Mouse Taste Receptor Type 1 Member 2 (TAS1R2) Protein

Background

TAS1R2 is another member of the type 1 taste receptor family and is involved in detecting sweet tastes. This receptor is primarily activated by a variety of sugars and sweet-tasting compounds, such as sucrose, fructose, and artificial sweeteners. TAS1R2, like TAS1R1, forms a heterodimer with another receptor (TAS1R3) to detect sweet stimuli. Upon activation, TAS1R2 triggers signaling pathways within taste cells, leading to the perception of sweetness. It plays a key role in how humans perceive and respond to sweet foods, which have evolved to signal energy-rich foods. TAS1R2 is expressed in the taste buds of the tongue, particularly in regions responsible for sweet taste sensation. Genetic variations in TAS1R2 can influence individual preferences for sweetness and may contribute to differences in susceptibility to metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes, which are associated with dietary sugar intake.