Olfactory receptor 78 participates in carotid body response to a wide range of low O2 levels but not severe hypoxia

Overexpression of olfactory receptor 78 ameliorates brain injury in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion rats by activating Prkaca-mediated cAMP/PKA-MAPK pathway

Ischemic stroke is one of the main causes of disability and death. However, recanalization of occluded cerebral arteries is effective only within a very narrow time window. Therefore, it is particularly important to find neuroprotective biological targets for cerebral artery recanalization. Here, gene expression profiles of datasets GSE160500 and GSE97537 were downloaded from the GEO database, which were related to ischemic stroke in rats. Olfactory receptor 78 (Olfr78) was screened, and which highly associated with Calcium signalling pathway and MAPK pathway. Interacting protein of Olfr78, Prkaca, was predicted by STRING, and their interaction was validated by Co-IP analysis. Then, a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) and a neuronal cell model stimulated by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) were constructed, and the results showed that expression of Olfr78 and Prkaca was downregulated in MCAO rats and OGD/R-stimulated neurons. Overexpression of Olfr78 or Prkaca inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors, Ca2+ overload, and OGD/R-induced neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, Overexpression of Prkaca increased protein levels of cAMP, PKA and phosphorylated p38 in OGD/R-stimulated neurons, while SB203580, a p38 inhibitor, treatment inhibited activation of the cAMP/PKA-MAPK pathway and counteracted the effect of Olfr78 overexpression on improvement of neuronal functions. Meanwhile, overexpression of Olfr78 or Prkaca markedly inhibited neuronal apoptosis and improved brain injury in MCAO/R rats. In conclusion, overexpression of Olfr78 inhibited Ca2+ overload and reduced neuronal apoptosis in MCAO/R rats by promoting Prkaca-mediated activation of the cAMP/PKA-MAPK pathway, thereby improving brain injury in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion.

Carotid Body Function in Tyrosine Hydroxylase Conditional Olfr78 Knockout Mice

The Olfr78 gene encodes a G-protein-coupled olfactory receptor that is expressed in several ectopic sites. Olfr78 is one of the most abundant mRNA species in carotid body (CB) glomus cells. These cells are the prototypical oxygen (O2) sensitive arterial chemoreceptors, which, in response to lowered O2 tension (hypoxia), activate the respiratory centers to induce hyperventilation. It has been proposed that Olfr78 is a lactate receptor and that glomus cell activation by the increase in blood lactate mediates the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). However, this proposal has been challenged by several groups showing that Olfr78 is not a physiologically relevant lactate receptor and that the O2-based regulation of breathing is not affected in constitutive Olfr78 knockout mice. In another study, constitutive Olfr78 knockout mice were reported to have altered systemic and CB responses to mild hypoxia. To further characterize the functional role of Olfr78 in CB glomus cells, we here generated a conditional Olfr78 knockout mouse strain and then restricted the knockout to glomus cells and other catecholaminergic cells by crossing with a tyrosine hydroxylase-specific Cre driver strain (TH-Olfr78 KO mice). We find that TH-Olfr78 KO mice have a normal HVR. Interestingly, glomus cells of TH-Olfr78 KO mice exhibit molecular and electrophysiological alterations as well as a reduced dopamine content in secretory vesicles and neurosecretory activity. These functional characteristics resemble those of CB neuroblasts in wild-type mice. We suggest that, although Olfr78 is not essential for CB O2 sensing, activation of Olfr78-dependent pathways is required for maturation of glomus cells.

Carotid body hypersensitivity in intermittent hypoxia and obtructive sleep apnoea

Carotid bodies are the principal sensory organs for detecting changes in arterial blood oxygen concentration, and the carotid body chemoreflex is a major regulator of the sympathetic tone, blood pressure and breathing. Intermittent hypoxia is a hallmark manifestation of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which is a widespread respiratory disorder. In the first part of this review, we discuss the role of carotid bodies in heightened sympathetic tone and hypertension in rodents treated with intermittent hypoxia, and the underlying cellular, molecular and epigenetic mechanisms. We also present evidence for hitherto-uncharacterized role of carotid body afferents in triggering cellular and molecular changes induced by intermittent hypoxia. In the second part of the review, we present evidence for a contribution of a hypersensitive carotid body to OSA and potential therapeutic intervention to mitigate OSA in a murine model.

Hypoxia sensing requires H2S-dependent persulfidation of olfactory receptor 78

Oxygen (O2) sensing by the carotid body is critical for maintaining cardiorespiratory homeostasis during hypoxia. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) signaling is implicated in carotid body activation by low O2. Here, we show that persulfidation of olfactory receptor 78 (Olfr78) by H2S is an integral component of carotid body activation by hypoxia. Hypoxia and H2S increased persulfidation in carotid body glomus cells and persulfidated cysteine240 in Olfr78 protein in heterologous system. Olfr78 mutants manifest impaired carotid body sensory nerve, glomus cell, and breathing responses to H2S and hypoxia. Glomus cells are positive for GOlf, adenylate cyclase 3 (Adcy3) and cyclic nucleotide-gated channel alpha 2 (Cnga2), key molecules of odorant receptor signaling. Adcy3 or Cnga2 mutants exhibited impaired carotid body and glomus cell responses to H2S and breathing responses to hypoxia. These results suggest that H2S through redox modification of Olfr78 participates in carotid body activation by hypoxia to regulate breathing.

Odorant receptors as potential drug targets

Odorant receptors (ORs) belong to a large family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are highly expressed by olfactory sensory neurons of the nose. Accumulating evidence indicates that they are also expressed in a variety of nonolfactory tissues, which makes them new potential drug targets. Here we discuss the challenges and strategies to target these receptors.

Constitutive Expression of Hif2α Confers Acute O2 Sensitivity to Carotid Body Glomus Cells

Acute oxygen (O₂) sensing and adaptation to hypoxia are essential for physiological homeostasis. The prototypical acute O₂ sensing organ is the carotid body, which contains chemosensory glomus cells expressing O₂-sensitive K⁺ channels. Inhibition of these channels during hypoxia leads to cell depolarization, transmitter release, and activation of afferent sensory fibers terminating in the brain stem respiratory and autonomic centers. Focusing on recent data, here we discuss the special sensitivity of glomus cell mitochondria to changes in O₂ tension due to Hif2α-dependent expression of several atypical mitochondrial electron transport chain subunits and enzymes. These are responsible for an accelerated oxidative metabolism and the strict dependence of mitochondrial complex IV activity on O₂ availability. We report that ablation of Epas1 (the gene coding Hif2α) causes a selective downregulation of the atypical mitochondrial genes and a strong inhibition of glomus cell acute responsiveness to hypoxia. Our observations indicate that Hif2α expression is required for the characteristic metabolic profile of glomus cells and provide a mechanistic explanation for the acute O₂ regulation of breathing.

Mitochondrial oxygen sensing of acute hypoxia in specialized cells - Is there a unifying mechanism?

Acclimation to acute hypoxia through cardiorespiratory responses is mediated by specialized cells in the carotid body and pulmonary vasculature to optimize systemic arterial oxygenation and thus oxygen supply to the tissues. Acute oxygen sensing by these cells triggers hyperventilation and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction which limits pulmonary blood flow through areas of low alveolar oxygen content. Oxygen sensing of acute hypoxia by specialized cells thus is a fundamental pre-requisite for aerobic life and maintains systemic oxygen supply. However, the primary oxygen sensing mechanism and the question of a common mechanism in different specialized oxygen sensing cells remains unresolved. Recent studies unraveled basic oxygen sensing mechanisms involving the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 2 that is essential for the hypoxia-induced release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and subsequent acute hypoxic responses in both, the carotid body and pulmonary vasculature. This review compares basic mitochondrial oxygen sensing mechanisms in the pulmonary vasculature and the carotid body.

Are Multiple Mitochondrial Related Signalling Pathways Involved in Carotid Body Oxygen Sensing?

It is generally acknowledged that the carotid body (CB) type I cell mitochondria are unique, being inhibited by relatively small falls in PaO2 well above those known to inhibit electron transport in other cell types. This feature is suggested to allow for the CB to function as an acute O2 sensor, being stimulated and activating systemic protective reflexes before the metabolism of other cells becomes compromised. What is less clear is precisely how a fall in mitochondrial activity links to type I cell depolarisation, a process that is required for initiation of the chemotransduction cascade and post-synaptic action potential generation. Multiple mitochondrial/metabolic signalling mechanisms have been proposed including local generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS), a change in mitochondrial/cellular redox status, a fall in MgATP and an increase in lactate. Although each mechanism is based on compelling experimental evidence, they are all not without question. The current review aims to explore the importance of each of these signalling pathways in mediating the overall CB response to hypoxia. We suggest that there is unlikely to be a single mechanism, but instead multiple mitochondrial related signalling pathways are recruited at different PaO2s during hypoxia. Furthermore, it still remains to be determined if mitochondrial signalling acts independently or in partnership with extra-mitochondrial O2-sensors.

Olfactory receptor 78 is expressed in hypothalamic vasopressin/oxytocin neurons, parenchymal microglia and choroidal macrophages in mice

Olfactory receptors have been detected in extraolfactory organs. Olfactory receptor 78 (Olfr78), proposed to respond to small organic acids, is widely expressed in the kidney, arterioles, colon, and prostate. However, its expression patterns in the brain remain largely unknown. Using immunohistochemistry, we revealed that Olfr78 was densely expressed in the hypothalamus and choroid plexus and sparsely expressed throughout the parenchyma. By costaining with cellular markers, we further found that Olfr78 was expressed in the somata and axons of vasopressin/oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular/supraoptic nuclei. Olfr78 was also strongly expressed in macrophages in the choroid plexus and moderately expressed in microglia near the parenchymal vasculature. Considering that these brain regions should communicate with cerebral blood flow, Olfr78 could contribute to sensing the humoral conditions surrounding the cerebrovascular system.

Neurobiology of the carotid body

The carotid body (CB) is a bilateral arterial chemoreceptor located in the carotid artery bifurcation with an essential role in cardiorespiratory homeostasis. It is composed of highly perfused cell clusters, or glomeruli, innervated by sensory fibers. Glomus cells, the most abundant in each glomerulus, are neuron-like multimodal sensory elements able to detect and integrate changes in several physical and chemical parameters of the blood, in particular O₂ tension, CO₂ and pH, as well as glucose, lactate, or blood flow. Activation of glomus cells (e.g., during hypoxia or hypercapnia) stimulates the afferent fibers which impinge on brainstem neurons to elicit rapid compensatory responses (hyperventilation and sympathetic activation). This chapter presents an updated view of the structural organization of the CB and the mechanisms underlying the chemosensory responses of glomus cells, with special emphasis on the molecular processes responsible for acute O₂ sensing. The properties of the glomus cell-sensory fiber synapse as well as the organization of CB output are discussed. The chapter includes the description of recently discovered CB stem cells and progenitor cells, and their role in CB growth during acclimatization to hypoxemia. Finally, the participation of the CB in the mechanisms of disease is briefly discussed.

Mitochondrial acute oxygen sensing and signaling

Oxygen (O₂) is essential for life and therefore the supply of sufficient O₂ to the tissues is a major physiological challenge. In mammals, a deficit of O₂ (hypoxia) triggers rapid cardiorespiratory reflexes (e.g. hyperventilation and increased heart output) that within a few seconds increase the uptake of O₂ by the lungs and its distribution throughout the body. The prototypical acute O₂-sensing organ is the carotid body (CB), which contains sensory glomus cells expressing O₂-regulated ion channels. In response to hypoxia, glomus cells depolarize and release transmitters which activate afferent fibers terminating at the brainstem respiratory and autonomic centers. In this review, we summarize the basic properties of CB chemoreceptor cells and the essential role played by their specialized mitochondria in acute O₂ sensing and signaling. We focus on recent data supporting a "mitochondria-to-membrane signaling" model of CB chemosensory transduction. The possibility that the differential expression of specific subunit isoforms and enzymes could allow mitochondria to play a generalized adaptive O₂-sensing and signaling role in a wide variety of cells is also discussed.

Olfactory receptor 78 modulates renin but not baseline blood pressure

Olfactory receptor 78 (Olfr78) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is expressed in the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) of the kidney as well as the peripheral vasculature, and is activated by gut microbial metabolites. We previously reported that Olfr78 plays a role in renin secretion in isolated glomeruli, and that Olfr78 knockout (KO) mice have lower plasma renin activity. We also noted that in anesthetized mice, Olfr78KO appeared to be hypotensive. In this study, we used radiotelemetry to determine the role of Olfr78 in chronic blood pressure regulation. We found that the blood pressure of Olfr78KO mice is not significantly different than that of their WT counterparts at baseline, or on high- or low-salt diets. However, Olfr78KO mice have depressed heart rates on high-salt diets. We also report that Olfr78KO mice have lower renin protein levels associated with glomeruli. Finally, we developed a mouse where Olfr78 was selectively knocked out in the JGA, which phenocopied the lower renin association findings. In sum, these experiments suggest that Olfr78 modulates renin, but does not play an active role in blood pressure regulation at baseline, and is more likely activated by high levels of short chain fatty acids or hypotensive events. This study provides important context to our knowledge of Olfr78 in BP regulation.

Lactate sensing mechanisms in arterial chemoreceptor cells

Classically considered a by-product of anaerobic metabolism, lactate is now viewed as a fundamental fuel for oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, and preferred over glucose by many tissues. Lactate is also a signaling molecule of increasing medical relevance. Lactate levels in the blood can increase in both normal and pathophysiological conditions (e.g., hypoxia, physical exercise, or sepsis), however the manner by which these changes are sensed and induce adaptive responses is unknown. Here we show that the carotid body (CB) is essential for lactate homeostasis and that CB glomus cells, the main oxygen sensing arterial chemoreceptors, are also lactate sensors. Lactate is transported into glomus cells, leading to a rapid increase in the cytosolic NADH/NAD⁺ ratio. This in turn activates membrane cation channels, leading to cell depolarization, action potential firing, and Ca²⁺ influx. Lactate also decreases intracellular pH and increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, which further activates glomus cells. Lactate and hypoxia, although sensed by separate mechanisms, share the same final signaling pathway and jointly activate glomus cells to potentiate compensatory cardiorespiratory reflexes.

Lactate levels in blood change during hypoxia or exercise, however whether this variable is sensed to evoke adaptive responses is unknown. Here the authors show that oxygen-sensing carotid body cells stimulated by hypoxia are also activated by lactate to potentiate a compensatory ventilatory response.

Role of olfactory receptor78 in carotid body-dependent sympathetic activation and hypertension in murine models of chronic intermittent hypoxia

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is a hallmark manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a widespread breathing disorder. CIH-treated rodents exhibit activation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypertension. Heightened carotid body (CB) activity has been implicated in CIH-induced hypertension. CB expresses high abundance of olfactory receptor (Olfr) 78, a G-protein coupled receptor. Olfr 78 null mice exhibit impaired CB sensory nerve response to acute hypoxia. Present study examined whether Olfr78 participates in CB-dependent activation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypertension in CIH-treated mice and in hemeoxygenase (HO)-2 null mice experiencing CIH as a consequence of naturally occurring OSA. CIH-treated wild-type (WT) mice showed hypertension, biomarkers of sympathetic nerve activation, and enhanced CB sensory nerve response to hypoxia and sensory long-term facilitation (sLTF), and these responses were absent in CIH-treated Olfr78 null mice. HO-2 null mice showed higher apnea index (AI) (58 ± 1.2 apneas/h) than WT mice (AI = 8 ± 0.8 apneas/h) and exhibited elevated blood pressure (BP), elevated plasma norepinephrine (NE) levels, and heightened CB sensory nerve response to hypoxia and sLTF. The magnitude of hypertension correlated with AI in HO-2 null mice. In contrast, HO-2/Olfr78 double null mice showed absence of elevated BP and plasma NE levels and augmented CB response to hypoxia and sLTF. These results demonstrate that Olfr78 participates in sympathetic nerve activation and hypertension and heightened CB activity in two murine models of CIH.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Carotid body (CB) sensory nerve activation is essential for sympathetic nerve excitation and hypertension in rodents treated with chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) simulating blood O₂ profiles during obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Here, we report that CIH-treated mice and hemeoxygenase (HO)-2-deficient mice, which show OSA phenotype, exhibit sympathetic excitation, hypertension, and CB activation. These effects are absent in Olfr78 null and Olfr78/HO-2 double null mice.

Comparative morphological and molecular studies on the oxygen-chemoreceptive cells in the carotid body and fish gills

Oxygen-chemoreceptive cells play critical roles for the respiration control. This review summarizes the chemoreceptive cells in the carotid body and fish gills from a morphological and molecular perspective. The cells synthesize and secrete biogenic amines, neuropeptides, and neuroproteins and also express many signaling molecules and transcription factors. In mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, the carotid body primordium is consistently formed in the wall of the third arch artery which gives rise to the common carotid artery and the basal portion of the internal carotid artery. Consequently, the carotid body is located in the carotid bifurcation region, except birds in which the organ is situated at the lateral side of the common carotid artery. The carotid body receives branches of the cranial nerves IX and/or X dependent on the location of the organ. The glomus cell progenitors in mammals and birds are derived from the neighboring ganglion, i.e., the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion and the nodose ganglion, respectively, and immigrate into the carotid body primordium, constituting a solid cell cluster. In other animal species, the glomus cells are dispersed singly or forming small cell groups in intervascular stroma of the carotid body. In fishes, the neuroepithelial cells, corresponding to the glomus cells, are distributed in the gill filaments and lamellae. All oxygen-chemoreceptive cells sensitively respond to acute or chronic hypoxia, exhibiting degranulation, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and upregulated expression of many genes.

Olfactory receptor 78 regulates erythropoietin and cardiorespiratory responses to hypobaric hypoxia

Olfactory receptor (Olfr) 78 is expressed in the carotid bodies (CB) and participates in CB responses to acute hypoxia. Olfr78 is also expressed in the kidney, which is a major site of erythropoietin (Epo) production by hypoxia. The present study examined the role of Olfr78 in cardiorespiratory and renal Epo gene responses to hypobaric hypoxia (HH), simulating low O₂ condition experienced at high altitude. Studies were performed on adult, male wild-type (WT) and Olfr78 null mice treated with 18 h of HH (0.4 atmospheres). HH-treated WT mice exhibited increased baseline breathing, augmented hypoxic ventilatory response, elevated blood pressure, and plasma norepinephrine (NE) levels. These effects were associated with increased baseline CB sensory nerve activity and augmented CB sensory nerve response to subsequent acute hypoxia. In contrast, HH-treated Olfr78 null mice showed an absence of cardiorespiratory and CB sensory nerve responses, suggesting impaired CB-dependent cardiorespiratory adaptations. WT mice responded to HH with activation of the renal Epo gene expression and elevated plasma Epo levels, and these effects were attenuated or absent in Olfr78 null mice. The attenuated Epo activation by HH was accompanied with markedly reduced hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α protein and reduced activation of HIF-2 target gene Sod-1 in Olfr78 null mice, suggesting impaired transcriptional activation of HIF-2 contributes to attenuated Epo responses to HH. These results demonstrate a hitherto uncharacterized role for Olfr78 in cardiorespiratory adaptations and renal Epo gene activation by HH such as that experienced at high altitude.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we delineated a previously uncharacterized role for olfactory receptor 78 (Olfr78), a G-protein-coupled receptor in regulation of erythropoietin and cardiorespiratory responses to hypobaric hypoxia. Our results demonstrate a striking loss of cardiorespiratory adaptations accompanied by an equally striking absence of carotid body sensory nerve responses to hypobaric hypoxia in Olfr78 null mice. We further demonstrate a hitherto uncharacterized role for Olfr78 in erythropoietin activation by hypobaric hypoxia.

Acute effects of increased gut microbial fermentation on the hypoxic ventilatory response in humans

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Is there a link between gut microbial fermentation and ventilatory responsiveness to hypoxia in humans? What is the main finding and its importance? Increased gut microbial fermentation is associated with augmented ventilatory (but not haemodynamic) responses to transient hypoxia. These findings imply a capacity for gut microbiota to modulate the peripheral chemoreflex response to hypoxia in humans.

ABSTRACT

Recent animal data indicate the presence of a bidirectional link between gut microbial activity and respiratory control. Nevertheless, the presence of a similar association between gut microbiota and peripheral chemoreceptor responsiveness to hypoxia in humans has not been reported to date. Therefore, we performed a within subject, placebo-controlled study in a group of 16 healthy individuals (eight men; mean ± SD age 25.9 ± 5.2 years). Participants underwent two tests (in a random order), receiving lactulose, which stimulates gut fermentation, or placebo. Ventilatory and haemodynamic responses to transient hypoxia were evaluated before and 2 h after the test meal. The magnitude of these responses was related to the net hydrogen content in the exhaled air, reflecting gut fermentation intensity. A lactulose meal, compared to placebo, caused an increase in the minute ventilation (Hyp-VI; l/min/ S p O 2 ) and breathing rate (Hyp-BR; breaths/min/ S p O 2 ) responses to hypoxia (for Hyp-VI, mean ± SD -0.03 ± 0.059 in placebo test vs. 0.05 ± 0.116 in lactulose test, P = 0.03; for Hyp-BR, -0.015 ± 0.046 vs. 0.034 ± 0.054, P = 0.01). The magnitude of these responses was positively correlated with the lactulose-induced hydrogen excretion (for Hyp-VI, r = 0.62, P = 0.01; for Hyp-BR, r = 0.73, P = 0.001). Changes in the resting parameters during normoxia did not differ significantly between the tests. Our results demonstrate that the increased gut microbial fermentation is associated with augmented ventilatory (but not haemodynamic) responses to the transient hypoxia, which implies a capacity for gut microbiota to modulate the peripheral chemoreflex in humans.

A direct excitatory action of lactate ions in the central respiratory network of bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus

Chemoreceptors that detect O₂ and CO₂/pH regulate ventilation. However, recent work shows that lactate ions activate arterial chemoreceptors independent of pH to stimulate breathing. Although lactate rises in the central nervous system (CNS) during metabolic challenges, the ability of lactate ions to enhance ventilation by directly targeting the central respiratory network remains unclear. To address this possibility, we isolated the amphibian brainstem-spinal cord and found that small increases in CNS lactate stimulate motor output that causes breathing. In addition, lactate potentiated the excitatory postsynaptic strength of respiratory motor neurons, thereby coupling central lactate to the excitatory drive of neurons that trigger muscle contraction. Lactate did not affect motor output through pH or pyruvate metabolism, arguing for sensitivity to lactate anions per se. In sum, these results introduce a mechanism whereby lactate ions in the CNS match respiratory motor output to metabolic demands.

Lactate does not activate the carotid body of Wistar rat

The carotid body's glomus cells are the primary sensors of hypoxia in mammals. Previous studies suggested that the glomus cells' hypoxia sensitivity is mediated by lactate in mice. This molecule increases the intracellular [Ca²⁺] and induces exocytosis in glomus cells, activating the carotid sinus nerve (the axons of chemoreceptive petrosal neurons). On the other hand, how lactate affects the activity of carotid body of rats is still unknown. We hypothesized that lactate activates the carotid body of rats. In Wistar rats, we measured the changes in the electrical properties of isolated glomus cells and petrosal chemoreceptive neurons in in situ preparations in response to different concentrations of lactate. Superfusion of both physiological and supraphysiological concentrations of lactate did not affect the membrane conductance and potential of glomus cells. Moreover, lactate injected into the carotid body did not activate the anatomically and physiologically identified chemoreceptive petrosal neurons. We conclude that the carotid body of Wistar rats is not sensitive to lactate.

Molecular Mechanisms of Acute Oxygen Sensing by Arterial Chemoreceptor Cells. Role of Hif2α

Carotid body glomus cells are multimodal arterial chemoreceptors able to sense and integrate changes in several physical and chemical parameters in the blood. These cells are also essential for O₂ homeostasis. Glomus cells are prototypical peripheral O₂ sensors necessary to detect hypoxemia and to elicit rapid compensatory responses (hyperventilation and sympathetic activation). The mechanisms underlying acute O₂ sensing by glomus cells have been elusive. Using a combination of mouse genetics and single-cell optical and electrophysiological techniques, it has recently been shown that activation of glomus cells by hypoxia relies on the generation of mitochondrial signals (NADH and reactive oxygen species), which modulate membrane ion channels to induce depolarization, Ca²⁺ influx, and transmitter release. The special sensitivity of glomus cell mitochondria to changes in O₂ tension is due to Hif2α-dependent expression of several atypical mitochondrial subunits, which are responsible for an accelerated oxidative metabolism and the strict dependence of mitochondrial complex IV activity on O₂ availability. A mitochondrial-to-membrane signaling model of acute O₂ sensing has been proposed, which explains existing data and provides a solid foundation for future experimental tests. This model has also unraveled new molecular targets for pharmacological modulation of carotid body activity potentially relevant in the treatment of highly prevalent medical conditions.

G-Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Signaling in the Carotid Body: Roles in Hypoxia and Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disease

The carotid body (CB) is an important organ located at the carotid bifurcation that constantly monitors the blood supplying the brain. During hypoxia, the CB immediately triggers an alarm in the form of nerve impulses sent to the brain. This activates protective reflexes including hyperventilation, tachycardia and vasoconstriction, to ensure blood and oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs. However, in certain conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, heart failure and essential/spontaneous hypertension, the CB becomes hyperactive, promoting neurogenic hypertension and arrhythmia. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are very highly expressed in the CB and have key roles in mediating baseline CB activity and hypoxic sensitivity. Here, we provide a brief overview of the numerous GPCRs that are expressed in the CB, their mechanism of action and downstream effects. Furthermore, we will address how these GPCRs and signaling pathways may contribute to CB hyperactivity and cardiovascular and respiratory disease. GPCRs are a major target for drug discovery development. This information highlights specific GPCRs that could be targeted by novel or existing drugs to enable more personalized treatment of CB-mediated cardiovascular and respiratory disease.