Extra-oral expression of bitter taste receptors in pigs and their correlation with hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes

Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs), known for their role in oral taste perception, are also expressed in extra-oral tissues, suggesting broader physiological functions. This study examined TAS2R expression in porcine tissues and their potential link to detoxification via cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Using transcriptome profiling complemented by PCR validation, we examined 14 TAS2Rs and detected 8 receptors across multiple tissues, including tongue, liver, jejunum, duodenum, kidney, colon, ileum, and white adipose. Distinct tissue-specific expression patterns were observed, with the highest diversity and abundance in metabolically active organs. Correlation analysis revealed that TAS2R expression levels were not only strongly associated across tissues but also closely aligned with hepatic CYP content, suggesting a functional relationship. These findings provide novel insights into the extra-oral roles of TAS2Rs in pigs, highlighting their potential involvement in xenobiotic sensing, detoxification, and metabolic regulation.