Taste receptor type 2 member 13 (TAS2R13)

Taste receptor type 2 member 13 (TAS2R13) is a G-protein-coupled receptor involved in the detection of bitter compounds. It is primarily expressed in taste receptor cells of the tongue and palate epithelia and functions as part of an evolutionary defense mechanism to help avoid ingestion of potentially toxic substances. Upon binding with a bitter ligand, TAS2R13 activates associated G proteins, leading to intracellular signaling cascades that result in cellular responses such as gating TRPM5 channels for sensory perception.

Other names

T2R13TRB3taste 2 receptor member 13

Binding of bitter tastants leading to activation of G proteins (α-gustducin), stimulation of phospholipase C beta 2 (PLCβ₂), and subsequent intracellular signaling cascades including gating of TRPM5 channels.