Taste receptor type 1 member 3 (T1R3), as a homodimer acting as a glucose-sensing receptor in pancreatic β-cells (T1R3)

Taste receptor type 1 member 3 (T1R3) is a class C GPCR that, as a homodimer, functions as a glucose-sensing receptor in pancreatic β-cells. Unlike the canonical sweet taste receptor of the tongue (a T1R2/T1R3 heterodimer), the β-cell variant is primarily the T1R3 homodimer. Activation of T1R3 by glucose or artificial sweeteners stimulates insulin secretion by modulating intracellular signaling cascades involving GPCR/PLC-mediated calcium mobilization. Knockdown or genetic ablation of T1R3 impairs normal glucose-stimulated insulin release and disrupts glucose metabolism, which highlights its physiological relevance and potential as a therapeutic target in diabetes and metabolic disease.

Other names

Sweet taste receptor (sometimes called STSR in extragustatory tissues)Glucose-sensing receptor (GSR)T1R3 homodimerTaste receptor type 1 member 3 (T1R3)

Activation of T1R3 by glucose or sweeteners increases intracellular calcium via the GPCR/PLCβ2 pathway, leading to cAMP elevation and insulin granule exocytosis. Sweetener or glucose binding activates T1R3, leading to PLC activation, IP3-mediated Ca2+ release, and augmented insulin secretion.