TAS2R38
Description
The TAS2R38 (taste 2 receptor member 38) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 7.
The TAS2R38 gene encodes a protein known as taste receptor 2 member 38. This protein functions as a bitter taste receptor, with variations in its genetic makeup affecting the ability to taste compounds like PROP and PTC. TAS2R38 is one of the few taste receptors proven to be influenced by genotype. Like all TAS2R proteins, it uses gustducin as its primary signaling mechanism. Both the α- and βγ-subunits of gustducin are essential for transmitting taste signals. TAS2R38 has been shown to bind to a diverse range of 23 ligands, including PTC, PROP, limonin, cyclamate, and chlorpheniramine. These interactions contribute to our understanding of the intricate molecular processes involved in bitter taste perception.
TAS2R38 is also known as PTC, T2R38, T2R61, THIOT.
