Taste receptor type 2 member 7 (TAS2R7)

Taste receptor type 2 member 7 is a G protein-coupled receptor encoded by the *TAS2R7* gene. It is specifically expressed in taste receptor cells of the tongue and palate epithelia, where it mediates the detection and signal transduction of bitter tastants. TAS2R7 belongs to the large family of bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs), which are characterized by diverse agonist profiles ranging from narrowly to broadly tuned sensitivity to bitter chemicals. The canonical pathway involves activation through gustducin and downstream effectors like PLCβ2 and TRPM5, resulting in taste signal transmission to the brain. In addition to its classical role in oral bitter sensing, TAS2R7 and other members of the TAS2R family are expressed in extraoral tissues, potentially contributing to non-gustatory functions such as immune and metabolic regulation. No specific clinical drugs or disease associations are established for TAS2R7, though its ability to bind multiple bitter compounds makes it relevant for flavor and nutrition studies[1][2][3][4].

Other names

TAS2R7T2R7Taste receptor, family B, member 4TRB4

The receptor binds bitter molecules (agonists), activates G protein gustducin, triggering downstream signal transduction including PLCβ2 activation, production of IP₃, calcium release, TRPM5 channel activation, and action potential generation in taste receptor cells. Antagonists: molecules that block TAS2R7-mediated bitter sensing