Taste receptor type 2 member 20 (TAS2R20)

Taste receptor type 2 member 20 (TAS2R20) is a member of the bitter taste receptor family, which belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. TAS2Rs, including TAS2R20, mediate the detection of diverse bitter compounds in the oral cavity and provide an evolutionary advantage by warning the organism against ingestion of potentially harmful substances, as many toxins taste bitter. The TAS2R gene family comprises around 25 genes in humans; each receptor exhibits a unique but sometimes overlapping spectrum of ligand sensitivity. They function via a single orthosteric binding pocket, which can accommodate structurally diverse bitter agonists. TAS2R20 is expressed in taste-bud cells of the tongue and, like other taste receptors, signals through G proteins, particularly gustducin, to trigger neuronal responses that result in bitter taste perception. Although highly variable at the genetic and functional levels, there is no currently confirmed direct disease role or approved therapeutic targeting for TAS2R20 itself[1][2].

Other names

TAS2R20T2R20TAS2R49T2R49TAS2R56T2R56Taste receptor type 2 member 49Taste receptor type 2 member 56Taste receptor, type 2, member 49Taste receptor, type 2, member 56

For agonists: Activation of TAS2R20 by bitter compounds leads to G protein-mediated intracellular signaling (involving gustducin and subsequent signal cascades), resulting in perception of bitter taste[1][2]. No antagonists or other drug-based mechanisms of action are reported in current literature for TAS2R20.