Biomaterial Database

Bitter taste receptors and human bitter taste perception. 2006

M Behrens, and W Meyerhof

Dept. Molecular Genetics, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany. behrens@mail.dife.de

A vast number of structurally diverse bitter compounds need to be detected by a subfamily of only approximately 25 human bitter receptors. Failure in detecting them might be lethal, since some naturally occurring bitter compounds, such as strychnine, are very toxic. This review presents an overview about the enormous progress in the field of mammalian bitter taste research with special emphasis on humans, if data were available. It summarizes the current knowledge about the anatomical basis for bitter taste perception, intracellular signal transduction, evolution, expression and polymorphisms of hTAS2R genes, and the molecular basis for the recognition of bitter compounds.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D011110	Polymorphism, Genetic	The regular and simultaneous occurrence in a single interbreeding population of two or more discontinuous genotypes. The concept includes differences in genotypes ranging in size from a single nucleotide site (POLYMORPHISM, SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE) to large nucleotide sequences visible at a chromosomal level.	Gene Polymorphism,Genetic Polymorphism,Polymorphism (Genetics),Genetic Polymorphisms,Gene Polymorphisms,Polymorphism, Gene,Polymorphisms (Genetics),Polymorphisms, Gene,Polymorphisms, Genetic
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013649	Taste	The ability to detect chemicals through gustatory receptors in the mouth, including those on the TONGUE; the PALATE; the PHARYNX; and the EPIGLOTTIS.	Gustation,Taste Sense,Gustations,Sense, Taste,Senses, Taste,Taste Senses,Tastes
D013650	Taste Buds	Small sensory organs which contain gustatory receptor cells, basal cells, and supporting cells. Taste buds in humans are found in the epithelia of the tongue, palate, and pharynx. They are innervated by the CHORDA TYMPANI NERVE (a branch of the facial nerve) and the GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL NERVE.	Bud, Taste,Buds, Taste,Taste Bud
D015398	Signal Transduction	The intracellular transfer of information (biological activation/inhibition) through a signal pathway. In each signal transduction system, an activation/inhibition signal from a biologically active molecule (hormone, neurotransmitter) is mediated via the coupling of a receptor/enzyme to a second messenger system or to an ion channel. Signal transduction plays an important role in activating cellular functions, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation. Examples of signal transduction systems are the GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID-postsynaptic receptor-calcium ion channel system, the receptor-mediated T-cell activation pathway, and the receptor-mediated activation of phospholipases. Those coupled to membrane depolarization or intracellular release of calcium include the receptor-mediated activation of cytotoxic functions in granulocytes and the synaptic potentiation of protein kinase activation. Some signal transduction pathways may be part of larger signal transduction pathways; for example, protein kinase activation is part of the platelet activation signal pathway.	Cell Signaling,Receptor-Mediated Signal Transduction,Signal Pathways,Receptor Mediated Signal Transduction,Signal Transduction Pathways,Signal Transduction Systems,Pathway, Signal,Pathway, Signal Transduction,Pathways, Signal,Pathways, Signal Transduction,Receptor-Mediated Signal Transductions,Signal Pathway,Signal Transduction Pathway,Signal Transduction System,Signal Transduction, Receptor-Mediated,Signal Transductions,Signal Transductions, Receptor-Mediated,System, Signal Transduction,Systems, Signal Transduction,Transduction, Signal,Transductions, Signal
D043562	Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled	The largest family of cell surface receptors involved in SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION. They share a common structure and signal through HETEROTRIMERIC G-PROTEINS.	G Protein Coupled Receptor,G-Protein-Coupled Receptor,G-Protein-Coupled Receptors,G Protein Coupled Receptors,Receptor, G-Protein-Coupled,Receptors, G Protein Coupled