scholarly journals Functional Microswitches of Mammalian G Protein-Coupled Bitter-Taste Receptors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérémie Topin ◽  
Cédric Bouysset ◽  
Yiseul Kim ◽  
MeeRa Rhyu ◽  
Sébastien Fiorucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
G Protein ◽  
Bitter Taste ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Taste Receptors ◽  
Bitter Taste Receptors ◽  
G Protein Coupled

AbstractBitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are a poorly understood subgroup of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). No experimental structure of these receptors is available and key-residues controlling their function remain mostly unknown. Here, we have identified the functional microswitches that encode agonist sensing and downstream signaling mechanisms within TAS2Rs sequences. We thoroughly re-aligned the amino-acid sequences of the 25 human TAS2Rs considering residue conservations and all the experimental data from the literature as constraints. As a test case, an accurate homology model of TAS2R16 was constructed and examined by site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro functional assays. Conserved motifs acting as microswitches during agonist-sensing and receptor activation were pinpointed by comparison with the current knowledge on class A GPCRs. Unravelling these sequence – function relationships is of utmost importance to streamline how TAS2Rs functions are encrypted in their sequence.

scholarly journals The short third intracellular loop and cytoplasmic tail of bitter taste receptors provide functionally relevant GRK phosphorylation sites in TAS2R14

2020 ◽  
pp. jbc.RA120.016056
Author(s):  
Donghwa Kim ◽  
Maria Castaño ◽  
Lauren K Lujan ◽  
Jung A. Woo ◽  
Stephen B. Liggett
Keyword(s):  
Bitter Taste ◽  
Taste Receptors ◽  
Intracellular Loop ◽  
Early Endosomes ◽  
Bitter Taste Receptors ◽  
Novel Target ◽  
Intracellular Loops ◽  
G Protein Coupled ◽  
Gst Fusion Proteins

For most GPCRs, the third intracellular loops (IL3) and C-terminal tails (CT) are sites for GRK-mediated phosphorylation, leading to b-arrestin binding and agonist-specific desensitization. These regions of the G protein-coupled bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are short compared to the superfamily, and their functional role is unclear. TAS2R14 expressed on human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells relax the cell, suggesting a novel target for bronchodilators. To assess IL3 and CT in agonist-promoted TAS2R14 desensitization (tachyphylaxis), we generated GST-fusion proteins of both the WT sequence and Ala substituted for Ser/Thr in the IL3 and CT sequences. In vitro, activated GRK2 phosphorylated both WT IL3 and WT CT proteins but not Ala-substituted forms. Next, TAS2R14s with mutations in IL3 (IL-5A), CT (CT-5A) and in both regions (IL/CT-10A) were expressed in HEK-293T cells. IL/CT-10A and CT-5A failed to undergo desensitization of the [Ca2+]i response compared to WT, indicating functional desensitization by GRK-phosphorylation is at residues in the CT. Short-term desensitization of TAS2R14 was blocked by GRK2 knockdown in HASM cells. Receptor:b-arrestin binding was absent with IL/CT-10A and CT-5A, but was also reduced in IL-5A, indicating a role for IL3 phosphorylation in the b-arrestin interaction for this function. Agonist-promoted internalization of IL-5A and CT-5A receptors was impaired and these receptors failed to colocalize with early endosomes. These results show that agonist-promoted functional desensitization of TAS2R14 occurs by GRK phosphorylation of CT residues and b-arrestin binding. However, b-arrestin function in the internalization and trafficking of the receptor requires cooperative GRK phosphorylation of IL3 and CT residues.

scholarly journals Structure-Function Analyses of Human Bitter Taste Receptors—Where Do We Stand?

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (19) ◽  
pp. 4423
Author(s):  
Maik Behrens ◽  
Florian Ziegler
Keyword(s):  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Structure Function ◽  
Metabolic Regulation ◽  
Bitter Taste ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Respiratory Control ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Taste Receptors ◽  
Bitter Taste Receptors ◽  
G Protein Coupled

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.

scholarly journals Bitter Taste Receptors Expression in Human Granulosa and Cumulus Cells: New Perspectives in Female Fertility

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3127
Author(s):  
Bianca Semplici ◽  
Francesca Paola Luongo ◽  
Sofia Passaponti ◽  
Claudia Landi ◽  
Laura Governini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Bitter Taste ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Female Fertility ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Receptor Subtype ◽  
Taste Receptors ◽  
Female Reproductive System ◽  
Bitter Taste Receptors

Bitter taste receptors (TAS2RS) expression is not restricted to the oral cavity and the presence of these receptors in the male reproductive system and sperm provides insights into their possible role in human reproduction. To elucidate the potential role of TAS2Rs in the female reproductive system, we investigated the expression and localization of bitter taste receptors and the components of signal transduction cascade involved in the pathway of taste receptors in somatic follicular cells obtained from women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. We found that TAS2R genes are expressed in both cumulus (CCs) and granulosa (GCs) cells, with TAS2R14 being the most highly expressed bitter receptor subtype. Interestingly, a slight increase in the expression of TAS2R14 and TAS2R43 was shown in both GCs and CCs in young women (p < 0.05), while a negative correlation may be established between the number of oocytes collected at the pickup and the expression of TAS2R43. Regarding α-gustducin and α-transducin, two Gα subunits expressed in the taste buds on the tongue, we provide evidence for their expression in CCs and GCs, with α-gustducin showing two additional isoforms in GCs. Finally, we shed light on the possible downstream transduction pathway initiated by taste receptor activation in the female reproductive system. Our study, showing for the first time the expression of taste receptors in the somatic ovarian follicle cells, significantly extends the current knowledge of the biological role of TAS2Rs for human female fertility.

scholarly journals Specific oxylipins enhance vertebrate hematopoiesis via the receptor GPR132

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (37) ◽  
pp. 9252-9257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie L. Lahvic ◽  
Michelle Ammerman ◽  
Pulin Li ◽  
Megan C. Blair ◽  
Emma R. Stillman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽  
Hydroxy Fatty Acids ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are lipid-derived signaling molecules with cardioprotective and vasodilatory actions. We recently showed that 11,12-EET enhances hematopoietic induction and engraftment in mice and zebrafish. EETs are known to signal via G protein-coupled receptors, with evidence supporting the existence of a specific high-affinity receptor. Identification of a hematopoietic-specific EET receptor would enable genetic interrogation of EET signaling pathways, and perhaps clinical use of this molecule. We developed a bioinformatic approach to identify an EET receptor based on the expression of G protein-coupled receptors in cell lines with differential responses to EETs. We found 10 candidate EET receptors that are expressed in three EET-responsive cell lines, but not expressed in an EET-unresponsive line. Of these, only recombinant GPR132 showed EET-responsiveness in vitro, using a luminescence-based β-arrestin recruitment assay. Knockdown of zebrafish gpr132b prevented EET-induced hematopoiesis, and marrow from GPR132 knockout mice showed decreased long-term engraftment capability. In contrast to high-affinity EET receptors, GPR132 is reported to respond to additional hydroxy-fatty acids in vitro, and we found that these same hydroxy-fatty acids enhance hematopoiesis in the zebrafish. We conducted structure–activity relationship analyses using both cell culture and zebrafish assays on diverse medium-chain fatty acids. Certain oxygenated, unsaturated free fatty acids showed high activation of GPR132, whereas unoxygenated or saturated fatty acids had lower activity. Absence of the carbon-1 position carboxylic acid prevented activity, suggesting that this moiety is required for receptor activation. GPR132 responds to a select panel of oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids to enhance both embryonic and adult hematopoiesis.

scholarly journals Beyond the Flavour: The Potential Druggability of Chemosensory G Protein-Coupled Receptors

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Di Pizio ◽  
Maik Behrens ◽  
Dietmar Krautwurst
Keyword(s):  
G Protein ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Chemical Space ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽  
The Body ◽  
Odorant Receptors ◽  
Taste Receptors ◽  
Umami Taste ◽  
G Protein Coupled

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the largest class of drug targets. Approximately half of the members of the human GPCR superfamily are chemosensory receptors, including odorant receptors (ORs), trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs), bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs), sweet and umami taste receptors (TAS1Rs). Interestingly, these chemosensory GPCRs (csGPCRs) are expressed in several tissues of the body where they are supposed to play a role in biological functions other than chemosensation. Despite their abundance and physiological/pathological relevance, the druggability of csGPCRs has been suggested but not fully characterized. Here, we aim to explore the potential of targeting csGPCRs to treat diseases by reviewing the current knowledge of csGPCRs expressed throughout the body and by analysing the chemical space and the drug-likeness of flavour molecules.

scholarly journals G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Taste Physiology and Pharmacology

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raise Ahmad ◽  
Julie E. Dalziel
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽  
Type I ◽  
Taste Receptors ◽  
Agonist Binding ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest receptor family in mammals and are responsible for the regulation of most physiological functions. Besides mediating the sensory modalities of olfaction and vision, GPCRs also transduce signals for three basic taste qualities of sweet, umami (savory taste), and bitter, as well as the flavor sensation kokumi. Taste GPCRs reside in specialised taste receptor cells (TRCs) within taste buds. Type I taste GPCRs (TAS1R) form heterodimeric complexes that function as sweet (TAS1R2/TAS1R3) or umami (TAS1R1/TAS1R3) taste receptors, whereas Type II are monomeric bitter taste receptors or kokumi/calcium-sensing receptors. Sweet, umami and kokumi receptors share structural similarities in containing multiple agonist binding sites with pronounced selectivity while most bitter receptors contain a single binding site that is broadly tuned to a diverse array of bitter ligands in a non-selective manner. Tastant binding to the receptor activates downstream secondary messenger pathways leading to depolarization and increased intracellular calcium in TRCs, that in turn innervate the gustatory cortex in the brain. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the relationship between agonist binding and the conformational changes required for receptor activation, several major challenges and questions remain in taste GPCR biology that are discussed in the present review. In recent years, intensive integrative approaches combining heterologous expression, mutagenesis and homology modeling have together provided insight regarding agonist binding site locations and molecular mechanisms of orthosteric and allosteric modulation. In addition, studies based on transgenic mice, utilizing either global or conditional knock out strategies have provided insights to taste receptor signal transduction mechanisms and their roles in physiology. However, the need for more functional studies in a physiological context is apparent and would be enhanced by a crystallized structure of taste receptors for a more complete picture of their pharmacological mechanisms.

scholarly journals Solitary chemosensory cells in the respiratory and vomeronasal epithelium of the human nose: a pilot study

2011 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 507-512
Author(s):  
Thomas Braun ◽  
Brigitte Mack ◽  
Matthias F. Kramer
Keyword(s):  
G Protein ◽  
Bitter Taste ◽  
Vomeronasal Organ ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽  
Taste Receptors ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Taste Transduction ◽  
Solitary Chemosensory Cells ◽  
G Protein Coupled ◽  
Human Nose

Background: Recently, solitary chemosensory cells have been described in the respiratory and vomeronasal epithelium of the rodent nose. Expressing G-protein coupled receptors for sweet, umami and bitter taste transduction, these cells are thought to mediate trigeminal reflexes upon stimulation with chemical irritants. The present study analyzes human nasal mucosa for the presence of solitary chemosensory cells. Methodology: In human tissue samples from respiratory mucosa and the vomeronasal organ, gene expression of taste receptors families was studied in five patients using the Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST Array and immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies. Results: Immunohistochemistry revealed that solitary chemosensory cells expressing G-protein coupled receptors for sweet, umami and bitter taste transduction are present in the human nose. cDNA microarray analysis congruently showed that cells expressing bitter taste receptors accumulate in the vomeronasal organ compared to the respiratory epithelium. Conclusions: Solitary chemosensory cells expressing taste receptors are also present in the human nose. Since they are thought to mediate trigeminal reflexes, their role in the pathogenesis of nasal hyperreagibility should be elucidated in further studies.

scholarly journals Emerging roles of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Rosa ◽  
Timothy Noel ◽  
Matthew Harris ◽  
Graham Ladds
Keyword(s):  
G Protein ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptors ◽  
Extracellular Region ◽  
Extracellular Matrix Components ◽  
Ligand Interactions ◽  
Tethered Ligand ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) form a sub-group within the GPCR superfamily. Their distinctive structure contains an abnormally large N-terminal, extracellular region with a GPCR autoproteolysis-inducing (GAIN) domain. In most aGPCRs, the GAIN domain constitutively cleaves the receptor into two fragments. This process is often required for aGPCR signalling. Over the last two decades, much research has focussed on aGPCR-ligand interactions, in an attempt to deorphanize the family. Most ligands have been found to bind to regions N-terminal to the GAIN domain. These receptors may bind a variety of ligands, ranging across membrane-bound proteins and extracellular matrix components. Recent advancements have revealed a conserved method of aGPCR activation involving a tethered ligand within the GAIN domain. Evidence for this comes from increased activity in receptor mutants exposing the tethered ligand. As a result, G protein-coupling partners of aGPCRs have been more extensively characterised, making use of their tethered ligand to create constitutively active mutants. This has led to demonstrations of aGPCR function in, for example, neurodevelopment and tumour growth. However, questions remain around the ligands that may bind many aGPCRs, how this binding is translated into changes in the GAIN domain, and the exact mechanism of aGPCR activation following GAIN domain conformational changes. This review aims to examine the current knowledge around aGPCR activation, including ligand binding sites, the mechanism of GAIN domain-mediated receptor activation and how aGPCR transmembrane domains may relate to activation. Other aspects of aGPCR signalling will be touched upon, such as downstream effectors and physiological roles.

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