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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8
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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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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Sharma P, Yadav SK, Shah SD, Javed E, Lim JM, Pan S, Nayak AP, Panettieri RA, Penn RB, Kambayashi T, Deshpande DA. Diacylglycerol Kinase Inhibition Reduces Airway Contraction by Negative Feedback Regulation of Gq-signaling. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 65:658-671. [PMID: 34293268 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0106oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exaggerated airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction regulated by the Gq family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) causes airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma. Activation of Gq-coupled GPCRs leads to phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated generation of inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). DAG signaling is terminated by the action of DAG kinase (DGK) that converts DAG into phosphatidic acid (PA). Our previous study demonstrated that DGKα and ζ isoform knockout mice are protected from the development of allergen-induced AHR. Here we aimed at determining the mechanism by which DGK regulates ASM contraction. Activity of DGK isoforms was inhibited in human ASM cells by siRNA-mediated knockdown of DGKα and ζwhile pharmacological inhibition was achieved by pan DGK inhibitor I (R59022). Effects of DGK inhibition on contractile agonist-induced activation of PLC and myosin light chain (MLC) kinase, elevation of IP3, and calcium levels were assessed. Further, we employed human precision-cut lung slices and assessed the role of DGK in agonist-induced bronchoconstriction. DGK inhibitor I attenuated histamine- and methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction. DGKα and ζ knockdown or pre-treatment with DGK inhibitor I resulted in attenuated agonist-induced phosphorylation of MLC and myosin light chain phosphatase in ASM cells. Further, DGK inhibition decreased Gq agonist-induced calcium elevation, generation of IP3, and increased histamine-induced production of PA. Finally, DGK inhibition or treatment with DAG analog resulted in attenuation of activation of PLC in human ASM cells. Our findings suggest that DGK inhibition perturbed the DAG:PA ratio resulting in inhibition of Gq-PLC activation in a negative feedback manner, resulting in protection against ASM contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Sharma
- Thomas Jefferson University - Center City Campus, 6559, Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.,University of Tasmania Faculty of Health, 60119, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Santosh K Yadav
- Thomas Jefferson University, 6559, Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Sushrut D Shah
- Thomas Jefferson University, 6559, Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Elham Javed
- Thomas Jefferson University, 6559, Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - John M Lim
- Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College, 12313, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Shi Pan
- Thomas Jefferson University, 6559, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ajay P Nayak
- Thomas Jefferson University, 6559, Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Reynold A Panettieri
- Rutgers University, 242612, Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Child Health Institute, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
| | - Raymond B Penn
- Thomas Jefferson University, 6559, Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Taku Kambayashi
- University of Pennsylvania, 6572, Pathology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Deepak A Deshpande
- Thomas Jefferson University, 6559, Center for Translational Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
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12
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Sharma P, Penn RB. Can GPCRs Be Targeted to Control Inflammation in Asthma? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1304:1-20. [PMID: 34019260 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-68748-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Historically, the drugs used to manage obstructive lung diseases (OLDs), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) either (1) directly regulate airway contraction by blocking or relaxing airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction or (2) indirectly regulate ASM contraction by inhibiting the principal cause of ASM contraction/bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. To date, these tasks have been respectively assigned to two diverse drug types: agonists/antagonists of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and inhaled or systemic steroids. These two types of drugs "stay in their lane" with respect to their actions and consequently require the addition of the other drug to effectively manage both inflammation and bronchoconstriction in OLDs. Indeed, it has been speculated that safety issues historically associated with beta-agonist use (beta-agonists activate the beta-2-adrenoceptor (β2AR) on airway smooth muscle (ASM) to provide bronchoprotection/bronchorelaxation) are a function of pro-inflammatory actions of β2AR agonism. Recently, however, previously unappreciated roles of various GPCRs on ASM contractility and on airway inflammation have been elucidated, raising the possibility that novel GPCR ligands targeting these GPCRs can be developed as anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Moreover, we now know that many GPCRs can be "tuned" and not just turned "off" or "on" to specifically activate the beneficial therapeutic signaling a receptor can transduce while avoiding detrimental signaling. Thus, the fledging field of biased agonism pharmacology has the potential to turn the β2AR into an anti-inflammatory facilitator in asthma, possibly reducing or eliminating the need for steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Sharma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Sidney Kimmel Medical College Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Raymond B Penn
- Center for Translational Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Sidney Kimmel Medical College Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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13
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Sharma P, McAlinden KD, Ghavami S, Deshpande DA. Chloroquine: Autophagy inhibitor, antimalarial, bitter taste receptor agonist in fight against COVID-19, a reality check? Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 897:173928. [PMID: 33545161 PMCID: PMC7857018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic poses one of the greatest challenges to modern medicine. Therefore, identification of new therapeutic strategies seems essential either based on novel vaccines or drugs or simply repurposing existing drugs. Notably, due to their known safety profile, repurposing of existing drugs is the fastest and highly efficient approach to bring a therapeutic to a clinic for any new indication. One such drug that has been used extensively for decades is chloroquine (CQ, with its derivatives) either for malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Accumulating body of evidence from experimental pharmacology suggests that CQ and related analogues also activate certain pathways that can potentially be exploited for therapeutic gain. For example, in the airways, this has opened an attractive avenue for developing novel bitter taste ligands as a new class of bronchodilators for asthma. While CQ and its derivatives have been proposed as a therapy in COVID-19, it remains to be seen whether it really work in the clinic? To this end, our perspective aims to provide a timely yet brief insights on the existing literature on CQ and the controversies surrounding its use in COVID-19. Further, we also highlight some of cell-based mechanism(s) that CQ and its derivatives affect in mediating variety of physiological responses in the cell. We believe, data emanating from the clinical studies and continual understanding of the fundamental mechanisms may potentially help in designing effective therapeutic strategies that meets both efficacy and safety criteria for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Sharma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| | - Kielan D McAlinden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, 7248, Australia
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady College of Medicine, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Deepak A Deshpande
- Center for Translational Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
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14
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Taha MA, Hall CA, Shortess CJ, Rathbone RF, Barham HP. Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 Based on T2R Phenotype. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030503. [PMID: 33803811 PMCID: PMC8003114 DOI: 10.3390/v13030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has become a global pandemic of the highest priority. Multiple treatment protocols have been proposed worldwide with no definitive answer for acure. A prior retrospective study showed association between bitter taste receptor 38 (T2R38) phenotypes and the severity of COVID-19. Based on this, we proposed assessing the different T2R38 phenotypes response towards a targeted treatment protocol. Starting July 2020 till December 2020, we tested subjects for T2R38 phenotypic expression (supertasters, tasters, and nontasters). Subjects who were subsequently infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (diagnosed via PCR) were included. Based on their taster status, supertasters were given dexamethasone for 4 days; tasters were given azithromycin and dexamethasone +/− hydroxychloroquine for 7 days; and nontasters were given azithromycin and dexamethasone for 12 days. Subjects were followed prospectively and their outcomes were documented. Seven hundred forty-seven COVID-19 patients were included, with 184 (24.7%) supertasters, 371 (49.6%) tasters, and192 (25.7%) nontasters. The average duration of symptoms with the treatment protocol was 5 days for supertasters, 8.1 days for tasters, and 16.2 days for nontasters. Only three subjects (0.4%) required hospitalization (3/3 nontasters). Targeted treatment protocol showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) based on patients’ T2R38 phenotypic expression. Assessing treatment protocols for COVID-19 patients according to their T2R38 phenotype could provide insight into the inconsistent results obtained from the different studies worldwide. Further study is warranted on the categorization of patients based on their T2R38 phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Taha
- Rhinology and Skull Base Research Group, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, 8585 Picardy Ave., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA; (C.A.H.); (C.J.S.); (R.F.R.); (H.P.B.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Cairo University, Cairo 11451, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-225-819-1181; Fax: +1-225-246-8333
| | - Christian A. Hall
- Rhinology and Skull Base Research Group, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, 8585 Picardy Ave., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA; (C.A.H.); (C.J.S.); (R.F.R.); (H.P.B.)
- Sinus and Nasal Specialists of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA
| | - Colin J. Shortess
- Rhinology and Skull Base Research Group, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, 8585 Picardy Ave., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA; (C.A.H.); (C.J.S.); (R.F.R.); (H.P.B.)
| | - Richard F. Rathbone
- Rhinology and Skull Base Research Group, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, 8585 Picardy Ave., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA; (C.A.H.); (C.J.S.); (R.F.R.); (H.P.B.)
| | - Henry P. Barham
- Rhinology and Skull Base Research Group, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, 8585 Picardy Ave., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA; (C.A.H.); (C.J.S.); (R.F.R.); (H.P.B.)
- Sinus and Nasal Specialists of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA
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15
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Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a central role in regulating the functions of a diverse range of cell types in the airway. Taste 2 receptor (T2R) family of GPCRs is responsible for the transduction of bitter taste; however, recent studies have demonstrated that different subtypes of T2Rs and key components of T2R signaling are expressed in several extra-oral tissues including airways with many physiological roles. In the lung, expression of T2Rs has been confirmed in multiple airway cell types including airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, various epithelial cell subtypes, and on both resident and migratory immune cells. Most importantly, activation of T2Rs with a variety of putative agonists elicits unique signaling in ASM and specialized airway epithelial cells resulting in the inhibition of ASM contraction and proliferation, promotion of ciliary motility, and innate immune response in chemosensory airway epithelial cells. Here we discuss the expression of T2Rs and the mechanistic basis of their function in the structural cells of the airways with some useful insights on immune cells in the context of allergic asthma and other upper airway inflammatory disorders. Emphasis on T2R biology and pharmacology in airway cells has an ulterior goal of exploiting T2Rs for therapeutic benefit in obstructive airway diseases.
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16
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Du X, Zhi J, Yang D, Wang Q, Luo X, Deng X. Research progress in the mechanism of calcium ion on contraction and relaxation of airway smooth muscle cells. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2020; 41:117-122. [PMID: 32808844 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2020.1806315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
lntracellular calcium ion is the key secondary messenger system of the cellular processes in airway smooth muscle cells(ASMc). The treatment and regulation of Ca2+ in airway smooth muscle (ASM) is, in part, to associated with many airway diseases such as asthma, COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. The mechanism of contraction and relaxation of ASM is a concerned aspect in airway diseases. This review emphasizes established and recent discoveries whice show the research progress of Ca2+ on cell contraction and relaxation in ASM in recent years, to provide theoretical support and new targets for clinical prevention and treatment of perioperative bronchospasm and variousrespiratory related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyu Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Zhi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qianyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoming Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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17
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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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18
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Ekstedt S, Kumlien Georén S, Cardell LO. Effects of MP-AzeFlu enhanced by activation of bitter taste receptor TAS2R. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2020; 16:45. [PMID: 32514276 PMCID: PMC7268313 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-020-00438-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MP-AzeFlu is relatively new a pharmaceutical drug used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. It is comprised of azelastine hydrochloride (AZE), a potent histamine-H1-receptor antagonist and fluticasone propionate (FP), corticosteroid. It’s somewhat bitter taste (often considered a disadvantage) can be attributed to AZE. We here hypothesize that MP-AzeFlu may induce some of its beneficial effects through activation of bitter taste receptors (Tas2R), which have recently been described in human airways. In the nose Tas2Rs induce secretion of antimicrobial peptides and increase ciliary activity, while in the lung they cause airway smooth muscle relaxation. The mechanisms behind Tas2R-mediated effects are not yet fully known. In order to evaluate the role of Tas2R in the effects induced by MP-AzeFlu the dilatory response of pre-contracted isolated airways from Balb/c mice was investigated in tissue bath myographs in the presence or absence of various well-characterized pharmacological antagonists or their corresponding vehicles. MP-AzeFlu caused a potent dose-dependent relaxation of pre-contracted airways, an effect probably mediated by its AZE component. The dilatory effect of MP-AzeFlu and AZE both mimicked the response induced by the Tas2R agonist, chloroquine, but was independent of histamine receptor (H1-, H2- and H3-), prostaglandins, cAMP and cGMP involvement, all known to be common pathways for airway dilation. Other bitter-tasting antihistamines (i.e. olopatadine and desloratadine) also relaxed airway segments. These data support the notion that MP-AzeFlu has the ability to activate Tas2R in the same way as chloroquine. The effect appears to be mediated by AZE, but not via the histamine receptor. Activation of Tas2R by MP-AzeFlu may contribute to its superior efficacy over FP observed in controlled clinical trials in patients with moderate/severe allergic rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ekstedt
- Division of ENT Diseases, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanna Kumlien Georén
- Division of ENT Diseases, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Olaf Cardell
- Division of ENT Diseases, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of ENT Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Bitter taste receptors in the treatment of asthma: Opportunities and challenges. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 146:776-779. [PMID: 32407838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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20
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Zhu H, Liu L, Ren L, Chen J, Peng L, Shi C, Wang X, Hu S, Zhang C, Gu M, Li X. Bitter receptor member TAS2R4 may have neurobiological function beyond acting as a bitter receptor. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:460-462. [PMID: 32159211 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Zhu
- Department of Endocrine, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Lianyong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Punan Hospital of Pudong New District, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Li Ren
- Department of Endocrine, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Li Peng
- Department of Endocrine, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Chao Shi
- Department of Endocrine, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Endocrine, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Shuanggang Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Chaobao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (SIBCB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mingjun Gu
- Department of Endocrine, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Xiangqi Li
- Department of Endocrine, Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200135, China
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21
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Welcome MO. The bitterness of genitourinary infections: Properties, ligands of genitourinary bitter taste receptors and mechanisms linking taste sensing to inflammatory processes in the genitourinary tract. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 247:101-110. [PMID: 32088528 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though, first identified in the gastrointestinal tract, bitter taste receptors are now believed to be ubiquitously expressed in several regions of the body, including the respiratory tract, where they play a critical role in sensing and clearance of excess metabolic substrates, toxins, debris, and pathogens. More recently, bitter taste receptor expression has been reported in cells, tissues and organs of the genitourinary (GU) system, suggesting that these receptors may play an integral role in mediating inflammatory responses to microbial aggression in the GU tract. However, the mechanisms, linking bitter taste receptor sensing with inflammatory responses are not exactly clear. Here, I review recent data on the properties and ligands of bitter taste receptors and suggest mechanisms of bitter taste receptor signaling in the GU tract, and the molecular pathways that link taste sensing to inflammatory responses in GU tract. METHOD Computer-aided search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar for relevant peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2018, investigating the functional implication of bitter taste receptors in GU infections, using the following keywords: extra-oral bitter taste receptors, bitter taste receptors, GU bitter taste receptors, kidney OR renal OR ureteral OR urethral OR bladder OR detrusor smooth muscle OR testes OR spermatozoa OR prostate OR vaginal OR cervix OR ovarian OR endometrial OR myometrial OR placenta OR cutaneous bitter taste receptors. To identify research gaps on etiopathogenesis of GU infections/inflammation, additional search was conducted using the following keywords: GU inflammatory signaling, GU microbes, GU bacteria, GU virus, GU protozoa, GU microbial metabolites, and GU infection. The retrieved articles were filtered and further screened for relevance according to the aim of the study. A narrative review was performed for selected literatures. RESULTS Bitter taste receptors of the GU tract may constitute essential components of the pathogenetic mechanisms of GU infections/inflammation that are activated by microbial components, known as quorum sensing signal molecules. Based on accumulating evidences, indicating that taste receptors may signal downstream to activate inflammatory cascades, in addition to the nitric oxide-induced microbicidal effects produced upon taste receptor activation, it is suggested that the anti-inflammatory activities of bitter taste receptor stimulation are mediated via pathways involving the nuclear factor κB by downstream signaling of the metabolic and stress sensors, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (sirtuin 1), resulting to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and antimicrobial factors, which ultimately, under normal conditions, leads to the elimination of microbial aggression. CONCLUSIONS GU bitter taste receptors may represent critical players in GU tract infections/inflammation. Bitter taste receptors may serve as important therapeutic target for treatment of a number of infectious diseases that affect the GU tract.
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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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22
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Liu M, Qian W, Subramaniyam S, Liu S, Xin W. Denatonium enhanced the tone of denuded rat aorta via bitter taste receptor and phosphodiesterase activation. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 872:172951. [PMID: 32006560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (Tas2rs) initiate a bitter taste signaling involving the activation of taste-specific G protein gustducin and phosphodiesterases (PDEs); it leads to the decrease of cytosolic level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in taste cells. Recent studies have identified the expression of Tas2rs in a variety of non-lingual tissues including vascular smooth muscle (VSM), pulmonary smooth muscle and airway smooth muscle. The current study aims to determine the expression of Tas2rs and gustducin in rat aortic smooth muscle tissue and to investigate the effect of Tas2rs agonist denatonium on the tone of isolated denuded aorta rings. Here we reported the expression of six subtypes of Tas2r mRNA and the taste receptor-associated G proteins in endothelium-denuded aorta. Immunostaining experiments showed that the protein of gustducin expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, denatonium increased the tone of freshly isolated denuded aorta rings in a concentration-dependent manner, and the potentiation effect of denatonium was blocked by a Tas2rs antagonist adenosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-AMP), by the cAMP-hydrolyzing PDE inhibitors, and by a cAMP-synthesizing enzyme activator forskolin, respectively. The blockade of Gβγ signaling did not have a negative impact on the denatonium-induced tonic contractions. These findings suggested that the functional Tas2rs and gustducin are expressed in rat aortic smooth muscle and that denatonium might increase the smooth muscle tone through a Tas2rs signaling pathway involving the activation of PDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchi Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Wenjun Qian
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | | | - Shuang Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Wenkuan Xin
- Key Laboratory of Luminescent and Real-Time Analytical Chemistry (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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23
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Aleshin VA, Mkrtchyan GV, Bunik VI. Mechanisms of Non-coenzyme Action of Thiamine: Protein Targets and Medical Significance. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2019; 84:829-850. [PMID: 31522667 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297919080017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a precursor of the well-known coenzyme of central metabolic pathways thiamine diphosphate (ThDP). Highly intense glucose oxidation in the brain requires ThDP-dependent enzymes, which determines the critical significance of thiamine for neuronal functions. However, thiamine can also act through the non-coenzyme mechanisms. The well-known facilitation of acetylcholinergic neurotransmission upon the thiamine and acetylcholine co-release into the synaptic cleft has been supported by the discovery of thiamine triphosphate (ThTP)-dependent phosphorylation of the acetylcholine receptor-associated protein rapsyn, and thiamine interaction with the TAS2R1 receptor, resulting in the activation of synaptic ion currents. The non-coenzyme regulatory binding of thiamine compounds has been demonstrated for the transcriptional regulator p53, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, prion protein PRNP, and a number of key metabolic enzymes that do not use ThDP as a coenzyme. The accumulated data indicate that the molecular mechanisms of the neurotropic action of thiamine are far broader than it has been originally believed, and closely linked to the metabolism of thiamine and its derivatives in animals. The significance of this topic has been illustrated by the recently established competition between thiamine and the antidiabetic drug metformin for common transporters, which can be the reason for the thiamine deficiency underlying metformin side effects. Here, we also discuss the medical implications of the research on thiamine, including the role of thiaminases in thiamine reutilization and biosynthesis of thiamine antagonists; molecular mechanisms of action of natural and synthetic thiamine antagonists, and biotransformation of pharmacological forms of thiamine. Given the wide medical application of thiamine and its synthetic forms, these aspects are of high importance for medicine and pharmacology, including the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Aleshin
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow, 119991, Russia.,Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 19991 Moscow, Russia
| | - G V Mkrtchyan
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - V I Bunik
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow, 119991, Russia. .,Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 19991 Moscow, Russia
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24
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Nayak AP, Villalba D, Deshpande DA. Bitter Taste Receptors: an Answer to Comprehensive Asthma Control? Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2019; 19:48. [PMID: 31486942 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-019-0876-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Asthma is marked by peculiar pathological features involving airway contraction, an impinging inflammation in the lungs, and an inexorably progressive remodeling of pulmonary architecture. Current medications for management of asthma exacerbations fail to optimally mitigate these pathologies, which is partly due to the intrinsic heterogeneity in the development and progression of asthma within different populations. In recent years, the discovery of the ectopic expression of TAS2Rs in extraoral tissues and different cell types, combined with significant strides in gaining mechanistic understanding into receptor signaling and function, has revealed the potential to target TAS2Rs for asthma relief. RECENT FINDINGS TAS2R activation leads to relaxation of airway smooth muscle cells and bronchodilation. In addition, findings from preclinical studies in murine model of asthma suggest that TAS2R agonists inhibit allergen-induced airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness. In this review, we expand on the opportunity presented by TAS2Rs in the development of a comprehensive asthma treatment that overcomes the limitations set forth by current asthma therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay P Nayak
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine; and Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Alumni Hall, Room 543, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Dominic Villalba
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine; and Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Alumni Hall, Room 543, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Deepak A Deshpande
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine; and Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Alumni Hall, Room 543, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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25
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Nayak AP, Shah SD, Michael JV, Deshpande DA. Bitter Taste Receptors for Asthma Therapeutics. Front Physiol 2019; 10:884. [PMID: 31379597 PMCID: PMC6647873 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has primarily relied on the use of beta 2 adrenergic receptor agonists (bronchodilators) and corticosteroids, and more recently, monoclonal antibody therapies (biologics) targeting specific cytokines and their functions. Although these approaches provide relief from exacerbations, questions remain on their long-term efficacy and safety. Furthermore, current therapeutics do not address progressive airway remodeling (AR), a key pathological feature of severe obstructive lung disease. Strikingly, agonists of the bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) deliver robust bronchodilation, curtail allergen-induced inflammatory responses in the airways and regulate airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell proliferation and mitigate features of AR in vitro and in animal models. The scope of this review is to provide a comprehensive and systematic insight into our current understanding of TAS2Rs with an emphasis on the molecular events that ensue TAS2R activation in distinct airway cell types and expand on the pleiotropic effects of TAS2R targeting in mitigating various pathological features of obstructive lung diseases. Finally, we will discuss specific opportunities that could help the development of selective agonists for specific TAS2R subtypes in the treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay P Nayak
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sushrut D Shah
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - James V Michael
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Deepak A Deshpande
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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26
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Talmon M, Rossi S, Lim D, Pollastro F, Palattella G, Ruffinatti FA, Marotta P, Boldorini R, Genazzani AA, Fresu LG. Absinthin, an agonist of the bitter taste receptor hTAS2R46, uncovers an ER-to-mitochondria Ca 2+-shuttling event. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12472-12482. [PMID: 31248983 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 taste receptors (TAS2R) are G protein-coupled receptors first described in the gustatory system, but have also been shown to have extraoral localizations, including airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, in which TAS2R have been reported to induce relaxation. TAS2R46 is an unexplored subtype that responds to its highly specific agonist absinthin. Here, we first demonstrate that, unlike other bitter-taste receptor agonists, absinthin alone (1 μm) in ASM cells does not induce Ca2+ signals but reduces histamine-induced cytosolic Ca2+ increases. To investigate this mechanism, we introduced into ASM cells aequorin-based Ca2+ probes targeted to the cytosol, subplasma membrane domain, or the mitochondrial matrix. We show that absinthin reduces cytosolic histamine-induced Ca2+ rises and simultaneously increases Ca2+ influx into mitochondria. We found that this effect is inhibited by the potent human TAS2R46 (hTAS2R46) antagonist 3β-hydroxydihydrocostunolide and is no longer evident in hTAS2R46-silenced ASM cells, indicating that it is hTAS2R46-dependent. Furthermore, these changes were sensitive to the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl-hydrazone (FCCP); the mitochondrial calcium uniporter inhibitor KB-R7943 (carbamimidothioic acid); the cytoskeletal disrupter latrunculin; and an inhibitor of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC), ESI-09. Similarly, the β2 agonist salbutamol also could induce Ca2+ shuttling from cytoplasm to mitochondria, suggesting that this new mechanism might be generalizable. Moreover, forskolin and an EPAC activator mimicked this effect in HeLa cells. Our findings support the hypothesis that plasma membrane receptors can positively regulate mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, adding a further facet to the ability of cells to encode complex Ca2+ signals.
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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
| | - Silvia Rossi
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Gioele Palattella
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federico A Ruffinatti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Patrizia Marotta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Renzo Boldorini
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17-28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Armando A Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6-28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Luigia G Fresu
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17-28100 Novara, Italy.
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27
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Wang Y, Wang A, Zhang M, Zeng H, Lu Y, Liu L, Li J, Deng L. Artesunate attenuates airway resistance in vivo and relaxes airway smooth muscle cells in vitro via bitter taste receptor-dependent calcium signalling. Exp Physiol 2018; 104:231-243. [PMID: 30379382 DOI: 10.1113/ep086824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The aim of this study was to evaluate artesunate for its use as a bronchodilator in asthma treatment. What is the main finding and its importance? We found that artesunate reduces airway resistance in both normal and ovalbumin-treated Balb/c mice in vivo. Artesunate reduces traction force while inducing Ca2+ influx into cultured airway smooth muscle cells in vitro, most probably via the bitter taste receptor. These findings provide important evidence at both animal and cellular levels that artesunate might potentially be used as a bronchodilator for treating obstructive airway diseases, such as asthma. ABSTRACT Following the surprising discovery that bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) expressed in the lung and can be stimulated to relax airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), there is great interest in searching for a bitter taste receptor agonist as a new bronchodilator for asthma therapy. Among the great many other natural bitter substances, artesunate is of special interest to be evaluated for this purpose because of its pharmacological value as a derivative from the well-known anti-malarial, artemisinin. Therefore, in this study we treated either normal or ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic Balb/c mice in vivo with artesunate (30, 60 or 120 μg) via aerosol inhalation. Subsequently, we measured the airway resistance of the mice in the presence or absence of artesunate. In addition, we treated either mouse or human ASMCs cultured in vitro with artesunate (0.25-2.0 mM) and then measured the traction force and [Ca2+ ]i flux of the cells in the presence or absence of artesunate. The results demonstrate that artesunate attenuated airway resistance in a dose-dependent manner in both the normal and the OVA-treated mice, but more potently in the latter. The in vivo efficacy of artesunate at 120 μg was comparable to that of the conventional bronchodilator, salbutamol, at 3 μg in terms of the reduction in airway resistance. Artesunate also reduced traction force and induced an increase in [Ca2+ ]i in the cultured ASMCs, which was mediated, at least in part, by TAS2R signalling in the human ASMCs. These results together suggest that artesunate might potentially be a cheap and safe bronchodilator to complement the current therapy of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science & School of Nursing, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, China
| | - Aili Wang
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science & School of Nursing, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213003, China
| | - Huilong Zeng
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, China
| | - Yun Lu
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, China
| | - Linhong Deng
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science & School of Nursing, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213164, China
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28
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Bao CX, Chen HX, Mou XJ, Zhu XK, Zhao Q, Wang XG. RETRACTED: GZMB gene silencing confers protection against synovial tissue hyperplasia and articular cartilage tissue injury in rheumatoid arthritis through the MAPK signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 103:346-354. [PMID: 29669300 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. An Expression of Concern for this article was previously published while an investigation was conducted (see related editorial: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113812). This retraction notice supersedes the Expression of Concern published earlier. Concern was raised about the reliability of the Western blot data in Figure 7C, which appear to contain a similar phenotype to those found in other publications, as detailed here: https://pubpeer.com/publications/7DD2DDC979F8CE2B00555332B01F81; and here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1r0MyIYpagBc58BRF9c3luWNlCX8VUvUuPyYYXzxWvgY/edit#gid=262337249. The journal requested the corresponding author comment on these concerns and provide the associated raw data. The authors did not respond to this request and therefore the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Xia Bao
- Clinical Laboratory, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai 264000, PR China
| | - Hai-Xia Chen
- Clinical Laboratory, Yeda Hospital, Yantai 264000, PR China
| | - Xue-Jie Mou
- Clinical Laboratory, Yantai Taocun Central Hospital, Yantai 265301, PR China
| | - Xiang-Kui Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Yantai Oral Hospital, Yantai 264000, PR China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai 264000, PR China
| | - Xin-Guang Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Yeda Hospital, Yantai 264000, PR China.
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29
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Wei T, Liu L, Zhou X. Cortex Dictamni extracts inhibit over-proliferation and migration of rat airway smooth muscle cells via FAK/p38/Bcl-2 signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 102:1-8. [PMID: 29547743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is a prominent effecter in maintaining bronchial muscle contraction and responsible for airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR); the phenotype change and over-proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) play key roles in the pathogenesis of asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-proliferation effects of Cortex Dictamni aqueous extract (CDAE) and ethanol extract (CDE) on ASMCs and the possible underline mechanisms. Cell proliferation rates were determined by MTT assay; matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) activity was examined by gelatin zymography; cell proliferation and migration were appraised by in-vitro cell-gap closure assessment; protein expressions of p38, Bcl-2 and FAK of ASMCs were evaluated by western blotting and Ca2+ influx of cells was measured by confocal laser microscope. Our data demonstrated that the proliferation, migration and MMP-2 expressions of ASMCs were inhibited by CDAE or CDE; the protein expressions of p38, Bcl-2 and FAK in ASMCs were substantially reduced by CDAE and CDE detected by western blotting or immunocytochemistry; also the increased calcium influx has been observed instantaneously after ASMCs were stimulated by CDAE or CDE. These findings suggested that Cortex Dictamni extracts might have inhibitory effects on ASMCs over-proliferation which could be one of the underline mechanisms for the therapy of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wei
- The School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Jiangsu, 213164, China
| | - Lei Liu
- The Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Jiangsu, 213164, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhou
- The School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Jiangsu, 213164, China; The School of Medicine, The University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
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30
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Wu K, Zhang Q, Wu X, Lu W, Tang H, Liang Z, Gu Y, Song S, Ayon RJ, Wang Z, McDermott KM, Balistrieri A, Wang C, Black SM, Garcia JGN, Makino A, Yuan JXJ, Wang J. Chloroquine is a potent pulmonary vasodilator that attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4155-4172. [PMID: 28849593 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction and excessive pulmonary vascular remodelling are two major causes of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether chloroquine induced relaxation in the pulmonary artery (PA) and attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Isometric tension was measured in rat PA rings pre-constricted with phenylephrine or high K+ solution. PA pressure was measured in mouse isolated, perfused and ventilated lungs. Fura-2 fluorescence microscopy was used to measure cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration levels in PA smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Patch-clamp experiments were performed to assess the activity of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) in PASMC. Rats exposed to hypoxia (10% O2 ) for 3 weeks were used as the model of HPH or Sugen5416/hypoxia (SuHx) for in vivo experiments. KEY RESULTS Chloroquine attenuated agonist-induced and high K+ -induced contraction in isolated rat PA. Pretreatment with l-NAME or indomethacin and functional removal of endothelium failed to inhibit chloroquine-induced PA relaxation. In PASMC, extracellular application of chloroquine attenuated store-operated Ca2+ entry and ATP-induced Ca2+ entry. Furthermore, chloroquine also inhibited whole-cell Ba2+ currents through VDCC in PASMC. In vivo experiments demonstrated that chloroquine treatment ameliorated the HPH and SuHx models. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Chloroquine is a potent pulmonary vasodilator that may directly or indirectly block VDCC, store-operated Ca2+ channels and receptor-operated Ca2+ channels in PASMC. The therapeutic potential of chloroquine in pulmonary hypertension is probably due to the combination of its vasodilator, anti-proliferative and anti-autophagic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Xiongting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenju Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Zhihao Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yali Gu
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shanshan Song
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ramon J Ayon
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ziyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kimberly M McDermott
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Angela Balistrieri
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Stephen M Black
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joe G N Garcia
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Ayako Makino
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jason X-J Yuan
- Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
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31
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Ekstrand B, Young JF, Rasmussen MK. Taste receptors in the gut - A new target for health promoting properties in diet. Food Res Int 2017; 100:1-8. [PMID: 28888429 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this review we describe a new target for food functionality, the taste receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. These receptors are involved in an intricate signalling network for monitoring of taste and nutrient intake, homeostasis and energy metabolism, and they are also an early warning system for toxic substances in our diet. Especially the receptors for bitter taste provide a new possibility to activate a number of health related signalling pathways, already at low concentrations of the active substance, without requiring uptake into the body and transport via the circulation. When ligands bind to these receptors, signalling is induced either via peptide hormones into the circulation to other organs in the body, or via nerve fibers directly to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ekstrand
- Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
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32
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Kim D, Woo JA, Geffken E, An SS, Liggett SB. Coupling of Airway Smooth Muscle Bitter Taste Receptors to Intracellular Signaling and Relaxation Is via G αi1,2,3. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 56:762-771. [PMID: 28145731 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0373oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are expressed on human airway smooth muscle (HASM) and evoke marked relaxation. Agonist interaction with TAS2Rs activates phospholipase C and increases compartmentalized intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) via inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate. In taste cells, the G protein gustducin couples TAS2R to phospholipase C; however, we find very low levels of Gαgust mRNA or protein in HASM. We hypothesized that another G protein in HASM transmits TAS2R function. TAS2R signaling to [Ca2+]i, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and physiologic relaxation was sensitive to pertussis toxin, confirming a role for a member of the Gi family. α subunit expression in HASM was Gαi2 > Gαi1 = Gαi3 > Gαtrans1 ≈ Gαtrans2, with Gαgust and Gαo at the limits of detection (>100-fold lower than Gαi2). Small interfering RNA knockdowns in HASM showed losses of [Ca2+]i and ERK1/2 signaling when Gαi1, Gαi2, or Gαi3 were reduced. Gαtrans1 and Gαtrans2 knockdowns had no effect on [Ca2+]i and a minimal, transient effect on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, Gαgust and Gαo knockdowns did not affect any TAS2R signaling. In overexpression experiments in human embryonic kidney-293T cells, we confirmed an agonist-dependent physical interaction between TAS2R14 and Gαi2. ASM cells from transgenic mice expressing a peptide inhibitor of Gαi2 had attenuated relaxation to TAS2R agonist. These data indicate that, unlike in taste cells, TAS2Rs couple to the prevalent G proteins, Gαi1, Gαi2, and Gαi3, with no evidence for functional coupling to Gαgust. This absence of function for the "canonical" TAS2R G protein in HASM may be due to the very low expression of Gαgust, indicating that TAS2Rs can optionally couple to several G proteins in a cell type-dependent manner contingent upon G protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghwa Kim
- 1 Department of Medicine and the Center for Personalized Medicine and Genomics, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jung A Woo
- 1 Department of Medicine and the Center for Personalized Medicine and Genomics, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Ezekiel Geffken
- 2 Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; and
| | - Steven S An
- 2 Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; and
| | - Stephen B Liggett
- 3 Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, and the Center for Personalized Medicine and Genomics, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
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Pan S, Sharma P, Shah SD, Deshpande DA. Bitter taste receptor agonists alter mitochondrial function and induce autophagy in airway smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 313:L154-L165. [PMID: 28450286 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00106.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway remodeling, including increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass, is a hallmark feature of asthma and COPD. We previously identified the expression of bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) on human ASM cells and demonstrated that known TAS2R agonists could promote ASM relaxation and bronchodilation and inhibit mitogen-induced ASM growth. In this study, we explored cellular mechanisms mediating the antimitogenic effect of TAS2R agonists on human ASM cells. Pretreatment of ASM cells with TAS2R agonists chloroquine and quinine resulted in inhibition of cell survival, which was largely reversed by bafilomycin A1, an autophagy inhibitor. Transmission electron microscope studies demonstrated the presence of double-membrane autophagosomes and deformed mitochondria. In ASM cells, TAS2R agonists decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial ROS and mitochondrial fragmentation. Inhibiting dynamin-like protein 1 (DLP1) reversed TAS2R agonist-induced mitochondrial membrane potential change and attenuated mitochondrial fragmentation and cell death. Furthermore, the expression of mitochondrial protein BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (Bnip3) and mitochondrial localization of DLP1 were significantly upregulated by TAS2R agonists. More importantly, inhibiting Bnip3 mitochondrial localization by dominant-negative Bnip3 significantly attenuated cell death induced by TAS2R agonist. Collectively the TAS2R agonists chloroquine and quinine modulate mitochondrial structure and function, resulting in ASM cell death. Furthermore, Bnip3 plays a central role in TAS2R agonist-induced ASM functional changes via a mitochondrial pathway. These findings further establish the cellular mechanisms of antimitogenic effects of TAS2R agonists and identify a novel class of receptors and pathways that can be targeted to mitigate airway remodeling as well as bronchoconstriction in obstructive airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Pan
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Pawan Sharma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sushrut D Shah
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Deepak A Deshpande
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Bitter Taste Receptor Agonists Mitigate Features of Allergic Asthma in Mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46166. [PMID: 28397820 PMCID: PMC5387415 DOI: 10.1038/srep46166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, mucus secretion, remodeling and hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Recent research has established the bronchodilatory effect of bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) agonists in various models. Comprehensive pre-clinical studies aimed at establishing effectiveness of TAS2R agonists in disease models are lacking. Here we aimed to determine the effect of TAS2R agonists on features of asthma. Further, we elucidated a mechanism by which TAS2R agonists mitigate features of asthma. Asthma was induced in mice using intranasal house dust mite or aerosol ova-albumin challenge, and chloroquine or quinine were tested in both prophylactic and treatment models. Allergen challenge resulted in airway inflammation as evidenced by increased immune cells infiltration and release of cytokines and chemokines in the lungs, which were significantly attenuated in TAS2R agonists treated mice. TAS2R agonists attenuated features of airway remodeling including smooth muscle mass, extracellular matrix deposition and pro-fibrotic signaling, and also prevented mucus accumulation and development of AHR in mice. Mechanistic studies using human neutrophils demonstrated that inhibition of immune cell chemotaxis is a key mechanism by which TAS2R agonists blocked allergic airway inflammation and exerted anti-asthma effects. Our comprehensive studies establish the effectiveness of TAS2R agonists in mitigating multiple features of allergic asthma.
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Gu QD, Joe DS, Gilbert CA. Activation of bitter taste receptors in pulmonary nociceptors sensitizes TRPV1 channels through the PLC and PKC signaling pathway. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 312:L326-L333. [PMID: 28062485 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00468.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs), a G protein-coupled receptor family capable of detecting numerous bitter-tasting compounds, have recently been shown to be expressed and play diverse roles in many extraoral tissues. Here we report the functional expression of T2Rs in rat pulmonary sensory neurons. In anesthetized spontaneously breathing rats, intratracheal instillation of T2R agonist chloroquine (10 mM, 0.1 ml) significantly augmented chemoreflexes evoked by right-atrial injection of capsaicin, a specific activator for transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1), whereas intravenous infusion of chloroquine failed to significantly affect capsaicin-evoked reflexes. In patch-clamp recordings with isolated rat vagal pulmonary sensory neurons, pretreatment with chloroquine (1-1,000 µM, 90 s) concentration dependently potentiated capsaicin-induced TRPV1-mediated inward currents. Preincubating with diphenitol and denatonium (1 mM, 90 s), two other T2R activators, also enhanced capsaicin currents in these neurons but to a lesser extent. The sensitizing effect of chloroquine was effectively prevented by the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 (1 µM) or by the protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine (10 µM). In summary, our study showed that activation of T2Rs augments capsaicin-evoked TRPV1 responses in rat pulmonary nociceptors through the phospholipase C and protein kinase C signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihai David Gu
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia
| | - Deanna S Joe
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia
| | - Carolyn A Gilbert
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia
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Lu P, Zhang CH, Lifshitz LM, ZhuGe R. Extraoral bitter taste receptors in health and disease. J Gen Physiol 2017; 149:181-197. [PMID: 28053191 PMCID: PMC5299619 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201611637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs or T2Rs) belong to the superfamily of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, which are the targets of >50% of drugs currently on the market. Canonically, T2Rs are located in taste buds of the tongue, where they initiate bitter taste perception. However, accumulating evidence indicates that T2Rs are widely expressed throughout the body and mediate diverse nontasting roles through various specialized mechanisms. It has also become apparent that T2Rs and their polymorphisms are associated with human disorders. In this review, we summarize the physiological and pathophysiological roles that extraoral T2Rs play in processes as diverse as innate immunity and reproduction, and the major challenges in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Cheng-Hai Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Biomedical Imaging Group, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605.,Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605 .,Biomedical Imaging Group, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
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Kook JH, Kim HK, Kim HJ, Kim KW, Kim TH, Kang KR, Oh DJ, Lee SH. Increased expression of bitter taste receptors in human allergic nasal mucosa and their contribution to the shrinkage of human nasal mucosa. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:584-601. [PMID: 26931803 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are expressed in the extraoral tissues, where they possess various physiological functions. This study is to characterize TAS2Rs expression in normal and allergic nasal mucosa and analyse nasal symptom after challenge with bitter tastes to evaluate their pathophysiological function in normal and allergic nasal mucosa. METHODS The expression levels of TAS2Rs (TAS2R4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 39, and 43) in nasal mucosa were investigated by real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of TAS2Rs and Ca(2+) imaging in cultured epithelial cells were measured after stimulation with type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) or bitter tastes. Nasal symptoms in control subjects and allergic rhinitis patients using visual analogue score and acoustic rhinometry were evaluated before and after stimulation with bitter tastes. Vascular diameter of rat nasal septum was measured before and after treatment with bitter tastes. RESULTS TAS2Rs tested here were expressed in nasal mucosa where they were commonly distributed in superficial epithelium, submucosal glands, and endothelium. Their expression levels are increased in allergic nasal mucosa and up-regulated in cultured epithelial cells simulated with type 2 cytokines. After treatment with bitter tastes, intracellular Ca(2+) signalling was increased in cultured epithelial cells, and vascular constriction was found in rat nasal septum. Increased nasal patency was observed in human nasal mucosa without pain or sneezing. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE TAS2Rs are constitutively expressed in human nasal mucosa and their expression levels are increased in allergic nasal mucosa, where they could potentially contribute to shrinkage of normal and allergic nasal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Kook
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Hallym University, ChunCheon, South Korea
| | - H K Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - H J Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - K W Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - T H Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - K R Kang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - D J Oh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - S H Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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Wang Y, Lu Y, Luo M, Shi X, Pan Y, Zeng H, Deng L. Evaluation of pharmacological relaxation effect of the natural product naringin on in vitro cultured airway smooth muscle cells and in vivo ovalbumin-induced asthma Balb/c mice. Biomed Rep 2016; 5:715-722. [PMID: 28101344 DOI: 10.3892/br.2016.797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma has become a common chronic respiratory disease worldwide and its prevalence is predicted to continue increasing in the next decade, particularly in developing countries. A key component in asthma therapy is to alleviate the excessive bronchial airway narrowing ultimately due to airway smooth muscle contraction, which is often facilitated by a smooth muscle relaxant, such as the β2-adrenergic agonists. Recently, bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) agonists, including saccharin and chloroquine, have been found to potently relax the airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) via intracellular Ca2+ signaling. This inspires a great interest in screening the vast resource of natural bitter substances for potential bronchodilatory drugs. In the present study, the relaxation effect of naringin, a compound extracted from common grapefruit, on ASMCs cultured in vitro or bronchial airways of Balb/c mice in vivo was evaluated. The results demonstrated that, when exposed to increasing doses of naringin (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mM), the traction force generated by the cultured ASMCs decreased progressively, while the intracellular calcium flux signaling in the ASMCs increased. When inhaled at increasing doses (15, 30 and 60 µg), naringin also dose-dependently reduced the bronchial airway resistance of the normal and ovalbumin-induced asthma Balb/c mice in response to challenge with methacholine. In conclusion, these findings indicate that naringin was able to effectively relax murine ASMCs in vitro and in vivo, thus suggesting that it is a promising drug agent to be further investigated in the development of novel bronchodilators for the treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China; School of Nursing, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China; School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
| | - Yun Lu
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China; School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
| | - Mingzhi Luo
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohao Shi
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
| | - Yan Pan
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
| | - Huilong Zeng
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China; School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
| | - Linhong Deng
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China; School of Nursing, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China; School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P.R. China
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Prakash YS. Emerging concepts in smooth muscle contributions to airway structure and function: implications for health and disease. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 311:L1113-L1140. [PMID: 27742732 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00370.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway structure and function are key aspects of normal lung development, growth, and aging, as well as of lung responses to the environment and the pathophysiology of important diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and fibrosis. In this regard, the contributions of airway smooth muscle (ASM) are both functional, in the context of airway contractility and relaxation, as well as synthetic, involving production and modulation of extracellular components, modulation of the local immune environment, cellular contribution to airway structure, and, finally, interactions with other airway cell types such as epithelium, fibroblasts, and nerves. These ASM contributions are now found to be critical in airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling that occur in lung diseases. This review emphasizes established and recent discoveries that underline the central role of ASM and sets the stage for future research toward understanding how ASM plays a central role by being both upstream and downstream in the many interactive processes that determine airway structure and function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Prakash
- Departments of Anesthesiology, and Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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40
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Ortiz JL, Ortiz A, Milara J, Armengot M, Sanz C, Compañ D, Morcillo E, Cortijo J. Evaluation of Mucociliary Clearance by Three Dimension Micro-CT-SPECT in Guinea Pig: Role of Bitter Taste Agonists. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164399. [PMID: 27723827 PMCID: PMC5056690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Different image techniques have been used to analyze mucociliary clearance (MCC) in humans, but current small animal MCC analysis using in vivo imaging has not been well defined. Bitter taste receptor (T2R) agonists increase ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and cause bronchodilation but their effects in vivo are not well understood. This work analyzes in vivo nasal and bronchial MCC in guinea pig animals using three dimension (3D) micro-CT-SPECT images and evaluates the effect of T2R agonists. Intranasal macroaggreggates of albumin-Technetium 99 metastable (MAA-Tc99m) and lung nebulized Tc99m albumin nanocolloids were used to analyze the effect of T2R agonists on nasal and bronchial MCC respectively, using 3D micro-CT-SPECT in guinea pig. MAA-Tc99m showed a nasal mucociliary transport rate of 0.36 mm/min that was increased in presence of T2R agonist to 0.66 mm/min. Tc99m albumin nanocolloids were homogeneously distributed in the lung of guinea pig and cleared with time-dependence through the bronchi and trachea of guinea pig. T2R agonist increased bronchial MCC of Tc99m albumin nanocolloids. T2R agonists increased CBF in human nasal ciliated cells in vitro and induced bronchodilation in human bronchi ex vivo. In summary, T2R agonists increase MCC in vivo as assessed by 3D micro-CT-SPECT analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Ortiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Ortiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Milara
- Jaume I University, faculty of Medicine, Castellón, Spain
- Department of Pharmacy, University General Hospital Consortium, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Miguel Armengot
- Rhinology Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Celia Sanz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Jaume I University, faculty of Medicine, Castellón, Spain
| | - Desamparados Compañ
- Pathological Anatomy Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esteban Morcillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julio Cortijo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
- Teaching and Research Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, Valencia, Spain
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Larsson OJ, Manson ML, Starkhammar M, Fuchs B, Adner M, Kumlien Georén S, Cardell LO. The TLR7 agonist imiquimod induces bronchodilation via a nonneuronal TLR7-independent mechanism: a possible role for quinoline in airway dilation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 310:L1121-9. [PMID: 27084847 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00288.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 agonists are known to reduce allergic airway inflammation. Their recently reported ability to rapidly relax airways has further increased their interest in the treatment of pulmonary disease. However, the mechanisms behind this effect are not fully understood. The present study, therefore, aimed to determine whether airway smooth muscle (ASM)-dependent mechanisms could be identified. TLR7 agonists were added to guinea pig airways following precontraction with carbachol in vitro or histamine in vivo. Pharmacological inhibitors were used to dissect conventional pathways of bronchodilation; tetrodotoxin was used or bilateral vagotomy was performed to assess neuronal involvement. Human ASM cells (HASMCs) were employed to determine the effect of TLR7 agonists on intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) mobilization. The well-established TLR7 agonist imiquimod rapidly relaxed precontracted airways in vitro and in vivo. This relaxation was demonstrated to be independent of nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and cAMP signaling, as well as neuronal activity. A limited role for prostanoids could be detected. Imiquimod induced [Ca(2+)]i release from endoplasmic reticulum stores in HASMCs, inhibiting histamine-induced [Ca(2+)]i The TLR7 antagonist IRS661 failed to inhibit relaxation, and the structurally dissimilar agonist CL264 did not relax airways or inhibit [Ca(2+)]i This study shows that imiquimod acts directly on ASM to induce bronchorelaxation, via a TLR7-independent release of [Ca(2+)]i The effect is paralleled by other bronchorelaxant compounds, like chloroquine, which, like imiquimod, but unlike CL264, contains the chemical structure quinoline. Compounds with quinoline moieties may be of interest in the development of multifunctional drugs to treat pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Larsson
- Division of ENT Diseases, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martijn L Manson
- Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute for Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Starkhammar
- Division of ENT Diseases, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - Barbara Fuchs
- Division of ENT Diseases, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Adner
- Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and Institute for Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susanna Kumlien Georén
- Division of ENT Diseases, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - Lars-Olaf Cardell
- Division of ENT Diseases, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of ENT Disease, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden;
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Avau B, Depoortere I. The bitter truth about bitter taste receptors: beyond sensing bitter in the oral cavity. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2016; 216:407-20. [PMID: 26493384 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The bitter taste receptor (TAS2R)-family of G-protein-coupled receptors has been identified on the tongue as detectors of bitter taste over a decade ago. In the last few years, they have been discovered in an ever growing number of extra-oral tissues, including the airways, the gut, the brain and even the testis. In tissues that contact the exterior, protective functions for TAS2Rs have been proposed, in analogy to their function on the tongue as toxicity detector. However, TAS2Rs have also been found in internal organs, suggesting other roles for these receptors, perhaps involving as yet unidentified endogenous ligands. The current review gives an overview of the different proposed functions for TAS2Rs in tissues other than the oral cavity; from appetite regulation to the treatment of asthma, regulation of gastrointestinal motility and control of airway innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Avau
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID); Gut Peptide Research Lab; University of Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - I. Depoortere
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID); Gut Peptide Research Lab; University of Leuven; Leuven Belgium
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Yoon SY, Shin ES, Park SY, Kim S, Kwon HS, Cho YS, Moon HB, Kim TB. Association between Polymorphisms in Bitter Taste Receptor Genes and Clinical Features in Korean Asthmatics. Respiration 2016; 91:141-50. [PMID: 26812163 DOI: 10.1159/000443796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) in human airway smooth muscle have recently been shown to have an important role in bronchodilation, together with β2-adrenergic receptors. OBJECT To evaluate the association between genetic variations in TAS2R and clinical features, including bronchodilator response and asthma control. METHOD We analyzed the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TAS2R10 and TAS2R14 and variables such as demographic data, atopy, duration of disease, and asthma control status, including variables such as asthma control test (ACT) score, percent predicted value of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio, as well as bronchodilator response (BDR), in 721 asthma patients in Korea. RESULT Three novel SNPs of 633G>A, 645C>A, and -79G>A in TAS2R10 and 3 known SNPs of -815T>C, -1267G>A, and -1897T>C in TAS2R14 were analyzed. Increased BDR was significantly associated with SNPs of -815T>C [OR (95% CI) = 1.88 (1.01-3.49), p = 0.04 ] [J Gen Physiol 2005;125:535-553; Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2010;42:373-3812], -1267A>G [OR (95% CI) = 2.07 (1.03-4.15), p = 0.04] and -1897T>C [OR (95% CI) = 3.05 (1.01-9.23), p = 0.04, in a dominant model, and OR = 1.91 (1.08-3.36), p = 0.02, in a codominant model] of the TAS2R14 gene. There was a significant association between -815T>C and a low mean ACT score [OR (95% CI) = 5.84 (1.94-17.61), p = 0.001]. In haplotype analysis, TAC, CAT, and TGT, or TG and CA haplotypes on TAS2R14 were significantly associated with increased BDR; CAT and CA haplotypes were significantly associated with a low ACT score. CONCLUSION Genetic variations in TAS2Rs may be valuable genetic markers to predict therapeutic response and outcomes in asthma. Further research in an independent cohort is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Young Yoon
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Sakai H, Sato K, Kai Y, Chiba Y, Narita M. Denatonium and 6- n-Propyl-2-thiouracil, Agonists of Bitter Taste Receptor, Inhibit Contraction of Various Types of Smooth Muscles in the Rat and Mouse. Biol Pharm Bull 2016; 39:33-41. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b15-00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyasu Sakai
- Department of Analytical Pathophysiology, Division of Pharmacy Professional Development and Research, Hoshi University
| | - Ken Sato
- Department of Analytical Pathophysiology, Division of Pharmacy Professional Development and Research, Hoshi University
| | - Yuki Kai
- Department of Analytical Pathophysiology, Division of Pharmacy Professional Development and Research, Hoshi University
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Sharma P, Panebra A, Pera T, Tiegs BC, Hershfeld A, Kenyon LC, Deshpande DA. Antimitogenic effect of bitter taste receptor agonists on airway smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2015; 310:L365-76. [PMID: 26684251 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00373.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Airway remodeling is a hallmark feature of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Clinical studies and animal models have demonstrated increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass, and ASM thickness is correlated with severity of the disease. Current medications control inflammation and reverse airway obstruction effectively but have limited effect on remodeling. Recently we identified the expression of bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) on ASM cells, and activation with known TAS2R agonists resulted in ASM relaxation and bronchodilation. These studies suggest that TAS2R can be used as new therapeutic targets in the treatment of obstructive lung diseases. To further establish their effectiveness, in this study we aimed to determine the effects of TAS2R agonists on ASM growth and promitogenic signaling. Pretreatment of healthy and asthmatic human ASM cells with TAS2R agonists resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of ASM proliferation. The antimitogenic effect of TAS2R ligands was not dependent on activation of protein kinase A, protein kinase C, or high/intermediate-conductance calcium-activated K(+) channels. Immunoblot analyses revealed that TAS2R agonists inhibit growth factor-activated protein kinase B phosphorylation without affecting the availability of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, suggesting TAS2R agonists block signaling downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Furthermore, the antimitogenic effect of TAS2R agonists involved inhibition of induced transcription factors (activator protein-1, signal transducer and activator of transcription-3, E2 factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells) and inhibition of expression of multiple cell cycle regulatory genes, suggesting a direct inhibition of cell cycle progression. Collectively, these findings establish the antimitogenic effect of TAS2R agonists and identify a novel class of receptors and signaling pathways that can be targeted to reduce or prevent airway remodeling as well as bronchoconstriction in obstructive airway disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Sharma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Alfredo Panebra
- Department of Medicine (Pulmonary Division), University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tonio Pera
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Brian C Tiegs
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Alena Hershfeld
- Department of Medicine (Pulmonary Division), University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lawrence C Kenyon
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Deepak A Deshpande
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
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Zhong G, Chen X, Fang X, Wang D, Xie M, Chen Q. Fra-1 is upregulated in lung cancer tissues and inhibits the apoptosis of lung cancer cells by the P53 signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2015; 35:447-53. [PMID: 26549498 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fos-related antigen-1 (Fra-1) is a member of the activator protein-1 transcription factor superfamily. It plays important roles in oncogenesis in various types of malignancies. Herein, we investigated the expression of Fra-1 in lung cancer tissues by qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blot technologies. The results showed that Fra-1 was overexpressed in the lung cancer tissues when compared with the level in the adjacent non-cancerous tissues. To explore the possible mechanism of Fra-1 in lung cancer, we elucidated the effect of Fra-1 on the apoptosis of lung cancer H460 cells, and found that the rate of cell apoptosis was decreased in the H460/Fra-1 cells compared with the H460 or H460/vector cells. Cell apoptosis is closely related with a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium ion (Ca2+) concentrations. Our results showed that overexpression of Fra-1 in the lung cancer H460 cells, led to an increase in ΔΨm and and a decrease in intracellular ROS and Ca2+ concentrations. Furthermore, we found that Fra-1 was correlated with dysregulation of the P53 signaling pathway in lung cancer tissues in vitro. At the same time, we found that Fra-1 overexpression affected the expression of MDM2 and P53 in vivo. In summary, our results suggest that Fra-1 is upregulated in lung cancer tissues and functions by affecting the P53 signaling pathway in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwei Zhong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Xia Fang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Mingxuan Xie
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although today's cornerstone therapies for asthma (inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids) target airway narrowing and lung inflammation, about half of treated asthmatic patients do not achieve good disease control. There is a clear need for new therapeutic approaches and novel drug targets. Recent research has unexpectedly revealed that certain taste receptors (particularly those involved in bitter taste transduction) are expressed in lung tissue. RECENT FINDINGS Bitter taste receptors are expressed in several cell types in the lungs (such as chemosensory cells, epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages) and variously involved in ciliary beating, muscle relaxation, and/or inhibition of the production of inflammatory mediators. Here, we review recent research on the role of bitter taste receptors in experimental models of asthma and in asthmatics. SUMMARY The currently available data suggest that bitter taste receptor agonists have therapeutic potential in chronic obstructive airway diseases such as asthma.
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Role of the bitter taste receptor T2R38 in upper respiratory infection and chronic rhinosinusitis. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 15:14-20. [PMID: 25304231 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Taste receptor family 2 (T2R) bitter taste receptors were originally identified and named on the basis of their role in type 2 taste cells of the tongue, in which they serve to detect the presence of potentially harmful ingested chemicals. In 2009, researchers demonstrated that airway epithelial cells also express T2R receptors, but their role in airway physiology and human disease has only recently begun to be identified. RECENT FINDINGS Recent research has demonstrated that at least one airway T2R receptor, taste receptor family 2 isoform 38 protein (T2R38) is activated by secreted bacterial products. Activation of T2R38 in sinonasal epithelial cells stimulates nitric oxide production, increasing ciliary beating and directly killing bacteria. Clinical studies have also found correlations of TAS2R38 genotype with susceptibility to gram-negative upper respiratory infection and established T2R38 as an independent risk factor for chronic rhinosinusitis requiring sinus surgery. SUMMARY These recent studies identify a role for T2R38 in sinonasal innate immunity and chronic rhinosinusitis. Clinical implications include the potential development of T2R38-directed topical therapies, as well as using taste testing and/or genotyping to predict susceptibility to infection. Further studies are needed to more clearly determine how TAS2R38 genotype affects patient outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis and other upper airway diseases.
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Zhu GC, Gao L, He J, Long Y, Liao S, Wang H, Li X, Yi W, Pei Z, Wu M, Xiang J, Peng S, Ma J, Zhou M, Zeng Z, Xiang B, Xiong W, Tang K, Cao L, Li X, Li G, Zhou Y. CD90 is upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and inhibits gastric cancer cell apoptosis by modulating the expression level of SPARC protein. Oncol Rep 2015; 34:2497-506. [PMID: 26329007 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation 90 (CD90) (Thy-1) plays important roles in the oncogenesis in various types of malignancies. In the present study, we investigated the expression of CD90 in gastric cancer (GC) tissues by q-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blot technologies. The results showed that CD90 was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues compared with the level in the adjacent non‑cancerous tissues. To explore the possible mechanism of CD90 in GC, we elucidated the effect of CD90 on the apoptosis of AGS gastric cancer cells, and found that a considerable decrease in apoptotic cells was observed for AGS cells with CD90 overexpression. Meanwhile, the rate of apoptotic cells was increased in the AGS cells with CD90 interference (siCD90) compared with that in the AGS cells. Cell apoptosis is closely related to a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium ion (Ca2+) concentrations. Our results showed that overexpression of CD90 in the AGS gastric cancer cells led to an increase in ΔΨm and a decrease in intracellular ROS and Ca2+ concentrations. At the same time, siCD90 reduced ΔΨm and the increase in intracellular ROS and Ca2+ concentrations. Furthermore, we identified and confirmed that CD90 functions by modulating the expression level of secreted protein, acidic, cysteine‑rich (osteonectin) (SPARC) in vitro through LC‑MS/MS analyses and western blot technology. In summary, our results suggest that CD90 is upregulated in gastric cancer and inhibits gastric cancer cell apoptosis by modulating the expression level of SPARC protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Chao Zhu
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Lu Gao
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Junyu He
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Yuehua Long
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Shan Liao
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Haiyun Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Xujuan Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Wei Yi
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Pei
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Juanjuan Xiang
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Shuping Peng
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Jian Ma
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Bo Xiang
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Ke Tang
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Li Cao
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410006, P.R. China
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Devillier P, Naline E, Grassin-Delyle S. The pharmacology of bitter taste receptors and their role in human airways. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 155:11-21. [PMID: 26272040 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The receptors involved in bitter taste perception (bitter taste receptors--T2Rs) constitute a family of G-protein-coupled receptors, of which around 29 subtypes have been identified in humans. T2R expression was initially thought to be confined to the oral cavity but has recently been described in a range of other tissues (such as the heart, gut, nasal cavity and lungs) and cell types (chemosensory, smooth muscle, endothelial, epithelial and inflammatory cells). Although it is still not clear whether endogenous T2R agonists exist, the T2R receptors recognize many natural and synthetic compounds, such as the acyl-homoserine lactones produced by bacteria, caffeine, chloroquine, and erythromycin. In the upper airways, T2Rs are involved in neurogenic inflammation and bacterial clearance. Their known effects in the lungs are exerted at three different levels. Firstly, T2R agonists increase the beating frequency of cilia on epithelial cells. Secondly, the T2Rs induce bronchial smooth muscle cells to relax. Thirdly, the T2R receptors expressed on immune cells (such as macrophages and mast cells) modulate production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, T2R agonists are effective in inhibiting lung inflammation or smooth muscle contraction in ex vivo and asthma animal models, and are known to be involved in bacterial killing in the nasal cavity and enhancing lung function in humans. This review focuses on the pharmacology and physiological functions of T2R receptors in the upper and lower airways. It presents recently acquired knowledge suggesting that T2Rs may become valuable drug targets in the treatment of diseases such as asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Devillier
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, UPRES EA220, Hôpital Foch, 11 rue Guillaume Lenoir, 92150 Suresnes, France; Université Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, UFR Sciences de la Santé, 2 avenue de la source de la Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Emmanuel Naline
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, UPRES EA220, Hôpital Foch, 11 rue Guillaume Lenoir, 92150 Suresnes, France; Université Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, UFR Sciences de la Santé, 2 avenue de la source de la Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Stanislas Grassin-Delyle
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, UPRES EA220, Hôpital Foch, 11 rue Guillaume Lenoir, 92150 Suresnes, France; Université Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines, UFR Sciences de la Santé, 2 avenue de la source de la Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France.
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