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A Bitter Taste in Your Heart

Conor J Bloxham1, Simon R Foster2, Walter G Thomas1

  • 1School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.

Frontiers in Physiology
|May 28, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are found in the heart, influencing cardiac function and vascular tone. Their discovery suggests a previously unknown role in heart physiology and disease.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The human genome encodes approximately 29 bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) that detect toxic compounds.
  • T2R genetic variations influence individual responses and are linked to diseases.
  • T2Rs and their signaling pathways are expressed in non-gustatory tissues, including the heart.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the extra-oral expression of T2Rs, with a focus on cardiac expression.
  • To explore potential ligands and signaling pathways for cardiac T2Rs.
  • To discuss the implications of T2Rs in cardiac physiology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on T2R expression in non-gustatory tissues.
  • Analysis of existing data on T2R function and signaling.
  • Speculative analysis of potential ligands and pathways in the heart.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports T2R expression in the heart.
  • T2Rs may modulate cardiac contractility and vascular tone.
  • Potential ligands and signaling pathways are proposed.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac T2R expression suggests a novel role in heart physiology.
  • T2Rs may represent a new therapeutic target for cardiovascular conditions.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise function of T2Rs in the heart.
Keywords:
G protein-coupled receptorsbitter ligandscardiac physiologypolymorphismssignalingtaste receptors

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