Taste receptor type 2 member 38 (TAS2R38) (TAS2R38)

Taste receptor type 2 member 38 (TAS2R38) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that mediates the perception of bitter taste (UniProt P59533). While traditionally associated with the tongue, TAS2R38 is also expressed in extra-oral tissues, including the human upper airway epithelium, where it plays a critical role in innate immunity (PubMed: 23045548). In the respiratory tract, the receptor detects quorum-sensing molecules, such as acyl-homoserine lactones, secreted by Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PubMed: 23045548). Activation of TAS2R38 triggers a signaling cascade involving increased intracellular calcium and the production of nitric oxide, which enhances ciliary beat frequency and exerts direct antimicrobial effects (PubMed: 25043587). Genetic polymorphisms, particularly the PAV (taster) and AVI (non-taster) haplotypes, determine the receptor's sensitivity and are linked to the prevalence and severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (PubMed: 23045548). As a result, TAS2R38 is considered a potential therapeutic target for stimulating local immune responses in the treatment of respiratory infections and inflammatory conditions (PubMed: 27535244).

Other names

T2R38PTC receptorPhenylthiocarbamide receptorTaste receptor type 2 member 38

Agonist binding to TAS2R38 activates the G protein gustducin, leading to phospholipase C beta-2 (PLC-β2) activation, which increases intracellular calcium and stimulates nitric oxide synthase to produce nitric oxide (PubMed: 23045548).