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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
07:10
Taste Exam: A Brief and Validated Test
Published on: August 17, 2018
Multiple roles for TRPs in the taste system: not your typical TRPs.
1Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA. kmedler@buffalo.edu
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|February 4, 2011
Summary
Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels are crucial for taste perception. This chapter explores the roles of TRPM5, TRPV1, and PKD1L3/PKD2L1 channels in taste receptor cells.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The peripheral taste system relies on taste buds in the oral cavity.
- Taste receptor cells utilize diverse signaling pathways for taste transduction.
- Salty/sour tastes involve ion detection, while bitter/sweet/umami use G-protein coupled receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the roles of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels in taste cell signaling.
- To review the current understanding of three identified TRP channels in taste perception.
Main Methods:
- This chapter synthesizes existing research on TRP channel function in taste.
- Focuses on the known TRP channels: TRPM5, TRPV1, and the PKD1L3/PKD2L1 heterodimer.
Main Results:
- The specific functions of TRP channels in taste signaling pathways are not fully understood.
- Only three TRP channels (TRPM5, TRPV1, PKD1L3/PKD2L1) have been identified in taste receptor cells to date.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to fully characterize TRP channel involvement in taste transduction.
- Understanding these channels is key to comprehending the peripheral taste system's complexity.
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