Data from: Expression of taste signal transduction molecules in the caecum of common marmosets

The extraoral presence of taste signal transduction proteins has recently been reported in rodents and humans. Here, we report for the first time the presence of these signal transduction proteins in the caecum of a non-human primate, the common marmoset. Quantitative RT-PCR data on the gene expression of taste signal transduction molecules (gustducin and TRPM5) in common marmosets suggested high expression in the caecum, which was not observed in other non-human primates. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the specific presence of gustducin and taste receptors in marmoset caecal cells. These results may relate to the specific feeding behaviour of marmosets, which consume plant exudates, primarily gums.

近期已有研究报道，啮齿类与人类体内存在味觉信号转导蛋白的口腔外分布。本研究首次报道，非人类灵长类动物普通狨猴（common marmoset）的盲肠（caecum）中存在这类信号转导蛋白。针对普通狨猴体内味觉信号转导分子——味导素（gustducin）与TRPM5的基因表达进行的定量逆转录PCR（Quantitative RT-PCR）分析结果显示，其盲肠中上述分子呈现高表达特征，而该现象在其他非人类灵长类动物中并未观测到。免疫组织化学分析进一步证实，普通狨猴盲肠细胞中特异性存在味导素与味觉受体。上述结果或与普通狨猴以植物渗出物（主要为树胶）为主的特殊摄食行为相关。