Expression of Bitter Taste Receptors in Oropharynx Carcinoma

Goal setting The aim of this work is to investigate the expression of the bitter taste receptors in p16-positive and negative oropharyngeal carcinomas (in comparison to healthy, local tissue).

The hypothesis is that oropharyngeal carcinomas express TAS2Rs and that their stimulation can induce apoptosis. The lower expression of certain TAS2Rs in the tumor cells could represent protection from apoptosis by stimulation with the bitter ligands. Alternatively, it could polymorphisms of the bitter taste receptors, which can influence their function independently of the expression. In order to address the question of general bitter sensitivity in more detail, the investigators are planning to carry out a bitter taste test on the test subjects.

methodology As this is a pilot study, the investigators limit the number of subjects to 10 patients with p-16 positive and negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 10 patients with acute recurrent tonsillitis or other benign pathology in pharynx. The expression analysis is carried out using qPCR and possibly immunohistochemical methods. Taste strips are used for the taste tests.

Cognitive interest The results of this study will provide important insight into the pathophysiology of oropharyngeal cancers and possibly all TAS2R-expressing cancers. In addition, this and further studies can create a theoretical basis for new therapeutic methods for this group of diseases.