Taste receptor type 2 member 10 (TAS2R10) (TAS2R10)

Taste receptor type 2 member 10 (TAS2R10) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) primarily known for its role in detecting bitter-tasting compounds on the tongue, serving as a critical defense mechanism against the ingestion of toxic substances (1.1.1, 1.2.3). Beyond the oral cavity, TAS2R10 is widely expressed in extra-oral tissues such as the airway smooth muscle, gastrointestinal tract, and various cancer cells, where it mediates diverse physiological processes (1.1.3, 1.5.1). In the lungs, activation of TAS2R10 by bitter agonists like caffeine or strychnine induces potent bronchodilation, making it a promising therapeutic target for obstructive airway diseases like asthma and COPD (1.3.4, 1.5.1). In oncology, TAS2R10 has been identified as a potential tumor suppressor in neuroblastoma and pancreatic cancer, where its activation can inhibit cell proliferation and sensitize cells to chemotherapy by downregulating multidrug resistance transporters (1.5.1, 1.5.2). The receptor is characterized by its broad tuning, allowing it to recognize a diverse array of chemically distinct ligands, including natural toxins and pharmaceutical agents (1.2.3, 1.3.4). Consequently, TAS2R10 represents a versatile target for drug development, though its widespread expression necessitates careful consideration of off-target effects and systemic safety (1.5.1, 1.5.3).

Other names

T2R10TRB2Taste receptor type 2 member 10G-protein coupled receptor 58GPR58

Agonist-induced activation of the G protein-coupled signaling pathway, typically involving the G protein gustducin, which triggers phospholipase C beta-2 (PLCβ2) and subsequent intracellular calcium release (1.3.4, 1.4.1).