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Wu C, Xu M, Dong J, Cui W, Yuan S. The structure and function of olfactory receptors. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:268-280. [PMID: 38296675 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the most important chemosensory receptor family responsible for our sense of smell in the nasal olfactory epithelium. This receptor family belongs to the class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Recent research has indicated that ORs are involved in many nonolfactory physiological processes in extranasal tissue, such as the brain, pancreas, and testes, and implies the possible role of their dysregulation in various diseases. The recently released structures of OR51E2 and consensus OR52 have also unveiled the uniqueness of ORs from other class A GPCR members. In this review, we discuss these recent developments and computational modeling efforts toward understanding the structural properties of unresolved ORs, which could guide potential future OR-targeted drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Wu
- The AlphaMol-SIAT Joint Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China; The Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, The Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Marc Xu
- The AlphaMol-SIAT Joint Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China; The Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, The Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junlin Dong
- The AlphaMol-SIAT Joint Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China; The Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, The Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenqiang Cui
- The AlphaMol-SIAT Joint Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuguang Yuan
- The AlphaMol-SIAT Joint Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China; AlphaMol Science Ltd, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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Edelkamp J, Lousada MB, Pinto D, Chéret J, Calabrese FM, Jiménez F, Erdmann H, Wessel J, Phillip B, Angelis MD, Rinaldi F, Bertolini M, Paus R. Management of the human hair follicle microbiome by a synthetic odorant. J Dermatol Sci 2023; 112:99-108. [PMID: 37858476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human scalp hair follicles (HFs) engage in olfactory receptor (OR)-dependent chemosensation. Activation of olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily AT member 4 (OR2AT4) by the synthetic, sandalwood-like odorant Sandalore® up-regulated HF antimicrobial peptide expression of dermcidin (DCD), which had previously been thought to be produced exclusively by sweat and sebaceous glands. OBJECTIVES To understand if intrafollicular DCD production can be stimulated by a commonly used cosmetic odorant, thus altering human HF microbiome composition in a clinically beneficial manner. METHODS DCD expression was compared between fresh-frozen scalp biopsies and microdissected, full-length scalp HFs, organ-cultured in the presence/absence of the OR2AT4 agonist, Sandalore® and/or antibiotics and/or the competitive OR2AT4 antagonist, Phenirat®. Amplicon-based sequencing and microbial growth assays were performed to assess how this treatment affected the HF microbiome. RESULTS Synthetic odorant treatment upregulated epithelial DCD expression and exerted antimicrobial activity in human HFs ex vivo. Combined antibiotic and odorant treatment, during an ex vivo dysbiosis event, prevented HF tissue damage and favoured a more physiological microbiome composition. Sandalore®-conditioned medium, containing higher DCD content, favoured Staphylococcus epidermidis and Malassezia restricta over S. aureus and M. globosa, while exhibiting antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes. These effects were reversed by co-administration of Phenirat®. CONCLUSIONS We provide the first proof-of-principle that a cosmetic odorant impacts the human HF microbiome by up-regulating antimicrobial peptide production in an olfactory receptor-dependent manner. Specifically, a synthetic sandalwood-like odorant stimulates intrafollicular DCD production, likely via OR2AT4, and thereby controls microbial overgrowth. Thus, deserving further exploration as an adjuvant therapeutic principle in the management of folliculitis and dysbiosis-associated hair diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janin Edelkamp
- Monasterium Laboratory Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany.
| | - Marta B Lousada
- Monasterium Laboratory Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany; Zoological Institute, Christian-Albrechts, University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Jérémy Chéret
- Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Francisco Jiménez
- Mediteknia, Skin & Hair Lab, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; University Fernando Pessoa Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | | | - Julia Wessel
- Institute of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (IMMB), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bodo Phillip
- Institute of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (IMMB), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Maria De Angelis
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Marta Bertolini
- Monasterium Laboratory Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Ralf Paus
- Monasterium Laboratory Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany; Mediteknia, Skin & Hair Lab, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; CUTANEON Skin & Hair Innovations, Hamburg, Germany
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Piccini I, Chéret J, Tsutsumi M, Sakaguchi S, Ponce L, Almeida L, Funk W, Kückelhaus M, Kajiya K, Paus R, Bertolini M. Preliminary evidence that Merkel cells exert chemosensory functions in human epidermis. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:1848-1855. [PMID: 37587642 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The mechanotransduction of light-touch sensory stimuli is considered to be the main physiological function of epidermal Merkel cells (MCs). Recently, however, MCs have been demonstrated to be also thermo-sensitive, suggesting that their role in skin physiologically extends well beyond mechanosensation. Here, we demonstrate that in healthy human skin epidermal MCs express functional olfactory receptors, namely OR2AT4, just like neighbouring keratinocytes. Selective stimulation of OR2AT4 by topical application of the synthetic odorant, Sandalore®, significantly increased Piccolo protein expression in MCs, as assessed by quantitative immunohistomorphometry, indicating increased vesicle trafficking and recycling, and significantly reduced nerve growth factor (NGF) immunoreactivity within MCs, possibly indicating increased neurotrophin release upon OR2AT4 activation. Live-cell imaging showed that Sandalore® rapidly induces a loss of FFN206-dependent fluorescence in MCs, suggesting OR2AT4-dependent MC depolarization and subsequent vesicle secretion. Yet, in contrast to keratinocytes, OR2AT4 stimulation by Sandalore® altered neither the number nor the proliferation status of MCs. These preliminary ex vivo findings demonstrate that epidermal MCs also exert OR-dependent chemosensory functions in human skin, and invite one to explore whether these newly identified properties are dysregulated in selected skin disorders, for example, in pruritic dermatoses, and if these novel MC functions can be therapeutically targeted to maintain/promote skin health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Piccini
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Jeremy Chéret
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Moe Tsutsumi
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Saito Sakaguchi
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Leslie Ponce
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Luis Almeida
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Funk
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Kentaro Kajiya
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ralf Paus
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- CUTANEON - Skin & Hair Innovations, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marta Bertolini
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany
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Wang Y, Geng R, Zhao Y, Fang J, Li M, Kang SG, Huang K, Tong T. The gut odorant receptor and taste receptor make sense of dietary components: A focus on gut hormone secretion. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 64:6975-6989. [PMID: 36785901 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2177610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Odorant receptors (ORs) and taste receptors (TRs) are expressed primarily in the nose and tongue in which they transduce electrical signals to the brain. Advances in deciphering the dietary component-sensing mechanisms in the nose and tongue prompted research on the role of gut chemosensory cells. Acting as the pivotal interface between the body and dietary cues, gut cells "smell" and "taste" dietary components and metabolites by taking advantage of chemoreceptors-ORs and TRs, to maintain physiological homeostasis. Here, we reviewed this novel field, highlighting the latest discoveries pertinent to gut ORs and TRs responding to dietary components, their impacts on gut hormone secretion, and the mechanisms involved. Recent studies indicate that gut cells sense dietary components including fatty acid, carbohydrate, and phytochemical by activating relevant ORs, thereby modulating GLP-1, PYY, CCK, and 5-HT secretion. Similarly, gut sweet, umami, and bitter receptors can regulate the gut hormone secretion and maintain homeostasis in response to dietary components. A deeper understanding of the favorable influence of dietary components on gut hormone secretion via gut ORs and TRs, coupled with the facts that gut hormones are involved in diverse physiological or pathophysiological phenomena, may ultimately lead to a promising treatment for various human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ruixuan Geng
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuhan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jingjing Fang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mengjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Seong-Gook Kang
- Department of Food Engineering, Mokpo National University, Muangun, Korea
| | - Kunlun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Organism (Food Safety), Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Beijing, PR China
| | - Tao Tong
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Organism (Food Safety), Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Beijing, PR China
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