All Stories

  1. T2R5 Agonist Phendione Decreases Cell Viability and Induces Apoptosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    Article • Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, November 2025, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

    Robert Lee

  2. Quercetin as a Bitter Taste Receptor Agonist with Anticancer Effects in Head and Neck Cancer Cells

    Article • Nutrients, October 2025, MDPI AG

    Robert Lee

  3. Quercetin as a Bitter Taste Receptor Agonist with Anticancer Effects in Head and Neck Cancer Cells

    Article • September 2025, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  4. T2R5 agonist phendione decreases cell viability and induces apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

    Article • May 2025, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  5. Bitter Taste Receptor Agonists Induce Apoptosis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

    Article • Head & Neck, March 2025, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  6. A deadly taste: linking bitter taste receptors and apoptosis

    Article • APOPTOSIS, February 2025, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  7. Innate immune function in chronic rhinosinusitis

    Article • Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, January 2025, Elsevier

    Robert Lee

  8. Hops bitter β‐acids have antibacterial effects against sinonasal Staphylococcus aureus but also induce sinonasal cilia and mitochondrial dysfunction

    Article • International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, November 2024, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  9. Effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin and 1-hydroxyphenazine on intracellular calcium, mitochondrial function, and viability in human nasal epithelial cells

    Article • November 2024, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  10. Common Cold Coronavirus 229E Induces Higher Interferon Stimulating Gene Responses in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells from Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Polyposis

    Article • American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, November 2024, SAGE Publications

    Robert Lee

  11. Pseudomonas aeruginosa metabolite 3-oxo-C12HSL induces apoptosis through T2R14 and the mitochondrial calcium uniporter

    Article • October 2024, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  12. Bitter Taste Receptor Agonists Induce Apoptosis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

    Article • October 2024, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  13. Extragustatory bitter taste receptors in head and neck health and disease

    Article • Journal of Molecular Medicine, September 2024, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  14. GLUT1 inhibitor BAY-876 induces apoptosis and enhances anti-cancer effects of bitter receptor agonists in head and neck squamous carcinoma cells

    Article • Cell Death Discovery, July 2024, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  15. Effects of Akt Activator SC79 on Human M0 Macrophage Phagocytosis and Cytokine Production

    Article • Cells, May 2024, MDPI AG

    Robert Lee

  16. Aerosolized Particulate Matter and Blunting of Ciliary Dynamic Responses: Implications for Veterans and Active Duty Military in Southwest Asia

    Article • Military Medicine, January 2024, Oxford University Press (OUP)

    Robert Lee

  17. Akt activator SC79 stimulates antibacterial nitric oxide generation in human nasal epithelial cells in vitro

    Article • International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, January 2024, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  18. Lidocaine induces apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through activation of bitter taste receptor T2R14

    Article • Cell Reports, December 2023, Elsevier

    Robert Lee

  19. Interkingdom Detection of Bacterial Quorum-Sensing Molecules by Mammalian Taste Receptors

    Article • Microorganisms, May 2023, MDPI AG

    Robert Lee

  20. The ion channel CALHM6 controls bacterial infection‐induced cellular cross‐talk at the immunological synapse

    Article • The EMBO Journal, March 2023, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  21. Utilizing the Off-Target Effects of T1R3 Antagonist Lactisole to Enhance Nitric Oxide Production in Basal Airway Epithelial Cells

    Article • Nutrients, January 2023, MDPI AG

    Robert Lee

  22. Savory Signaling: T1R Umami Receptor Modulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Store Content and Release Dynamics in Airway Epithelial Cells

    Article • Nutrients, January 2023, MDPI AG

    Robert Lee

  23. Loss of CFTR function is associated with reduced bitter taste receptor-stimulated nitric oxide innate immune responses in nasal epithelial cells and macrophages

    Article • Frontiers in Immunology, January 2023, Frontiers

    Robert Lee

  24. Microbial metabolite succinate activates solitary chemosensory cells in the human sinonasal epithelium

    Article • International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, January 2023, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  25. Savory Signaling: T1R umami receptor modulates endoplasmic reticulum calcium store content and release dynamics in airway epithelial cells

    Article • December 2022, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  26. Lidocaine Induces Apoptosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Through Activation of Bitter Taste Receptor T2R14

    Article • November 2022, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  27. Akt activator SC79 stimulates antibacterial nitric oxide production from human nasal epithelial cells and increases macrophage phagocytosisin vitro

    Article • November 2022, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  28. Taste receptor T1R3 in nasal cilia detectsStaphylococcus aureusD-amino acids to enhance apical glucose uptake

    Article • October 2022, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  29. Bitter taste receptor-stimulated nitric oxide innate immune responses are reduced by loss of CFTR function in nasal epithelial cells and macrophages

    Article • September 2022, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  30. Impact of sweet, umami, and bitter taste receptor (TAS1R and TAS2R) genomic and expression alterations in solid tumors on survival

    Article • Scientific Reports, May 2022, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  31. HSP90 Modulates T2R Bitter Taste Receptor Nitric Oxide Production and Innate Immune Responses in Human Airway Epithelial Cells and Macrophages

    Article • Cells, April 2022, MDPI AG

    Robert Lee

  32. Cilia Stimulatory and Antibacterial Activities of T2R Bitter Taste Receptor Agonist Diphenhydramine: Insights into Repurposing Bitter Drugs for Nasal Infections

    Article • Pharmaceuticals, April 2022, MDPI AG

    Robert Lee

  33. Cilia stimulatory and antibacterial activities of bitter receptor agonist diphenhydramine: insights into potential complimentary strategies for CF nasal infections

    Article • February 2022, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  34. The bitter end: T2R bitter receptor agonists elevate nuclear calcium and induce apoptosis in non-ciliated airway epithelial cells

    Article • Cell Calcium, January 2022, Elsevier

    Robert Lee

  35. T2R bitter taste receptors regulate apoptosis and may be associated with survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

    Article • Molecular Oncology, December 2021, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  36. HSP90 function is required for T2R bitter taste receptor nitric oxide production and innate immune responses in human airway epithelial cells and macrophages

    Article • November 2021, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  37. Small-molecule Akt-activation in airway cells induces NO production and reduces IL-8 transcription through Nrf-2

    Article • October 2021, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  38. Neuropeptide Y Reduces Nasal Epithelial T2R Bitter Taste Receptor–Stimulated Nitric Oxide Production

    Article • Nutrients, September 2021, MDPI AG

    Robert Lee

  39. T2R bitter taste receptors regulate apoptosis and may be associated with survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

    Article • May 2021, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  40. The bitter end: T2R bitter receptor agonists elevate nuclear calcium and induce apoptosis in non-ciliated airway epithelial cells

    Article • May 2021, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  41. PAR-2-activated secretion by airway gland serous cells: role for CFTR and inhibition by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

    Article • AJP Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, May 2021, American Physiological Society

    Robert Lee

  42. Polarization of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) signaling is altered during airway epithelial remodeling and deciliation

    Article • Journal of Biological Chemistry, April 2020, American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (ASBMB)

    Robert Lee

  43. Bitter taste receptors stimulate phagocytosis in human macrophages through calcium, nitric oxide, and cyclic-GMP signaling

    Article • Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, March 2020, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  44. Neuropeptide regulation of secretion and inflammation in human airway gland serous cells

    Article • European Respiratory Journal, February 2020, European Respiratory Society (ERS)

    Robert Lee

  45. Altered polarization of PAR-2 signaling during airway epithelial remodeling

    Article • January 2020, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  46. Bitter taste receptors stimulate phagocytosis in human macrophages through calcium, nitric oxide, and cyclic-GMP signaling

    Article • September 2019, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  47. Taste Receptors in Upper Airway Innate Immunity

    Article • Nutrients, August 2019, MDPI AG

    Robert Lee

  48. Inverse regulation of secretion and inflammation in human airway gland serous cells by neuropeptides upregulated in allergy and asthma

    Article • May 2019, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

    Robert Lee

  49. Activation of airway epithelial bitter taste receptors byPseudomonas aeruginosaquinolones modulates calcium, cyclic-AMP, and nitric oxide signaling

    Article • Journal of Biological Chemistry, May 2018, American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (ASBMB)

    Robert Lee

  50. CALHM3 Is Essential for Rapid Ion Channel-Mediated Purinergic Neurotransmission of GPCR-Mediated Tastes

    Article • Neuron, May 2018, Elsevier

    Robert Lee

  51. The Role of Quinine-Responsive Taste Receptor Family 2 in Airway Immune Defense and Chronic Rhinosinusitis

    Article • Frontiers in Immunology, March 2018, Frontiers

    Robert Lee

  52. Plant flavones enhance antimicrobial activity of respiratory epithelial cell secretions against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

    Article • PLOS One, September 2017, PLOS

    Robert Lee

  53. Protease-activated receptor 2 activates airway apical membrane chloride permeability and increases ciliary beating

    Article • The FASEB Journal, September 2017, Federation of American Societies For Experimental Biology (FASEB)

    Robert Lee

  54. Bacterial d-amino acids suppress sinonasal innate immunity through sweet taste receptors in solitary chemosensory cells

    Article • Science Signaling, September 2017, American Association for the Advancement of Science

    Robert Lee

  55. CALHM1-Mediated ATP Release and Ciliary Beat Frequency Modulation in Nasal Epithelial Cells

    Article • Scientific Reports, July 2017, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  56. Sinonasal T2R-mediated nitric oxide production in response to Bacillus cereus

    Article • American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, July 2017, Oceanside Publications Inc.

    Robert Lee

  57. Denatonium-induced sinonasal bacterial killing may play a role in chronic rhinosinusitis outcomes

    Article • International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, May 2017, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  58. Flavones modulate respiratory epithelial innate immunity: Anti-inflammatory effects and activation of the T2R14 receptor

    Article • Journal of Biological Chemistry, April 2017, American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (ASBMB)

    Robert Lee

  59. Nitric oxide production is stimulated by bitter taste receptors ubiquitously expressed in the sinonasal cavity

    Article • American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, March 2017, Oceanside Publications Inc.

    Robert Lee

  60. Expression of dermcidin in human sinonasal secretions

    Article • International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, September 2016, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  61. Fungal Aflatoxins Reduce Respiratory Mucosal Ciliary Function

    Article • Scientific Reports, September 2016, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  62. Human upper airway epithelium produces nitric oxide in response toStaphylococcus epidermidis

    Article • International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, August 2016, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  63. In vitro effects of anthocyanidins on sinonasal epithelial nitric oxide production and bacterial physiology

    Article • American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, July 2016, Oceanside Publications Inc.

    Robert Lee

  64. Bitter Taste Bodyguards

    Article • Scientific American A Matter of Time, January 2016, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  65. Taste Receptors in Upper Airway Immunity

    Article • January 2016, Karger Publishers

    Robert Lee

  66. Chronic rhinosinusitis pathogenesis

    Article • Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, December 2015, Elsevier

    Robert Lee

  67. TAS2R38genotype predicts surgical outcome in nonpolypoid chronic rhinosinusitis

    Article • International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, November 2015, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  68. Staphylococcus aureustriggers nitric oxide production in human upper airway epithelium

    Article • International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, June 2015, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  69. Corticosteroid Use Does Not Alter Nasal Mucus Glucose in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

    Article • Otolaryngology, March 2015, SAGE Publications

    Robert Lee

  70. Role of the bitter taste receptor T2R38 in upper respiratory infection and chronic rhinosinusitis

    Article • Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, February 2015, Wolters Kluwer Health

    Robert Lee

  71. Bitter and sweet taste receptors in the respiratory epithelium in health and disease

    Article • Journal of Molecular Medicine, November 2014, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  72. Taste receptors in innate immunity

    Article • Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, October 2014, Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee

  73. Sinonasal Solitary Chemosensory Cells “Taste” the Upper Respiratory Environment to Regulate Innate Immunity

    Article • American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, September 2014, SAGE Publications

    Robert Lee

  74. Ca2+ signaling and fluid secretion by secretory cells of the airway epithelium

    Article • Cell Calcium, June 2014, Elsevier

    Robert Lee

  75. In vitroStudies of a Distillate of Rectified Essential Oils on Sinonasal Components of Mucociliary Clearance

    Article • American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, May 2014, SAGE Publications

    Robert Lee

  76. Bitter and sweet taste receptors regulate human upper respiratory innate immunity

    Article • Journal of Clinical Investigation, February 2014, American Society for Clinical Investigation

    Dr Robert F Margolskee, Robert Lee

  77. The bitter taste receptor T2R38 is an independent risk factor for chronic rhinosinusitis requiring sinus surgery

    Article • International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, December 2013, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  78. Mouse nasal epithelial innate immune responses to Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum-sensing molecules require taste signaling components

    Article • Innate Immunity, September 2013, SAGE Publications

    Dr Robert F Margolskee, Robert Lee

  79. Vasoactive intestinal peptide regulates sinonasal mucociliary clearance and synergizes with histamine in stimulating sinonasal fluid secretion

    Article • The FASEB Journal, August 2013, Federation of American Societies For Experimental Biology (FASEB)

    Robert Lee

  80. The TERE1 protein interacts with mitochondrial TBL2: Regulation of trans‐membrane potential, ROS/RNS and SXR target genes

    Article • Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, July 2013, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  81. The Emerging Role of the Bitter Taste Receptor T2R38 in Upper Respiratory Infection and Chronic Rhinosinusitis

    Article • American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, July 2013, SAGE Publications

    Robert Lee

  82. Genetics of the taste receptor T2R38 correlates with chronic rhinosinusitis necessitating surgical intervention

    Article • International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, January 2013, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  83. T2R38 taste receptor polymorphisms underlie susceptibility to upper respiratory infection

    Article • Journal of Clinical Investigation, October 2012, American Society for Clinical Investigation

    Robert Lee

  84. Why Mouse Airway Submucosal Gland Serous Cells Do Not Secrete Fluid in Response to cAMP Stimulation

    Article • Journal of Biological Chemistry, September 2012, American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (ASBMB)

    Robert Lee

  85. Calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) is the pore-forming subunit of an ion channel that mediates extracellular Ca 2+ regulation of neuronal excitability

    Article • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2012, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

    Robert Lee

  86. Molecular modulation of airway epithelial ciliary response to sneezing

    Article • The FASEB Journal, April 2012, Federation of American Societies For Experimental Biology (FASEB)

    Robert Lee

  87. cAMP-activated Ca2+ signaling is required for CFTR-mediated serous cell fluid secretion in porcine and human airways

    Article • Journal of Clinical Investigation, September 2010, American Society for Clinical Investigation

    Robert Lee

  88. AMPK supports growth in Drosophila by regulating muscle activity and nutrient uptake in the gut

    Article • Developmental Biology, August 2010, Elsevier

    Robert Lee

  89. Mechanisms of Ca2+-stimulated fluid secretion by porcine bronchial submucosal gland serous acinar cells

    Article • AJP Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, February 2010, American Physiological Society

    Robert Lee

  90. Respiratory function during infancy in survivors of the INNOVO trial

    Article • Pediatric Pulmonology, February 2009, Wiley

    Professor Sarath C Ranganathan, Robert Lee

  91. Interleukin-17A induces bicarbonate secretion in normal human bronchial epithelial cells

    Article • AJP Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, February 2009, American Physiological Society

    Robert Lee

  92. HCO3− Secretion by Murine Nasal Submucosal Gland Serous Acinar Cells during Ca2+-stimulated Fluid Secretion

    Article • Journal of General Physiology, June 2008, Rockefeller University Press

    Robert Lee

  93. Optical imaging of Ca2+-evoked fluid secretion by murine nasal submucosal gland serous acinar cells

    Article • The Journal of Physiology, July 2007, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  94. Uncoupling retro-translocation and degradation in the ER-associated degradation of a soluble protein

    Article • The EMBO Journal, May 2004, Wiley

    Robert Lee

  95. Reconstitution of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation Using Yeast Membranes and Cytosol

    Article • Springer Science + Business Media

    Robert Lee