Lidocaine induces apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through activation of bitter taste receptor T2R14.

ABSTRACT: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) have high mortality and significant treatment-related morbidity. It is vital to discover effective, minimally invasive therapies that improve survival and quality of life. Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are expressed in HNSCCs, and T2R activation can induce apoptosis. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that also activates bitter taste receptor 14 (T2R14). Lidocaine has some anti-cancer effects, but the mechanisms are unclear. Here, we find that lidocaine causes intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization through activation of T2R14 in HNSCC cells. T2R14 activation with lidocaine depolarizes mitochondria, inhibits proliferation, and induces apoptosis. Concomitant with mitochondrial Ca²⁺ influx, ROS production causes T2R14-dependent accum

SUBMITTER: Miller ZA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10842818 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature