Sweet Taste Cells Defy Nerve Damage (IMAGE)

Korea University College of Medicine

Sweet Taste Cells Defy Nerve Damage

Caption

Sweet-sensing taste cells, supported by the protein c-Kit, show remarkable resilience when nerves are damaged, unlike other taste cells that quickly degenerate. Blocking c-Kit with the drug imatinib (Gleevec) eliminates these surviving sweet cells, highlighting the protein’s key role in preserving sweetness even after injury.

Credit

Korea University College of Medicine

Usage Restrictions

Cannot be reused without permission

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.