Taste receptor type 2 member 38 (TAS2R38)

Taste receptor type 2 member 38 (TAS2R38) is a bitter taste receptor encoded by the TAS2R38 gene located on chromosome 7q34. It is a seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor that controls the ability to taste glucosinolates and other bitter compounds. TAS2R38 exhibits genetic polymorphism that results in different tasting abilities among individuals, with some being "tasters" and others "non-tasters" of specific bitter compounds like PTC and PROP. Beyond its role in taste perception, TAS2R38 functions in innate immunity, particularly in respiratory epithelial defense against gram-negative bacteria. The receptor is expressed in various tissues throughout the body, suggesting diverse physiological roles beyond taste sensation[1][2][5][6][7].

Other names

T2R38PTCT2R61THIOT

TAS2R38 utilizes the G-protein gustducin (alpha- and beta-gamma subunits) as its primary method of signal transduction. The receptor may stimulate alpha gustducin, mediate PLC-beta-2 activation, and lead to the gating of TRPM5.