Taste receptor type 2 member 39 (TAS2R39)

Taste receptor type 2 member 39 (TAS2R39) is a member of the bitter taste receptor family, a sub-group of G protein-coupled receptors that function primarily to detect harmful or bitter compounds ingested as part of the diet. TAS2R39 is encoded by an intronless gene located on chromosome 7 and, while historically thought to act only in the oral cavity, is also expressed in extraoral tissues including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, nervous system, and reproductive system, albeit at low levels. TAS2R39 is activated by a broad range of compounds, especially plant-derived polyphenols and certain bile acids, and can modulate various physiological responses such as bitterness perception, hormone secretion (notably peptide PYY), and possibly inflammation. Its non-selectivity and wide ligand profile make it a potentially interesting target for research on nutrient sensing, metabolism, and immune responses, but its biological and therapeutic relevance remains underexplored due to restricted expression and the lack of selective pharmaceutics.

Other names

TAS2R39T2R39T2R57Taste receptor type 2 member 39Taste receptor type 2 member 57taste receptor, type 2, member 39

Compounds binding to TAS2R39 induce a conformational change that activates the gustducin-linked GPCR pathway, leading to phospholipase C β2 activation, increased intracellular calcium, and neurotransmitter (ATP) release. Downstream effects can include modulation of appetite-regulating hormones (e.g., PYY), inflammatory signal induction, and sensory perception.