Taste receptor type 2 member 16 (TAS2R16)

Taste receptor type 2 member 16 (TAS2R16) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) expressed in taste cells, primarily responsible for the detection of bitter β-glucoside compounds found in many plants and foods. Upon ligand binding, it activates a signal transduction pathway using gustducin and phospholipase C β2, ultimately leading to depolarization of taste cells and transmission of bitter taste signals to the brain. TAS2R16 has roles beyond oral taste perception, including functions in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, and exhibits significant genetic diversity that influences individual taste preferences, dietary choices, and behavioral traits such as alcohol consumption and medication compliance. It interacts with a variety of natural and synthetic bitter compounds, with notable ligands like salicin and arbutin (which can function as agonist or inverse agonist depending on context). No FDA-approved drugs are known to target TAS2R16 for therapeutic use, but its activity and genetic variants are relevant as biomarkers for dietary selection and risk factors in certain behaviors and metabolic traits.

Other names

Taste receptor type 2 member TAS2R16TAS2R16Bitter taste receptor TAS2R16

Agonism (activation by β-glucoside ligands leads to signaling and bitter taste perception); Inverse agonism (arbutin, depending on species/context); Antagonism (some compounds inhibit receptor function).