Unraveling molecular mechanisms of cigarette smoke bitterness via chemical profiling and bitter taste receptor activation analysis.

ABSTRACT: Tobacco metabolites play a crucial role in shaping the sensory experience of tobacco products, such as cigarettes. Bitter metabolites in tobacco not only serve as protective agents in plants, but also significantly influence the overall flavor profile of cigarettes. In this study, we employed an integrated approach combining chemical profiling, cell-based calcium imaging assays, and molecular docking studies to identify key bitter compounds in cigarette smoke and explore the molecular mechanisms underlying their bitterness. We analyzed 22 commercial cigarette brands, revealing notable variability in bitterness perception. GC-MS analysis identified 88 compounds in mainstream cigarette smoke (MCS), with pyridines, esters, and phenols being the most prevalent. Using a TAS2R14-Gα16gust44-HEK29

SUBMITTER: Chen X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12368198 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature