Transient receptor potential family members PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 form a candidate sour taste receptor

TLDR

Animals use their gustatory systems to evaluate food’s nutritional value, toxicity, sodium content, and acidity, yet the molecular receptors mediating sour taste remain unclear. PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 co‑express in specific taste receptor cells, localize to the taste pore, interact to reach the cell surface, and are activated by acids but not other tastants, indicating that their heteromers likely serve as sour taste receptors.

Abstract

Animals use their gustatory systems to evaluate the nutritious value, toxicity, sodium content, and acidity of food. Although characterization of molecular identities that receive taste chemicals is essential, molecular receptors underlying sour taste sensation remain unclear. Here, we show that two transient receptor potential (TRP) channel members, PKD1L3 and PKD2L1, are coexpressed in a subset of taste receptor cells in specific taste areas. Cells expressing these molecules are distinct from taste cells having receptors for bitter, sweet, or umami tastants. The PKD2L1 proteins are accumulated at the taste pore region, where taste chemicals are detected. PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 proteins can interact with each other, and coexpression of the PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 is necessary for their functional cell surface expression. Finally, PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 are activated by various acids when coexpressed in heterologous cells but not by other classes of tastants. These results suggest that PKD1L3 and PKD2L1 heteromers may function as sour taste receptors.