Identification of novel bladder sensory GPCRs
Tilmira A Smith1,2, Brittni N Moore1, Andres Matoso3
1Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Physiological Reports
|May 1, 2021
Summary
Sensory G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are expressed in the urinary bladder, including olfactory receptors (ORs), taste receptors (TRs), and opsins (OPNs). Further research into these bladder sensory GPCRs may reveal new ways to modulate bladder function.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Sensory G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) traditionally function in sensory organs.
- Emerging evidence indicates sensory GPCRs have physiological roles beyond their canonical sensory functions.
- The expression and role of these receptors in the urinary bladder remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the expression of sensory GPCRs in the murine urinary bladder.
- To identify specific olfactory receptors (ORs), taste receptors (TRs), and opsins (OPNs) present in the bladder.
- To explore the localization and ectopic expression of these receptors within the bladder and other tissues.
Main Methods:
- Systematic gene expression analysis of sensory GPCRs in murine bladder tissue.
- Identification of olfactory receptors (ORs), taste receptors (TRs), and opsins (OPNs).
- Analysis of receptor localization and ectopic expression in non-bladder tissues.
Main Results:
- The murine bladder expresses 16 olfactory receptors (ORs).
- Seven taste receptors (TRs) and three opsins (OPNs) were detected in the bladder.
- Ectopic expression and specific localization patterns of these sensory GPCRs within the bladder were observed.
Conclusions:
- Sensory GPCRs, including ORs, TRs, and OPNs, are expressed in the urinary bladder.
- The presence of these receptors suggests novel sensory mechanisms within the bladder.
- Understanding these bladder sensory GPCRs may lead to new therapeutic targets for bladder dysfunction.
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