Functional expression of TMEM16A in taste bud cells.

ABSTRACT:

Key points

Taste transduction occurs in taste buds in the tongue epithelium. The Ca²⁺ -activated Cl^- channels TMEM16A and TMEM16B play relevant physiological roles in several sensory systems. Here, we report that TMEM16A, but not TMEM16B, is expressed in the apical part of taste buds. Large Ca²⁺ -activated Cl^- currents blocked by Ani-9, a selective inhibitor of TMEM16A, are measured in type I taste cells but not in type II or III taste cells. ATP indirectly activates Ca²⁺ -activated Cl^- currents in type I cells through TMEM16A channels. These results indicate that TMEM16A is functional in type I taste cells and contribute to understanding the largely unknown physiological roles of these cells.

Abstract

The Ca<

SUBMITTER: Guarascio DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8361675 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature