G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated increases in intracellular calcium generally lead to constriction of airway smooth muscle. Deshpande et al. find that bitter taste receptors, another class of GPCRs, are also expressed on airway smooth muscle cells and, once activated, induce a localized increase in intracellular calcium. Paradoxically, this induces relaxation of airway smooth muscle cells via activation of BKCa channels. These ligands also relax airways in a mouse model of asthma, suggesting they can be used in conjunction with β-adrenergic receptor agonists to treat obstructive lung disease.
- Deepak A Deshpande
- Wayne C H Wang
- Stephen B Liggett
