Role of human salivary enzymes in bitter taste perception

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Mathieu Schwartz - , University Of Franche-comté (Author)
  • Hélène Brignot - , University Of Franche-comté (Author)
  • Gilles Feron - , University Of Franche-comté (Author)
  • Thomas Hummel - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Yunmeng Zhu - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Dorothee von Koskull - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Jean-Marie Heydel - , University Of Franche-comté (Author)
  • Frédéric Lirussi - , University Of Bourgogne Franche-comté (Author)
  • Francis Canon - , University Of Franche-comté (Author)
  • Fabrice Neiers - , University Of Franche-comté (Author)

Abstract

The molecules that elicit taste sensation are perceived by interacting with the taste receptors located in the taste buds. Enzymes involved in the detoxification processes are found in saliva as well as in type II cells, where taste receptors, including bitter taste receptors, are located. These enzymes are known to interact with a large panel of molecules. To explore a possible link between these enzymes and bitter taste perception, we demonstrate that salivary glutathione transferases (GSTA1 and GSTP1) can metabolize bitter molecules. To support these abilities, we solve three X-ray structures of these enzymes in complexes with isothiocyanates. Salivary GSTA1 and GSTP1 are expressed in a large panel of subjects. Additionally, GSTA1 levels in the saliva of people suffering from taste disorders are significantly lower than those in the saliva of the control group.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number132798
JournalFood chemistry
Volume386
Publication statusPublished - 30 Aug 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85127888709
unpaywall 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132798
WOS 000792930800008
ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/146645242

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Humans, Saliva/chemistry, Taste, Taste Buds, Taste Perception, Enzymes, Glutathione transferases, Bitter, Saliva