Novel functions of taste-like cells: Organoid-reconstructed sensory interfaces

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Oral Biosciences
Published
2026-09-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.job.2026.100814
Primary Topic
Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Novel functions of taste-like cells: Organoid-reconstructed sensory interfaces

Ken Iwatsuki, Kosuke Sakaguchi
Journal of Oral Biosciences
Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
article

Novel functions of taste-like cells: Organoid-reconstructed sensory interfaces

Ken Iwatsuki, Kosuke Sakaguchi
article en

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Endoderm-derived organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, play central roles in nutrient digestion and absorption. They simultaneously function as an "internalized external environment" that continuously interfaces with exogenous substances, thereby constituting a frontline of host defense. Chemosensory cells within the gastrointestinal epithelium, such as enteroendocrine cells and tuft cells, use molecular mechanisms analogous to those of taste reception to detect nutrients and xenobiotic compounds. However, because these populations are sparse, a comprehensive understanding of their functions is limited. HIGHLIGHT: Organoid culture systems have been developed to investigate rare chemosensory cells in endoderm-derived organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and taste buds, with studies progressing from mouse to primate models to improve translational relevance. Here, recent findings using primate-derived organoids of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreatic ducts, and taste buds are introduced, with particular emphasis on tuft cells. CONCLUSION: A working hypothesis is proposed in which sustained low-level chemical stimulation of tuft cells helps maintain the host defense system in a primed state, a state termed "immune idling," and this framework is discussed in relation to the possible biological significance of human bitter preference. Thus, endodermal chemosensory mechanisms may function as an integrated system linking metabolic regulation and host defense.

Journal of Oral BiosciencesVol. 68(5)
Tokyo University of Agriculture (JP)
Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Foundation for Dietary Scientific Research, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Science and Technology Agency
Openalex Percentile: Top 13%
Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
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