Taste receptor type 1 member 2 (T1R2)

Taste receptor type 1 member 2 is a class C G protein-coupled receptor encoded by the TAS1R2 gene in humans. It forms a functional heterodimer with Taste receptor type 1 member 3 (T1R3) to constitute the primary human sweet taste sensor. The active complex detects a wide range of natural and artificial sweeteners through its large extracellular Venus flytrap domain, which houses orthosteric binding sites for many ligands including sugars and synthetic compounds like aspartame. The signal from ligand binding is transmitted via conformational changes through cysteine-rich domains to the seven-transmembrane region, leading to downstream cellular signaling. While not directly linked as a therapeutic target for major diseases, variations in this gene can influence individual differences in sweetness perception and possibly dietary behaviors[1][3][4].

Other names

TAS1R2T1R2Sweet taste receptor subunit T1R2

Agonists such as natural and artificial sweeteners bind to the Venus flytrap domain of T1R2, activating the heterodimeric sweet taste receptor complex and initiating signal transduction[3][4]. Inhibitors like lactisole act at allosteric sites to block activation[1][3].