Recent advances in structure and function studies on human bitter taste receptors.
Humans are capable of sensing five basic tastes and of these, bitter taste sensation alone, is mediated by a large group of 25 cell surface proteins known as, bitter taste receptors (T2Rs). T2Rs belong to the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. However, they share little homology with the large subfamily of Class A GPCRs. Very little progress has been made in understanding the dynamics of T2R activation, and in discovery of molecules that can block (bitter blockers) T2R activation. Only recently few structure-function studies focused on elucidating the ligand binding mechanisms of T2Rs have been published. Here we will discuss the roles of conserved amino acids in T2R structure-function, possible mechanisms of activation of T2Rs, and compare and contrast with the recent crystal structures of the Class A GPCRs.
Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Sai Prasad
SP
Pydi
Jasbir
J
Upadhyaya
Nisha
N
Singh
Rajinder
R
Pal Bhullar
Prashen
P
Chelikani
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000098706:Taste Receptors, Type 2
D008024:Ligands; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D000098706:Taste Receptors, Type 2