Abstract
Sensory receptors that detect and respond to light, taste, and smell primarily belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. In addition to their established roles in the nose, tongue, and eyes, these sensory GPCRs have been found in many ‘non-sensory' organs where they respond to different physicochemical stimuli, initiating signaling cascades in these extrasensory systems. For example, taste receptors in the airway, and photoreceptors in vascular smooth muscle cells, both cause smooth muscle relaxation when activated. In addition, olfactory receptors are present within the vascular system, where they play roles in angiogenesis as well as in modulating vascular tone. By better understanding the physiological and pathophysiological roles of sensory receptors in non-sensory organs, novel therapeutic agents can be developed targeting these receptors, ultimately leading to treatments for pathological conditions and potential cures for various disease states.
Highlights
The ability of an organism to sense and respond to its environment is critical to its survival
In this review we present current knowledge about the function of sensory receptors found outside their classical sensory organs
A recent study on subcutaneous white adipose tissue, which plays an active role in the development of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, revealed that blue light induced an inward current on human and mouse adipocytes that was mediated by melanopsin, phospholipase C (PLC), and TRP channels (Ondrusova et al, 2017)
Summary
The ability of an organism to sense and respond to its environment is critical to its survival. A recent study on subcutaneous white adipose tissue, which plays an active role in the development of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, revealed that blue light induced an inward current on human and mouse adipocytes that was mediated by melanopsin, PLC, and TRP channels (Ondrusova et al, 2017).
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