TAS1R - Taste receptor type 1 member | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background:

TAS1R receptors, also known as taste receptor type 1, are a class of taste receptors responsible for detecting sweet and umami (savory) tastes in humans and other vertebrates. They are integral to the perception of these taste qualities, which play significant roles in food selection, nutrition, and overall sensory experience. TAS1R receptors were discovered through molecular and genetic studies aimed at understanding the molecular basis of taste perception. They are expressed in taste receptor cells located within taste buds on the tongue and other oral tissues.

Structural Features:

TAS1R receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) characterized by their seven-transmembrane helical structure. They consist of an extracellular N-terminal domain responsible for ligand binding, seven transmembrane helices connected by intra- and extracellular loops, and an intracellular C-terminal domain involved in G protein coupling and downstream signaling.

Subtypes and Classification:

There are three main subtypes of TAS1R receptors, which form heterodimeric complexes:

1.   TAS1R1:

·        TAS1R1 combines with TAS1R3 to form the umami taste receptor.

·        It is primarily activated by amino acids such as glutamate, which are characteristic of savory or umami taste.

2.   TAS1R2:

·        TAS1R2 forms a heterodimer with TAS1R3 to function as the sweet taste receptor.

·        It responds to various sweet-tasting molecules, including sugars, artificial sweeteners, and some proteins.

3.   TAS1R3:

·        TAS1R3 serves as a common subunit for both the umami and sweet taste receptors.

·        It combines with TAS1R1 to detect umami taste and with TAS1R2 to detect sweet taste.

Ligands:

The ligands for TAS1R receptors include:

·        TAS1R1/TAS1R3: Amino acids such as glutamate and other umami-tasting compounds.

·        TAS1R2/TAS1R3: Sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose, sucrose), artificial sweeteners (e.g., saccharin, aspartame), and certain proteins (e.g., brazzein).

Physiological Functions:

TAS1R receptors play essential roles in taste perception and contribute to the detection and discrimination of sweet and umami tastes. Activation of TAS1R1-TAS1R3 heterodimers by umami tastants triggers intracellular signaling cascades, leading to neurotransmitter release and the perception of savory flavors. Similarly, TAS1R2-TAS1R3 heterodimers respond to sweet tastants, resulting in the perception of sweetness.

Clinical Implications:

Dysfunction or alterations in TAS1R receptors can impact taste perception and food preferences, leading to alterations in dietary habits and nutritional intake. Genetic variations in TAS1R genes may contribute to individual differences in taste perception and susceptibility to metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.

Therapeutic Potential:

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of TAS1R receptor activation and signaling pathways opens avenues for the development of novel taste modulators and therapeutics. Modulating TAS1R activity could potentially be used to enhance or suppress taste perception, offering strategies for managing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and taste disorders.

Summary,

TAS1R receptors, including TAS1R3, are critical components of the taste perception system, responsible for detecting sweet and umami tastes. They play essential roles in food selection, nutrition, and overall sensory experience. Understanding the structure, function, and physiological significance of TAS1R receptors provides insights into taste perception and holds promise for the development of taste-modifying therapeutics.