T2R Taste Receptors and Genes Encoding Same

Abstract

Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G Protein-Coupled Receptors and the genes encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T2R taste G Protein-Coupled Receptors that are believed to be involved in bitter taste sensation, and the genes encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating a novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes.

1 - 137 . (canceled) 
     
     
         138 . A composition comprising a recombinant cell, which expresses at least one polypeptide having at least 90% sequence identity to the bitter taste receptor polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 24, wherein the composition further comprises an agent that facilitates the detection of compounds that modulate the signal transduction activity of the at least one polypeptide. 
     
     
         139 . The composition of  claim 138 , wherein the at least one polypeptide has at least 95% sequence identity to the bitter taste receptor polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 24. 
     
     
         140 . The composition of  claim 138 , wherein the at least one polypeptide has at least 98% sequence identity to the bitter taste receptor polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 24. 
     
     
         141 . The composition of  claim 138 , wherein the at least one polypeptide has at least 99% sequence identity to the bitter taste receptor polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 24. 
     
     
         142 . The composition of  claim 138 , wherein the at least one polypeptide is identical to the bitter taste receptor polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 24. 
     
     
         143 . The composition of  claim 138 , wherein the agent detects the effect of the compounds on intracellular sodium, calcium, cAMP, cGMP, or IP3. 
     
     
         144 . The composition of  claim 138 , wherein the agent is a calcium- or sodium-specific fluorescent dye. 
     
     
         145 . The composition of  claim 144 , wherein the agent is a voltage dye. 
     
     
         146 . The composition of  claim 145 , wherein the dye is selected from the group consisting of Fluo-3, Fluo-4, and Fura-2. 
     
     
         147 . The composition of  claim 138 , wherein the recombinant cell further expresses a chimeric G protein that couples to the one or more polypeptides. 
     
     
         148 . The composition of  claim 147 , wherein the cell expresses a G protein that couples to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of Gα15 and Gα16.