Chemosensory receptor

Chemosensory receptors are a broad class of proteins, primarily G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), that detect chemical stimuli from both the external environment and internal physiological states (UniProt). This group includes olfactory receptors (ORs), taste receptors (TAS1Rs and TAS2Rs), and trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs) (Foster et al., 2014). While traditionally associated with the nose and tongue, these receptors are widely expressed in extra-sensory tissues such as the gut, lungs, and heart, where they regulate functions like nutrient absorption, bronchodilation, and immune responses (Lu et al., 2017). They have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for conditions like asthma, where bitter taste receptors can induce airway relaxation, and metabolic diseases, where gut receptors influence glucose homeostasis (Liggett, 2013). The therapeutic utility of this class is currently being explored in drug development, though the high number of subtypes and their broad expression patterns present significant challenges for achieving selective targeting (Foster et al., 2014).

Other names

ChemoreceptorSensory G protein-coupled receptorOlfactory receptorTaste receptorVomeronasal receptor

Activation of G protein-coupled signaling pathways, typically involving G-alpha subunits like gustducin or Gq, which trigger secondary messenger cascades such as calcium release or cAMP modulation (Foster et al., 2014; Lu et al., 2017).