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Lecchi G, Mocchetti C, Tunesi D, Berto A, Balasubramanian HB, Biswas S, Bagchi A, Pollastro F, Fresu LG, Talmon M. Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of TAS2R46 Affect the Receptor Downstream Calcium Regulation in Histamine-Challenged Cells. Cells 2024; 13:1204. [PMID: 39056786 PMCID: PMC11275237 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) expressed in extraoral tissues represent a whole-body sensory system, whose role and mechanisms could be of interest for the identification of new therapeutic targets. It is known that TAS2R46s in pre-contracted airway smooth muscle cells increase mitochondrial calcium uptake, leading to bronchodilation, and that several SNPs have been identified in its gene sequence. There are very few reports on the structure-function analysis of TAS2Rs. Thus, we delved into the subject by using mutagenesis and in silico studies. We generated a cellular model that expresses native TAS2R46 to evaluate the influence of the four most common SNPs on calcium fluxes following the activation of the receptor by its specific ligand absinthin. Then, docking studies were conducted to correlate the calcium flux results to the structural mutation. The analysed SNPs differently modulate the TAS2R46 signal cascade according to the altered protein domain. In particular, the SNP in the sixth transmembrane domain of the receptors did not modulate calcium homeostasis, while the SNPs in the sequence coding for the fourth transmembrane domain completely abolished the mitochondrial calcium uptake. In conclusion, these results indicate the fourth transmembrane domain of TAS2R46 is critical for the intrinsic receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lecchi
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mocchetti
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Davide Tunesi
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Arianna Berto
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Hari Baskar Balasubramanian
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Sima Biswas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Angshuman Bagchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Luigia Grazia Fresu
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Talmon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Hu X, Ao W, Gao M, Wu L, Pei Y, Liu S, Wu Y, Zhao F, Sun Q, Liu J, Jiang L, Wang X, Li Y, Tan Q, Cheng J, Yang F, Yang C, Sun J, Hua T, Liu ZJ. Bitter taste TAS2R14 activation by intracellular tastants and cholesterol. Nature 2024; 631:459-466. [PMID: 38776963 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07569-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors, particularly TAS2R14, play central roles in discerning a wide array of bitter substances, ranging from dietary components to pharmaceutical agents1,2. TAS2R14 is also widely expressed in extragustatory tissues, suggesting its extra roles in diverse physiological processes and potential therapeutic applications3. Here we present cryogenic electron microscopy structures of TAS2R14 in complex with aristolochic acid, flufenamic acid and compound 28.1, coupling with different G-protein subtypes. Uniquely, a cholesterol molecule is observed occupying what is typically an orthosteric site in class A G-protein-coupled receptors. The three potent agonists bind, individually, to the intracellular pockets, suggesting a distinct activation mechanism for this receptor. Comprehensive structural analysis, combined with mutagenesis and molecular dynamic simulation studies, elucidate the broad-spectrum ligand recognition and activation of the receptor by means of intricate multiple ligand-binding sites. Our study also uncovers the specific coupling modes of TAS2R14 with gustducin and Gi1 proteins. These findings should be instrumental in advancing knowledge of bitter taste perception and its broader implications in sensory biology and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Hu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weizhen Ao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingxin Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Qilu hospital and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Pei
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenhui Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Sun
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junlin Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Longquan Jiang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital and College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiwen Tan
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Qilu hospital and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fan Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Qilu hospital and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chi Yang
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital and College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jinpeng Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Qilu hospital and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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Meng T, Nielsen DE. TAS2R38 haplotypes, COVID-19 infection, and symptomatology: a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4673. [PMID: 38409357 PMCID: PMC10897136 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55428-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The TAS2R38 gene is well known for its function in bitter taste sensitivity, but evidence also suggests a role in innate immunity. TAS2R38 may be relevant in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but research findings are inconsistent. The objective of this study was to explore whether common TAS2R38 haplotypes are associated with COVID-19 infection and symptomatology in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Data from the CLSA COVID-19 Questionnaire and Seroprevalence sub-studies were utilized with CLSA genetic data for common TAS2R38 haplotypes related to bitter taste sensitivity. Haplotypes were categorized into three diplotype groups: [P]AV homozygotes, [P]AV/[A]VI heterozygotes, and [A]VI homozygotes. No significant differences were observed between diplotypes and COVID-19 infection frequency. Among self-reported COVID-19 cases (n = 76), and in uncorrected exploratory analyses, heterozygotes were less likely to report experiencing sinus pain compared to [P]AV homozygotes. Among seroprevalence-confirmed cases (n = 177), [A]VI homozygotes were less likely to report experiencing a sore/scratchy throat compared to [P]AV homozygotes. However, both observations were non-significant upon correction for multiple testing. In this study, TAS2R38 haplotypes were not significantly associated with COVID-19 infection or symptomatology. Nevertheless, in light of some exploratory patterns and conflicting evidence, additional research is warranted to evaluate links between TAS2R38 and innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongzhu Meng
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd., Room MS2-035, Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Daiva E Nielsen
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd., Room MS2-035, Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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Ginebaugh SP, Hagner M, Ray A, Erzurum SC, Comhair SAA, Denlinger LC, Jarjour NN, Castro M, Woodruff PG, Christenson SA, Bleecker ER, Meyers DA, Hastie AT, Moore WC, Mauger DT, Israel E, Levy BD, Wenzel SE, Camiolo MJ. Bronchial epithelial cell transcriptional responses to inhaled corticosteroids dictate severe asthmatic outcomes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:1513-1524. [PMID: 36796454 PMCID: PMC10257752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhaled corticosteroids (CSs) are the backbone of asthma treatment, improving quality of life, exacerbation rates, and mortality. Although effective for most, a subset of patients with asthma experience CS-resistant disease despite receiving high-dose medication. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the transcriptomic response of bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) to inhaled CSs. METHODS Independent component analysis was performed on datasets, detailing the transcriptional response of BECs to CS treatment. The expression of these CS-response components was examined in 2 patient cohorts and investigated in relation to clinical parameters. Supervised learning was used to predict BEC CS responses using peripheral blood gene expression. RESULTS We identified a signature of CS response that was closely correlated with CS use in patients with asthma. Participants could be separated on the basis of CS-response genes into groups with high and low signature expression. Patients with low expression of CS-response genes, particularly those with a severe asthma diagnosis, showed worse lung function and quality of life. These individuals demonstrated enrichment for T-lymphocyte infiltration in endobronchial brushings. Supervised machine learning identified a 7-gene signature from peripheral blood that reliably identified patients with poor CS-response expression in BECs. CONCLUSIONS Loss of CS transcriptional responses within bronchial epithelium was related to impaired lung function and poor quality of life, particularly in patients with severe asthma. These individuals were identified using minimally invasive blood sampling, suggesting these findings may enable earlier triage to alternative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Ginebaugh
- Integrative Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | | | - Anuradha Ray
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | | | | | - Loren C Denlinger
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Nizar N Jarjour
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis
| | - Mario Castro
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Mo
| | - Prescott G Woodruff
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, Calif
| | | | - Eugene R Bleecker
- Division for Genetics, Genomics and Personalized Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Ariz
| | - Deborah A Meyers
- Division for Genetics, Genomics and Personalized Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Ariz
| | | | - Wendy C Moore
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | | | - Elliot Israel
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine & Allergy & Immunology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Bruce D Levy
- Department of Medicine, Divisions of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine & Allergy & Immunology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Sally E Wenzel
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa; Department of Environmental Medicine and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa
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Waterloo L, Hübner H, Fierro F, Pfeiffer T, Brox R, Löber S, Weikert D, Niv MY, Gmeiner P. Discovery of 2-Aminopyrimidines as Potent Agonists for the Bitter Taste Receptor TAS2R14. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3499-3521. [PMID: 36847646 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The bitter taste receptor TAS2R14 is a G protein-coupled receptor that is found on the tongue as well as in the human airway smooth muscle and other extraoral tissues. Because its activation causes bronchodilatation, TAS2R14 is a potential target for the treatment of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Structural variations of flufenamic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, led us to 2-aminopyridines showing considerable efficacy and potency in an IP1accumulation assay. In combination with an exchange of the carboxylic moiety by a tetrazole unit, a set of promising new TAS2R14 agonists was developed. The most potent ligand 28.1 (EC50 = 72 nM) revealed a six-fold higher potency than flufenamic acid and a maximum efficacy of 129%. Besides its unprecedented TAS2R14 activation, 28.1 revealed marked selectivity over a panel of 24 non-bitter taste human G protein-coupled receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Waterloo
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Harald Hübner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Fabrizio Fierro
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Tara Pfeiffer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Regine Brox
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Stefan Löber
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Dorothee Weikert
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Masha Y Niv
- The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, Erlangen 91058, Germany
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Khalfaoui L, Pabelick CM. Airway smooth muscle in contractility and remodeling of asthma: potential drug target mechanisms. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:19-29. [PMID: 36744401 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2177533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma is characterized by enhanced airway contractility and remodeling where airway smooth muscle (ASM) plays a key role, modulated by inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms by which ASM contributes to these features of asthma is essential for the development of novel asthma therapies. AREAS COVERED Inflammation in asthma contributes to a multitude of changes within ASM including enhanced airway contractility, proliferation, and fibrosis. Altered intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) regulation or Ca2+ sensitization contributes to airway hyperreactivity. Increased airway wall thickness from ASM proliferation and fibrosis contributes to structural changes seen with asthma. EXPERT OPINION ASM plays a significant role in multiple features of asthma. Increased ASM contractility contributes to hyperresponsiveness, while altered ASM proliferation and extracellular matrix production promote airway remodeling both influenced by inflammation of asthma and conversely even influencing the local inflammatory milieu. While standard therapies such as corticosteroids or biologics target inflammation, cytokines, or their receptors to alleviate asthma symptoms, these approaches do not address the underlying contribution of ASM to hyperresponsiveness and particularly remodeling. Therefore, novel therapies for asthma need to target abnormal contractility mechanisms in ASM and/or the contribution of ASM to remodeling, particularly in asthmatics resistant to current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Khalfaoui
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Christina M Pabelick
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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7
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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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Li X, Yi H. Sulfur dioxide-enhanced asthma susceptibility is involved with inhibition of bitter taste transduction in mouse lung. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 95:103938. [PMID: 35907486 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) may induce asthma-like symptoms or worsen existing asthma, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the relationship between SO2 exposure, asthma development, and bitter taste transduction was analyzed using ovalbumin (OVA)-induced and SO2-aggravated asthma models. The results showed that twenty-seven and twelve bitter taste receptors (Tas2rs) were detectable in mouse trachea and lung, respectively, and that all of them were nearly down-regulated in OVA-induced BALB/c and C57BL/6 asthmatic mice. SO2 exposure alone did not trigger a distinct asthma-like phenotype, but the combination of SO2 and OVA allergen caused more severe asthma symptoms in mice including enhanced inflammatory cells infiltration, thickened airway walls, increased mucus secretion, and elevated expression of proinflammatory and Th2 cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13). Furthermore, SO2 enhanced the transcriptional repression of Tas2rs in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. These results indicated that the occurrence of mice asthma was correlated with the inhibition of bitter taste transduction, and more severe airway inflammation and injury were accompanied with an enhanced inhibition of bitter taste transduction. Our findings suggest that SO2 inhalation may amplify Th2 inflammatory responses in the lung of asthmatic mice by inhibiting bitter taste transduction, and thereby exacerbate asthma symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiuJuan Li
- School of Life Science, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - HuiLan Yi
- School of Life Science, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
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Yuan Y, Fang X, Ye W. 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 : ECAM 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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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Yuan
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangming Fang
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weidong Ye
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
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10
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Saferali A, Hersh CP. Genetic Determinants in Airways Obstructive Diseases: The Case of Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overlap. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2022; 42:559-573. [PMID: 35965045 PMCID: PMC9379112 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with ever-increasing sample sizes have found multiple genetic loci associated with either disease. However, there are few intersecting loci between asthma and COPD. GWAS specifically focused on asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) have been limited by smaller sample sizes and the lack of a consistent definition of ACO that has also hampered clinical and epidemiologic studies. Other genomic techniques, such as gene expression profiling, are feasible with smaller sample sizes. Genetic analyses of objective measures of airway reactivity and allergy/T2 inflammation biomarkers in COPD studies may be another strategy to overcome limitations in ACO definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aabida Saferali
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Craig P Hersh
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Wigenstam E, Artursson E, Bucht A, Thors L. Supplemental treatment to atropine improves the efficacy to reverse nerve agent induced bronchoconstriction. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 364:110061. [PMID: 35872047 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to highly toxic organophosphorus compounds causes inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase resulting in a cholinergic toxidrome and innervation of receptors in the neuromuscular junction may cause life-threatening respiratory effects. The involvement of several receptor systems was therefore examined for their impact on bronchoconstriction using an ex vivo rat precision-cut lung slice (PCLS) model. The ability to recover airways with therapeutics following nerve agent exposure was determined by quantitative analyses of muscle contraction. PCLS exposed to nicotine resulted in a dose-dependent bronchoconstriction. The neuromuscular nicotinic antagonist tubocurarine counteracted the nicotine-induced bronchoconstriction but not the ganglion blocker mecamylamine or the common muscarinic antagonist atropine. Correspondingly, atropine demonstrated a significant airway relaxation following ACh-exposure while tubocurarine did not. Atropine, the M3 muscarinic receptor antagonist 4-DAMP, tubocurarine, the β2-adrenergic receptor agonist formoterol, the Na+-channel blocker tetrodotoxin and the KATP-channel opener cromakalim all significantly decreased airway contractions induced by electric field stimulation. Following VX-exposure, treatment with atropine and the Ca2+-channel blocker magnesium sulfate resulted in significant airway relaxation. Formoterol, cromakalim and magnesium sulfate administered in combinations with atropine demonstrated an additive effect. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated improved airway function following nerve agent exposure by adjunct treatment to the standard therapy of atropine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabet Artursson
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Bucht
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lina Thors
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, CBRN Defence and Security, Umeå, Sweden.
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12
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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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13
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Mann TS, Larcombe AN, Wang KCW, Shamsuddin D, Landwehr KR, Noble PB, Henry PJ. Azithromycin inhibits mucin secretion, mucous metaplasia, airway inflammation and airways hyperresponsiveness in mice exposed to house dust mite extract. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 322:L683-L698. [PMID: 35348023 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00487.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive production, secretion and retention of abnormal mucus is a pathologic feature of many obstructive airways diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. Azithromycin is an antibiotic that also possesses immunomodulatory and mucoregulatory activities, which may contribute to the clinical effectiveness of azithromycin in these obstructive airway diseases. The current study investigated these non-antibiotic activities of azithromycin (or saline) in mice exposed daily to intranasal house dust mite (HDM) extract (or SHAM inoculation) for 10 days. HDM-exposed mice exhibited airways hyperresponsiveness to aerosolised methacholine, a pronounced mixed eosinophilic and neutrophilic inflammatory response, increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) thickness and elevated levels of epithelial mucin staining (compared to SHAM mice). Azithromycin (50 mg/kg s.c., 2 h prior to each HDM exposure) significantly attenuated HDM-induced airways hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, airways inflammation (bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophil and neutrophils numbers, and cytokine/chemokine levels), and epithelial mucin staining (mucous metaplasia) (P<0.05, 2-way ANOVA). Isolated tracheal segments of HDM-exposed mice secreted Muc5ac and Muc5b (above baseline levels) in response to exogenous ATP. Moreover, ATP-induced secretion of mucins was significantly attenuated in segments obtained from azithromycin-treated, HDM-exposed mice (P<0.05, 2-way ANOVA). In additional ex vivo studies, ATP-induced secretion of Muc5ac from HDM-exposed tracheal segments was inhibited by in vitro exposure to azithromycin. In vitro azithromycin also inhibited ATP-induced secretion of Muc5ac and Muc5b in tracheal segments from IL-13-exposed mice. In summary, azithromycin inhibited ATP-induced mucin secretion and airways inflammation in HDM-exposed mice, both of which are likely to contribute to suppression of airways hyperresponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy S Mann
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alexander N Larcombe
- Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kimberley C W Wang
- Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Danial Shamsuddin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katherine R Landwehr
- Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter B Noble
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter J Henry
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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14
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Unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic respiratory diseases for the development of novel therapeutics via in vitro experimental models. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 919:174821. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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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16
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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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17
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Koyama S, Kondo K, Ueha R, Kashiwadani H, Heinbockel T. Possible Use of Phytochemicals for Recovery from COVID-19-Induced Anosmia and Ageusia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8912. [PMID: 34445619 PMCID: PMC8396277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The year 2020 became the year of the outbreak of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which escalated into a worldwide pandemic and continued into 2021. One of the unique symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 disease, COVID-19, is the loss of chemical senses, i.e., smell and taste. Smell training is one of the methods used in facilitating recovery of the olfactory sense, and it uses essential oils of lemon, rose, clove, and eucalyptus. These essential oils were not selected based on their chemical constituents. Although scientific studies have shown that they improve recovery, there may be better combinations for facilitating recovery. Many phytochemicals have bioactive properties with anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects. In this review, we describe the chemical compounds with anti- inflammatory and anti-viral effects, and we list the plants that contain these chemical compounds. We expand the review from terpenes to the less volatile flavonoids in order to propose a combination of essential oils and diets that can be used to develop a new taste training method, as there has been no taste training so far. Finally, we discuss the possible use of these in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Koyama
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Kenji Kondo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan;
| | - Rumi Ueha
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan;
- Swallowing Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hideki Kashiwadani
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
| | - Thomas Heinbockel
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
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18
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Morini G, Winnig M, Vennegeerts T, Borgonovo G, Bassoli A. Vanillin Activates Human Bitter Taste Receptors TAS2R14, TAS2R20, and TAS2R39. Front Nutr 2021; 8:683627. [PMID: 34307435 PMCID: PMC8298857 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.683627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vanilla is widely used in food preparation worldwide for its sensory properties, mainly related to its fragrance, being vanillin the major compound present in the processed vanilla. Vanillin is also known to elicit bitterness as a secondary sensory sensation, but the molecular mechanism of its bitterness has never been reported. Assay buffers of vanillin were tested in vitro on all known 25 human bitter taste receptors TAS2Rs. Three receptors, TAS2R14, TAS2R20, and TAS2R39, were activated, showing that these receptors are mediating the bitterness of vanillin. The result could be useful to improve the overall sensory profile of this broadly used food ingredient, but even more could represent the starting point for further studies to investigate the potential of vanillin in sensory nutrition and other pharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcel Winnig
- IMAX Discovery GmbH, Dortmund, Germany.,Axxam S.p.A. Bresso, Italy
| | - Timo Vennegeerts
- IMAX Discovery GmbH, Dortmund, Germany.,Axxam S.p.A. Bresso, Italy
| | - Gigliola Borgonovo
- DeFENS - Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Bassoli
- DeFENS - Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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19
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Alfonso-Prieto M. Bitter Taste and Olfactory Receptors: Beyond Chemical Sensing in the Tongue and the Nose. J Membr Biol 2021; 254:343-352. [PMID: 34173018 PMCID: PMC8231087 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-021-00182-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The Up-and-Coming-Scientist section of the current issue of the Journal of Membrane Biology features the invited essay by Dr. Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto, Assistant Professor at the Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), Germany, and the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Vogt Institute for Brain Research.
Dr. Alfonso-Prieto completed her doctoral degree in chemistry at the Barcelona Science Park, Spain, in 2009, pursued post-doctoral research in computational molecular sciences at Temple University, USA, and then, as a Marie Curie post-doctoral fellow at the University of Barcelona, worked on computations of enzyme reactions and modeling of photoswitchable ligands targeting neuronal receptors. In 2016, she joined the Institute for Advanced Science and the Institute for Computational Biomedicine at the FZJ, where she pursues research on modeling and simulation of chemical senses.
The invited essay by Dr. Alfonso-Prieto discusses state-of-the-art modeling of molecular receptors involved in chemical sensing – the senses of taste and smell. These receptors, and computational methods to study them, are the focus of Dr. Alfonso-Prieto’s research. Recently, Dr. Alfonso-Prieto and colleagues have presented a new methodology to predict ligand binding poses for GPCRs, and extensive computations that deciphered the ligand selectivity determinants of bitter taste receptors. These developments inform our current understanding of how taste occurs at the molecular level. Graphic Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Institute for Advanced Simulations IAS-5/Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine INM-9, Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany. .,Medical Faculty, Cécile and Oskar Vogt Institute for Brain Research, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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20
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Pu Q, Guo K, Lin P, Wang Z, Qin S, Gao P, Combs C, Khan N, Xia Z, Wu M. Bitter receptor TAS2R138 facilitates lipid droplet degradation in neutrophils during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:210. [PMID: 34083514 PMCID: PMC8175399 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bitter receptors function primarily in sensing taste, but may also have other functions, such as detecting pathogenic organisms due to their agile response to foreign objects. The mouse taste receptor type-2 member 138 (TAS2R138) is a member of the G-protein-coupled bitter receptor family, which is not only found in the tongue and nasal cavity, but also widely distributed in other organs, such as the respiratory tract, gut, and lungs. Despite its diverse functions, the role of TAS2R138 in host defense against bacterial infection is largely unknown. Here, we show that TAS2R138 facilitates the degradation of lipid droplets (LDs) in neutrophils during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection through competitive binding with PPARG (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) antagonist: N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (AHL-12), which coincidently is a virulence-bound signal produced by this bacterium (P. aeruginosa). The released PPARG then migrates from nuclei to the cytoplasm to accelerate the degradation of LDs by binding PLIN2 (perilipin-2). Subsequently, the TAS2R138-AHL-12 complex targets LDs to augment their degradation, and thereby facilitating the clearance of AHL-12 in neutrophils to maintain homeostasis in the local environment. These findings reveal a crucial role for TAS2R138 in neutrophil-mediated host immunity against P. aeruginosa infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Pu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ping Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
- Wound Trauma Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Zhihan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shugang Qin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Pan Gao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Colin Combs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Nadeem Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
| | - Zhenwei Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
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21
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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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22
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Ali MA, Wang Y, Qin Z, Yuan X, Zhang Y, Zeng C. Odorant and Taste Receptors in Sperm Chemotaxis and Cryopreservation: Roles and Implications in Sperm Capacitation, Motility and Fertility. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040488. [PMID: 33801624 PMCID: PMC8065900 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm chemotaxis, which guide sperm toward oocyte, is tightly associated with sperm capacitation, motility, and fertility. However, the molecular mechanism of sperm chemotaxis is not known. Reproductive odorant and taste receptors, belong to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) super-family, cause an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration which is pre-requisite for sperm capacitation and acrosomal reaction, and result in sperm hyperpolarization and increase motility through activation of Ca2+-dependent Cl¯ channels. Recently, odorant receptors (ORs) in olfactory transduction pathway were thought to be associated with post-thaw sperm motility, freeze tolerance or freezability and cryo-capacitation-like change during cryopreservation. Investigation of the roles of odorant and taste receptors (TRs) is important for our understanding of the freeze tolerance or freezability mechanism and improve the motility and fertility of post-thaw sperm. Here, we reviewed the roles, mode of action, impact of odorant and taste receptors on sperm chemotaxis and post-thaw sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Ahsan Ali
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Theriogenology, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore 54000, Punjab, Pakistan;
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Yihan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ziyue Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xiang Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Changjun Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-28-86291010
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23
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Qin C, Yuan Q, Zhang S, He C, Wei X, Liu M, Jiang N, Huang L, Zhuang L, Wang P. Biomimetic in vitro respiratory system using smooth muscle cells on ECIS chips for anti-asthma TCMs screening. Anal Chim Acta 2021; 1162:338452. [PMID: 33926702 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.338452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction is a major pathophysiological characteristic of asthma. Although β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) agonists are currently used as bronchodilators, they cause rapid effect and long-term agonist-induced desensitization. Thus, it is necessary to search for more effective and safer relaxant agents for ASM cells. In this work, bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) were demonstrated to be expressed in primary mouse ASM cells endogenously, and they were considered as new drug targets for asthma treatment. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) contained a wide range of TAS2R agonists and some of them had the efficacy of relieving cough and asthma with less toxic side effects. Then the electronic cell-substrate impedance sensor (ECIS) was used for the first time to establish a method to detect the contraction/relaxation effects of ASM cells. Therefore, we introduced a biomimetic in vitro respiratory system using ASM cells on ECIS chips to screen for potential TCMs against asthma. Quinine, nobiletin, and picfeltarraenin IA screened in this study could effectively inhibit the ASM contraction in a concentration-dependent manner, showing potential value as novel anti-asthma drugs. Furthermore, the effective screening of anti-asthma drugs was realized based on 3D ASM cell arrays and gel imaging system. Consistent results were found and the reliability of the biomimetic in vitro respiratory system for the screening of TCMs against asthma was further verified. The biomimetic system designed in this study has the advantages of operation simplicity, high throughput, non-invasive, real-time, and high sensitivity, and therefore provides a promising drug screening platform for asthma disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlian Qin
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Qunchen Yuan
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Saisai Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chuanjiang He
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xinwei Wei
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Mengxue Liu
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Liquan Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Liujing Zhuang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Ping Wang
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
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24
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Saferali A, Yun JH, Lee S, Chase RP, Bowler RP, Castaldi PJ, Hersh CP. Transcriptomic Signature of Asthma-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overlap in Whole Blood. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 64:268-271. [PMID: 33522883 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2020-0382le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aabida Saferali
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, and
| | - Jeong H Yun
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, and
| | - Sool Lee
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Peter J Castaldi
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, and
| | - Craig P Hersh
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, and
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25
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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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26
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Structure-Function Analyses of Human Bitter Taste Receptors-Where Do We Stand? Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194423. [PMID: 32993119 PMCID: PMC7582848 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The finding that bitter taste receptors are expressed in numerous tissues outside the oral cavity and fulfill important roles in metabolic regulation, innate immunity and respiratory control, have made these receptors important targets for drug discovery. Efficient drug discovery depends heavily on detailed knowledge on structure-function-relationships of the target receptors. Unfortunately, experimental structures of bitter taste receptors are still lacking, and hence, the field relies mostly on structures obtained by molecular modeling combined with functional experiments and point mutageneses. The present article summarizes the current knowledge on the structure–function relationships of human bitter taste receptors. Although these receptors are difficult to express in heterologous systems and their homology with other G protein-coupled receptors is very low, detailed information are available at least for some of these receptors.
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27
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Watanabe LM, Pires IF, Noronha NY, Pinhel MADS, Nonino CB. The influence of bitter-taste receptor (TAS2R) expression in pharmacological response to Chloroquine in obese patients with COVID-19. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2020; 75:e2181. [PMID: 32876108 PMCID: PMC7442398 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2020/e2181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lígia Moriguchi Watanabe
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade Medicina de Ribeirao Preto (FMRP), Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Izabella Ferreira Pires
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade Medicina de Ribeirao Preto (FMRP), Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Natália Yumi Noronha
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade Medicina de Ribeirao Preto (FMRP), Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Marcela Augusta de Souza Pinhel
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade Medicina de Ribeirao Preto (FMRP), Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Jose do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, SP, BR
| | - Carla Barbosa Nonino
- Departamento de Clinica Medica, Faculdade Medicina de Ribeirao Preto (FMRP), Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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28
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Polyphenols and taste 2 receptors. Physiological, pathophysiological and pharmacological implications. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 178:114086. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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29
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Jeruzal-Świątecka J, Fendler W, Pietruszewska W. Clinical Role of Extraoral Bitter Taste Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5156. [PMID: 32708215 PMCID: PMC7404188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans can recognise five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. Sour and salty substances are linked to ion channels, while sweet, bitter and umami flavours are transmitted through receptors linked to the G protein (G protein-coupled receptors; GPCRs). There are two main types of GPCRs that transmit information about sweet, umami and bitter tastes-the Tas1r and TAS2R families. There are about 25 functional TAS2R genes coding bitter taste receptor proteins. They are found not only in the mouth and throat, but also in the intestines, brain, bladder and lower and upper respiratory tract. The determination of their purpose in these locations has become an inspiration for much research. Their presence has also been confirmed in breast cancer cells, ovarian cancer cells and neuroblastoma, revealing a promising new oncological marker. Polymorphisms of TAS2R38 have been proven to have an influence on the course of chronic rhinosinusitis and upper airway defensive mechanisms. TAS2R receptors mediate the bronchodilatory effect in human airway smooth muscle, which may lead to the creation of another medicine group used in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The discovery that functionally compromised TAS2R receptors negatively impact glucose homeostasis has produced a new area of diabetes research. In this article, we would like to focus on what facts have been already established in the matter of extraoral TAS2R receptors in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Jeruzal-Świątecka
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Fendler
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wioletta Pietruszewska
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
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30
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Penn RB. Mast cells in asthma: Here I am, stuck in the middle with you. Eur Respir J 2020; 56:56/1/2001337. [PMID: 32616549 PMCID: PMC7643049 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01337-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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31
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Hough KP, Curtiss ML, Blain TJ, Liu RM, Trevor J, Deshane JS, Thannickal VJ. Airway Remodeling in Asthma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:191. [PMID: 32509793 PMCID: PMC7253669 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that may result from exposure to allergens or other environmental irritants, resulting in bronchoconstriction, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The structural changes of the airways associated with asthma, broadly referred to as airway remodeling, is a pathological feature of chronic asthma that contributes to the clinical manifestations of the disease. Airway remodeling in asthma constitutes cellular and extracellular matrix changes in the large and small airways, epithelial cell apoptosis, airway smooth muscle cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation. These pathological changes in the airway are orchestrated by crosstalk of different cell types within the airway wall and submucosa. Environmental exposures to dust, chemicals, and cigarette smoke can initiate the cascade of pro-inflammatory responses that trigger airway remodeling through paracrine signaling and mechanostimulatory cues that drive airway remodeling. In this review, we explore three integrated and dynamic processes in airway remodeling: (1) initiation by epithelial cells; (2) amplification by immune cells; and (3) mesenchymal effector functions. Furthermore, we explore the role of inflammaging in the dysregulated and persistent inflammatory response that perpetuates airway remodeling in elderly asthmatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth P Hough
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Miranda L Curtiss
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Trevor J Blain
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Rui-Ming Liu
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jennifer Trevor
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jessy S Deshane
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Victor J Thannickal
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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32
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Luo M, Yu P, Ni K, Jin Y, Liu L, Li J, Pan Y, Deng L. Sanguinarine Rapidly Relaxes Rat Airway Smooth Muscle Cells Dependent on TAS2R Signaling. Biol Pharm Bull 2020; 43:1027-1034. [PMID: 32404582 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Excessive contraction of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) is a hallmark feature of asthma. Intriguing, the activation of bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) in ASMCs can relax ASMCs. However, there is a lack of potent TAS2R agonists that can be used in asthma therapies since those tested agonists cannot relax ASMCs at the dose below a few hundred micromolar. Considering that sanguinarine (SA) is a bitter substance often used in small doses for the treatment of asthma in folk medicine, the present study was to determine the rapid relaxation effect of SA on ASMCs and to reveal the underlying mechanisms associated with TAS2R signaling. Here, cell stiffness, traction force, calcium signaling, cAMP levels, and the mRNA expression were evaluated by using optical magnetic twisting cytometry, traction force microscopy, Fluo-4/AM labeling, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantitative (q)RT-PCR, respectively. We found that 0.5 µM SA immediately decreased cell stiffness and traction force, which is comparable with the effect of 5 µM isoproterenol. In addition, 0.5 µM SA immediately increased intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and decreased the mRNA expression of contractile proteins such as calponin and α-smooth muscle actin after the treatment for 24 h. Furthermore, SA-mediated decrease in cell stiffness/traction force and increase in [Ca2+]i were significantly blunted by inhibiting the TAS2Rs signaling. These findings establish the rapid relaxation effect of SA at low concentration (<1 µM) on cultured ASMCs depending on TAS2R signaling, indicating that SA might be developed as a useful bronchodilator in asthma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhi Luo
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Peili Yu
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Kai Ni
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Yang Jin
- Key Lab of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University
| | - Lei Liu
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Jingjing Li
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Yan Pan
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
| | - Linhong Deng
- Changzhou Key Laboratory of Respiratory Medical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University
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33
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Patel BS, Ravix J, Pabelick C, Prakash YS. Class C GPCRs in the airway. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 51:19-28. [PMID: 32375079 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and targeting of GPCRs remain a critical aspect of airway pharmacology and therapeutics for diseases such as asthma or COPD. Most attention has been on the large Class A GPCRs towards improved bronchodilation and blunting of remodeling. Better known in the central or peripheral nervous system, there is increasing evidence that Class C GPCRs which include metabotropic glutamate and GABA receptors, the calcium sensing receptor, sweet/umami taste receptors and a number of orphan receptors, can contribute to airway structure and function. In this review, we will summarize current state of knowledge regarding the pharmacology of Class C GPCRs, their expression and potential functions in the airways, and the application of pharmacological agents targeting this group in the context of airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brijeshkumar S Patel
- Department of Anesthesiologyand Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jovanka Ravix
- Department of Anesthesiologyand Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Christina Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiologyand Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiologyand Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
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34
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Conaway S, Nayak AP, Deshpande DA. Therapeutic potential and challenges of bitter taste receptors on lung cells. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 51:43-49. [PMID: 32810767 PMCID: PMC7530014 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling are pathological drivers of disease progression and mortality in asthma. Importantly, approximately 50% of affected individuals are unable to reliably manage disease symptoms using the current standard of care. Recently, T2Rs have been identified as a novel class of G protein-coupled receptors expressed in the airway that on activation can induce ASM relaxation and reduction in airway tone. Further, agonists of T2Rs may also remedy airway remodeling, which has been difficult to manage with currently available medications. In this review, we will discuss the recent developments in T2R biology and their role in cellular physiology (particularly ASM) and expand on the therapeutic potential of T2R agonists in treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Conaway
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Ajay P Nayak
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Deepak A Deshpande
- Center for Translational Medicine, Jane and Leonard Korman Lung Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
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35
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Liu DT, Besser G, Oeller F, Mueller CA, Renner B. Bitter Taste Perception of the Human Tongue Mediated by Quinine and Caffeine Impregnated Taste Strips. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2020; 129:813-820. [PMID: 32028784 PMCID: PMC7357182 DOI: 10.1177/0003489420906187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Tests for gustatory function have become increasingly important in diagnosis and treatment of patients with taste disorders. While caffeine and quinine hydrochloride solutions have been used for global testing of bitter perception, only quinine has been used to test regional bitter perception by means of taste strips. The aim of the present study was to validate caffeine impregnated taste strips as an alternative to quinine taste strips for assessment of regional bitter perception. Methods: A total of 46 healthy volunteers (mean age/range, 23/19-27 years) were included in this study. Quinine and caffeine impregnated taste strips were pairwise presented at different parts of the tongue. Perceived intensity and hedonic dislike were evaluated using labeled magnitude scales. Additionally, gustatory function was assessed using the taste strips test and overall sense of taste was rated using visual analog scales. Results: Assessment of gustatory function demonstrated scores within the normogeusic range in most included subjects (mean/SD, 13.1/2.5). Notably, equally concentrated quinine and caffeine impregnated taste strips placed on different regions of the tongue did not lead to significant differences in perceived intensity or hedonic dislike, whereas quinine and caffeine impregnated taste strips of different concentrations placed on the same region on the tongue led to significant differences of perceived intensity and hedonic dislike. Furthermore, no correlation was found between self-assessment of gustatory function and taste strips scores. Conclusion: Caffeine seems to be a valid bitter compound for regional testing using taste strips and may be used alternatively to quinine.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerold Besser
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Oeller
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian A Mueller
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bertold Renner
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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