T1R3: a human calcium taste receptor
Michael G Tordoff1, Laura K Alarcón, Sitaram Valmeki
1Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. tordoff@monell.org
Scientific Reports
|July 10, 2012
Summary
Humans can taste calcium, with the T1R3 receptor playing a key role. lactisole, a T1R3 inhibitor, reduces the perception of calcium taste, confirming this taste pathway.
Area of Science:
- * Sensory science
- * Molecular biology
- * Human physiology
Background:
- * While many animals can taste calcium, human ability and mechanisms remain largely unknown.
- * Understanding calcium taste perception is crucial for dietary science and food technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate whether humans possess the ability to taste calcium.
- * To identify the specific receptor involved in human calcium taste detection.
- * To determine the effect of lactisole on calcium taste perception in humans.
Main Methods:
- * Utilized human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells transfected with the human T1R3 (hT1R3) receptor.
- * Assessed cellular response to calcium stimulation and the effect of lactisole.
- * Conducted sensory evaluation with trained volunteers using calcium lactate and lactisole.
Main Results:
- * Calcium activated hTAS1R3-transfected HEK293 cells, indicating receptor interaction.
- * Lactisole significantly attenuated the calcium-induced cellular response.
- * Trained volunteers reported reduced perceived intensity of calcium lactate in the presence of lactisole.
Conclusions:
- * Humans possess the ability to detect calcium through taste.
- * The T1R3 receptor is a key component of the human calcium taste system.
- * Lactisole effectively reduces the perception of calcium taste by acting on the T1R3 receptor.
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