Science has published an expression of concern for a recent article on a receptor for bitter taste while the authors’ institution investigates “potential discrepancies” with a figure.
The article, “Structural basis for strychnine activation of human bitter taste receptor TAS2R46,” was published in September of this year.
According to the abstract:
Taste sensing is a sophisticated chemosensory process, and bitter taste perception is mediated by type 2 taste receptors (TAS2Rs), or class T G protein–coupled receptors. Understanding the detailed molecular mechanisms behind taste sensation is hindered by a lack of experimental receptor structures. Here, we report the cryo–electron microscopy structures of human TAS2R46 complexed with chimeric mini–G protein gustducin, in both strychnine-bound and apo forms. Several features of TAS2R46 are disclosed, including distinct receptor structures that compare with known GPCRs, a new “toggle switch,” activation-related motifs, and precoupling with mini–G protein gustducin. Furthermore, the dynamic extracellular and more-static intracellular parts of TAS2R46 suggest possible diverse ligand-recognition and activation processes. This study provides a basis for further exploration of other bitter taste receptors and their therapeutic applications.
The expression of concern states that a post-publication analysis of the paper found that one figure had “potential discrepancies”:
On 15 September 2022, Science published the Research Article “Structural basis for strychnine activation of human bitter taste receptor TAS2R46” by Weixiu Xu et al. Science editors have been made aware that the examination of data provided after publication revealed potential discrepancies with Fig S10D. This figure was used to support a proposal of pre-coupling between TAS2R46 and the G protein gustducin. Science is alerting readers to these concerns while the authors’ institution investigates further.
The corresponding authors of the paper are Zhi-Jie Liu and Tian Hua of the iHuman Institute at ShanghaiTech University in China. Neither has responded to our request for comment.
We also asked Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of Science, for more information about how the journal became aware of the “potential discrepancies” with the figure, and about the post-publication data examination. He said the journal had nothing to add to the published note.
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Scrupleless self-anointed psudo-scientists are conjecturing invalidated scientific info-data having these published for recognition and money. It is all over the Internet and TV. Most are laughable, totally unfounded. Untrained readers take these as factual, a science dilemma.
Carlos I do not know about taste receptors and did not really follow the problem with this paper. But we are on the same page regarding pseudoscience.
The Center For Inquiry, quackwatch,
Science Based Medicine.org the good thinking society EdzardEarnst.com
Michael Shermer’s Skeptic Magazine..
You may already know of these groups and websites concerned about pseudoscience.
In Southern CA there are colaborations between University of California San Diego
Center for excellence in Integrative medicine, Deepak Chopra, electrical grounding or Earthing vendors, medical intuitives, Homeopathy..
and “Energy Medicine” Several major US schools offer healing touch classes for nursun continuing ed. Credit.
Academics granting legitamacy to various forms of Quackery by studies
Is a problem.