Nematode homologs of the sour taste receptor Otopetrin1 are evolutionarily conserved acid-sensitive proton channels.

ABSTRACT: Numerous taste receptors and related molecules have been identified in vertebrates and invertebrates. Otopetrin1 has recently been identified as mammalian sour taste receptor which is essential for acid sensation. However, whether other Otopetrin proteins are involved in PH-sensing remains unknown. In C. elegans, there are eight otopetrin homologous genes but their expression patterns and functions have not been reported so far. Through heterologous expression in HEK293T cells, we found that ceOTOP1a can be activated by acid in NMDG⁺ solution without conventional cations, which generated inward currents and can be blocked by zinc ions. Moreover, we found that Otopetrin channels are widely expressed in numerous tissues, especially in sensory neurons in the nematode.

SUBMITTER: Li S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9909269 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature