The c-kit Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Marks Sweet or Umami Sensing T1R3 Positive Adult Taste Cells in Mice

Abstract

Introduction

Previous studies have described a number of protein tyrosine kinases (epidermal growth factor receptor, ErbB2, ErbB3, and c-kit) to be expressed in taste bud cells, their innervating nerves, and in developing taste papillae.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining of mouse taste buds was performed to characterize the expression patterns of the c-kit receptor in taste.

Results

Here we demonstrate that c-kit positive cells are exclusively co-localized with T1R3 (which forms one half of the receptors for sweet and umami taste) in adult taste cells.

Conclusions

This implies that c-kit+ cells are primarily taste cells that respond to sweet and umami, but not to bitter, sour, or salty. These data indicate that the control of c-kit activation may be important for proper taste bud formation and may aid in the maintenance of this specific mature taste cell subpopulation.

Implications

Further characterization of the functional role of c-kit in taste may lead to superior taste cell cultures or organoids, and elucidate mechanisms of taste cell regulation.