This project studies the structure, function, and regulation of mammalian taste receptors and other molecules involved in taste signaling. In collaboration with Susan Sullivan in the NIDCD Division of Intramural Research, we have created a subtracted, normalized mouse cDNA library enriched in genes selectively expressed in taste receptor cells. From this library, we have isolated hundreds of cDNAs from taste receptor cell selective expression, when assayed by in situ hybridization. These cDNAs include members of the sweet and bitter taste receptor families, as well as G protein subunits, ion channels, and other molecules likely to be involved in taste signaling. We are currently using heterologous expression and mouse models to explore the function of these taste-selective molecules. In a collaboration with John Northup's laboratory in the NIDCD Division of Intramural Research, we are using an in vitro receptor reconstitution assay to study the ligand preferences and coupling properties of normal and mutated bitter receptors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01NS003004-04
Application #
7324724
Study Section
(GPCR)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code
Sainz, Eduardo; Cavenagh, Margaret M; LopezJimenez, Nelson D et al. (2007) The G-protein coupling properties of the human sweet and amino acid taste receptors. Dev Neurobiol 67:948-59
Peters, Linda M; Belyantseva, Inna A; Lagziel, Ayala et al. (2007) Signatures from tissue-specific MPSS libraries identify transcripts preferentially expressed in the mouse inner ear. Genomics 89:197-206
Battey, James F (2007) Stem cells: current challenges and future promise. Dev Dyn 236:3193-8
Sainz, Eduardo; Cavenagh, Margaret M; Gutierrez, Joanne et al. (2007) Functional characterization of human bitter taste receptors. Biochem J 403:537-43
Haywood-Watson 2nd, Ricky J L; Ahmed, Zubair M; Kjellstrom, Sten et al. (2006) Ames Waltzer deaf mice have reduced electroretinogram amplitudes and complex alternative splicing of Pcdh15 transcripts. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 47:3074-84
Grandis, Jennifer R; Battey, James F; Califf, Robert M et al. (2006) Research education and training in otolaryngology: meeting summary and research opportunities. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 135:361-7
LopezJimenez, Nelson D; Cavenagh, Margaret M; Sainz, Eduardo et al. (2006) Two members of the TRPP family of ion channels, Pkd1l3 and Pkd2l1, are co-expressed in a subset of taste receptor cells. J Neurochem 98:68-77
Alexander, Duane F; Alving, Barbara M; Battey, James F et al. (2006) Response to: ""Rescuing the NIH before it is too late"". J Clin Invest 116:1462-3
Zerhouni, Elias A; Battey Jr, James F; Downing, Gregory J (2005) A short primer on stem cells. Md Med 6:14-7
LopezJimenez, Nelson D; Sainz, Eduardo; Cavenagh, Margaret M et al. (2005) Two novel genes, Gpr113, which encodes a family 2 G-protein-coupled receptor, and Trcg1, are selectively expressed in taste receptor cells. Genomics 85:472-82

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