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Sweet and umami TAS1R receptors: from molecular recognition to physiological function.
Clémence Cornut1, Christine Belloir1, Adeline Karolkowski1
1Université Bourgogne Europe, Institut Agro, CNRS, INRAE, UMR CSGA, 21000 Dijon, France.
Chemical Senses
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Sweet and umami taste receptors (TAS1R) detect carbohydrates and proteins, respectively. These G protein-coupled receptors are found in the mouth and gut, playing roles in nutrient detection and metabolism.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular Biology
- * Neuroscience
- * Physiology
Background:
- * Sweet and umami taste perception is mediated by TAS1R2/TAS1R3 and TAS1R1/TAS1R3 G protein-coupled receptors.
- * These receptors signal carbohydrate and protein content, crucial for nutrient detection and energy intake.
- * TAS1R receptors are expressed beyond the oral cavity, including the gut, with largely unknown functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review the current knowledge on TAS1R receptors since their discovery.
- * To summarize structure-function analyses, evolution, and expression of TAS1R genes.
- * To describe the molecular mechanisms of sweet and umami tastant recognition.
Main Methods:
- * Literature review of studies on TAS1R receptors.
- * Analysis of structure-function relationships.
- * Examination of evolutionary and expression data.
Main Results:
- * Detailed overview of TAS1R receptor discovery and characterization.
- * Elucidation of molecular basis for tastant recognition.
- * Insights into the role of TAS1Rs in nutrient detection and metabolic regulation.
Conclusions:
- * TAS1R receptors are key mediators of sweet and umami taste.
- * Their extraoral expression suggests broader roles in nutrient sensing and metabolism.
- * Further research is needed to fully understand their physiological functions beyond taste perception.
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