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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Taste Exam: A Brief and Validated Test
Published on: August 17, 2018
Theacrine stabilizes the TAS2R14-EGCG complex to potentiates bitter taste signaling in a temperature-dependent
Jizhou Xie1, Jiayue Liu1, Xinrui Huang1
1Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City/College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
Abstract:
Tea bitterness is often perceived as stronger after cooling, particularly in theacrine-containing tea varieties, and arises from synergistic interactions among multiple bitter compounds. Theacrine and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) are major contributors, yet their temperature-dependent interactions remain unclear. This study investigated the influence of theacrine on EGCG bitterness at different temperatures using sensory evaluation, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, site-directed mutagenesis and cell-based calcium assays, and electroencephalography (EEG). Sensory results showed bitterness synergistic effects (σ > 1) between theacrine and EGCG at threshold concentrations at 25, 37, and 45 °C. MD simulations revealed that theacrine stabilizes the TAS2R14-EGCG complex via hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions. Cell-based assays demonstrated stronger TAS2R14-mediated calcium responses at lower temperatures and identified TYR107, PHE198, and HIS276 as important residues. EEG analysis further showed increased cortical delta and beta activity associated with bitter perception. This study provides a cross-modal framework for temperature-dependent bitterness perception and its modulation.
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