Research Projects

Taste receptors (TAsRs) are part of the G-protein coupled receptor family, detecting signals for sweet, umami, and bitter substances. They are divided into taste family 1 (TAs1Rs) and taste family 2 (TAs2Rs). TAs1Rs respond to sweet and umami tastants, while TAs2Rs respond to bitter tastants. Upon binding, the receptor undergoes conformational changes, dissociating from β and γ subunits, activating the phospholipase C and downstream signaling cascade. TAs2Rs, which acts as a gatekeeper in the oral cavity for detecting and preventing poisonous bitter-taste compounds, are also expressed in seminiferous tubules. Recent studies have shown the expression of different TAsRs in mammalian testis and sperm, indicating their involvement in gametogenesis and fertility. Depletion of TAs2R receptor member 5 leads to smaller testis and massive loss of spermatid. TAs1R1, a functional receptor for sensing umami taste, gene deletion results in spermatogenic abnormalities. TAs2R14, a bitter taste receptor subtype, is abundantly expressed in testis tissue and sperm cells. The molecular mechanism by which TAs2R influences spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis is lacking. The study aims to understand the possible mechanism of action of TAs2R14 in regulating spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis by studying relative changes in spermatogenic markers for germ cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. The results will provide a steppingstone to understanding the functions of TAs2R14 and its therapeutic benefits in fertility regulation.