Taste receptor type 2 member 31 (TAS2R31)

Taste receptor type 2 member 31 (TAS2R31) is a G protein-coupled receptor primarily involved in the perception of bitter taste in humans. Encoded by the TAS2R31 gene, this receptor is expressed in taste receptor cells as well as extra-oral tissues such as airway smooth muscle. It is activated by various bitter compounds, including the artificial sweeteners saccharin and acesulfame K. In airway smooth muscle, activation of TAS2R31 can lead to increased intracellular calcium, opening potassium channels and resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation. Polymorphisms in TAS2R31 influence sensitivity to the bitterness of certain sweeteners, and the gene has been associated with specific disease states such as inflammatory bowel disease 11 and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, axonal, type 2N. The receptor operates via the canonical GPCR signaling cascade that includes Gα-gustducin, phospholipase Cβ2, and downstream ion channels, ultimately resulting in cell depolarization and neurotransmitter release[1][2][4].

Other names

Taste 2 receptor member 31TAS2R31T2R31TAS2R44T2R44T2R53Taste receptor type 2 member 44Taste receptor type 2 member 53

Drugs (such as saccharin and acesulfame K) act as agonists, activating the receptor and initiating G protein-coupled signaling that results in increased intracellular calcium, ultimately mediating physiological responses such as taste perception or smooth muscle relaxation[1][2][4]. Antagonists (e.g., GIV3727) inhibit receptor activity by binding to the same or overlapping binding pocket[4].