Your kidneys and muscles might have a sense of smell
In short: We typically associate olfaction with the nose, but your body possesses scent detectors in far more unexpected places. From your lungs to your blood vessels, these tiny receptors are doing more than just helping you sniff the air; they are actively involved in your internal physiology.
Physiologist Jennifer Pluznick has identified that olfactory receptors—the same proteins responsible for detecting odors in the nose—are also expressed in the kidneys, muscles, and lungs. While the primary function of these receptors in the nasal cavity is to perceive external scents, their presence in internal organs suggests a much more complex biological role. In the kidneys specifically, these receptors are part of a broader system of chemosensation that includes taste receptors and G-protein coupled receptors. These sensors are not limited to just one type of olfactory protein. They are part of a diverse array of chemosensation tools. This includes taste receptors and other G-protein coupled receptors. Their presence across various tissues suggests a widespread sensory network.
The mechanism behind this is a key area of current research. Pluznick’s lab at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is investigating how these receptors influence whole-animal physiology. Specifically, they are working to identify the ligands—the molecules that bind to these receptors—and determine how this interaction helps the kidney maintain homeostasis. By understanding these renal and cardiovascular olfactory receptors, scientists hope to gain deeper insights into how the body regulates vital functions like blood pressure and fluid balance. The research team utilizes a combination of in vitro and in vivo techniques to study these systems. They perform receptor localization and ligand screening in laboratory settings. They also conduct whole-animal physiology tests to observe real-time effects. This multi-faceted approach helps map out how these receptors influence the cardiovascular system.
This discovery shifts our understanding of sensory biology from a purely external experience to an internal regulatory system. Rather than just 'smelling' the world, your body uses these receptors to 'sense' the internal chemical environment. Pluznick's work, which began with observations in mice, highlights how these receptors are integral to renal and cardiovascular function, potentially offering new pathways for understanding human health and physiological regulation. Dr. Pluznick joined the Johns Hopkins faculty in 2010 to pursue this specific research. She previously completed her postdoctoral training at Yale University. Her earlier doctoral work focused on renal physiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This academic journey has been dedicated to uncovering the secrets of sensory biology.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: You smell with your body, not just your nose | Jennifer Pluznick
- Also: Jennifer Pluznick, PhD
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