Taste receptor type 2 member 43 (TAS2R43)

Taste receptor type 2 member 43 (TAS2R43, hTAS2R43) is a human bitter taste receptor from the large TAS2R family of G protein-coupled receptors expressed in taste buds on the tongue. The receptor detects bitter compounds—particularly aristolochic acid and the artificial sweetener saccharin—serving as a molecular warning system against ingestion of possibly toxic substances. TAS2R43 has a specific expression pattern in gustatory tissue and shares high similarity with TAS2R31 and TAS2R46, but each receptor has distinct agonist specificities. Antagonists such as GIV3727 can block activation, providing a pharmacological means to modulate bitter taste perception. Variations in the TAS2R43 allele influence individual sensitivity to bitterness from substances like saccharin. To date, TAS2R43's relevance is limited to taste signaling and consumer product development; there is no direct evidence linking it to major human diseases or serving as a pharmaceutical biomarker.

Other names

hTAS2R43TAS2R43bitter taste receptor 43

Agonists bind and activate the receptor, triggering bitter taste signaling. Antagonists (like GIV3727 or Trp-Trp) block activation, inhibiting bitter perception.