Taste receptor type 2 member 41 (TAS2R41)

Taste receptor type 2 member 41 (TAS2R41) is a member of the bitter taste receptor family, which belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily[1]. This receptor is predominantly expressed in taste receptor cells of the tongue and palate epithelia and plays a key role in the perception of bitterness[1]. TAS2R41 has a seven-transmembrane domain structure characteristic of GPCRs and displays high selectivity for the antibiotic chloramphenicol as an agonist[1][2]. Upon ligand binding, TAS2R41 couples to the G protein α-gustducin, which activates phospholipase C-β2, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium and downstream signaling events that mediate the neuronal response to bitter compounds[3]. While primarily involved in taste sensation, some evidence suggests extraoral roles such as chemical sensing in the gastrointestinal tract[1][3]. TAS2R41 is not broadly tuned and is highly selective compared to other bitter taste receptors[2][3]. Mutations in this gene, or variants with impaired function, may affect an individual's sensitivity to specific bitter compounds[2]. TAS2R41 has been associated with submandibular gland conditions, although its disease relevance is still largely under investigation[1].

Other names

T2R41Taste 2 receptor member 41Taste receptor, type 2, member 41T2R59Taste receptor type 2 member 59

Agonist binding activates G protein α-gustducin, leading to PLC-β2 activation, increased intracellular calcium, and signal transduction in taste cells[1][3]