Expression of Galpha14 in sweet-transducing taste cells of the posterior tongue.

ABSTRACT:

Background

"Type II"/Receptor cells express G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for sweet, umami (T1Rs and mGluRs) or bitter (T2Rs), as well as the proteins for downstream signalling cascades. Transduction downstream of T1Rs and T2Rs relies on G-protein and PLCbeta2-mediated release of stored Ca2+. Whereas Galphagus (gustducin) couples to the T2R (bitter) receptors, which Galpha-subunit couples to the sweet (T1R2 + T1R3) receptor is presently not known. We utilized RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and single-cell gene expression profiling to examine the expression of the Galphaq family (q, 11, 14) in mouse taste buds.

Results

By RT-PCR, Galpha14 is expressed strongly and in a taste selective manner in posterior (vallate and foliate), but not anterior (fungiform and palate) taste

SUBMITTER: Tizzano M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2596171 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature