Taste receptor type 2 member 1 (TAS2R1)

Taste receptor type 2 member 1 (TAS2R1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that functions as a bitter taste receptor, expressed primarily in taste receptor cells of the tongue and palate epithelia[1]. It is an intronless gene encoding a 7-transmembrane domain receptor, primarily mediating the detection of bitter compounds by triggering gustducin-linked transduction cascades[1][2]. While mainly involved in taste perception, it may also contribute to sensing gastrointestinal chemical contents and could potentially have roles beyond the oral cavity. No approved drugs currently target TAS2R1, and disease links are mostly indirect, relating to taste-mediated behaviors[1][2].

Other names

Taste 2 receptor member 1T2R1TRB7Taste receptor family B member 7taste receptor, family B, member 7taste receptor, type 2, member 1

Binding of bitter ligands leads to activation of the gustducin G-protein complex. This triggers a PLCβ2/IP3/Ca²⁺ signaling cascade, resulting in depolarization and neurotransmitter (ATP) release to afferent nerve fibers[1][2]