Suspension-cultured taste bud organoids recapitulate in vivo taste buds

Abstract

Background Taste buds are a complex organ and require a plethora of growth factors for their development, homeostasis, and regeneration. Taste bud organoids provide a platform for understanding their development, disease and regeneration. Methods In this study, we focused on identifying the localization of receptors involved during taste bud development in taste bud organoids, either in an extracellular matrix scaffold (Matrigel) or in the absence of a scaffold with suspension culture. Results Compared to Matrigel-cultured organoids, suspension organoids showed stable expression of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) cells, which are important for innervation. Transporters for glucose metabolism, such as GLUT1, GLUT2, and the insulin receptor (IGF1R), were observed in suspension-cultured organoids. Furthermore, immunostaining for downstream phosphorylated signaling molecules indicated that the NGFR and IGFR pathways were functional and active in the organoids. Conclusion Based on these results, suspension-cultured organoids may provide an efficient model for mimicking in vivo taste buds compared to conventional Matrigel organoids.