Screening methods using canine t2r receptors and pet food products and compositions identified using the same

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods of screening raw materials and pet food products to manufacture a palatable pet food product. The presently disclosed subject matter also relates to methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity and/or expression of a bitter taste receptor.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for modulating intensity of a bitter taste of a pet food product, the method comprising:
 (a) providing the pet food product; and   (b) combining the pet food product with a compound in amount effective to modulate the bitter taste of the pet food product;
 wherein the compound binds to one or more amino acids of a canine bitter taste receptor T2R2 comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18; and wherein the one or more amino acids of the canine bitter taste receptor T2R2 are selected from the group consisting of Ser94, Trp90, Lys268, Tyr245, Glu180, Arg176, Met91, Asn185, Val184, Met181, Phe249, Pro155, Gln177, Lys174, Phe264, Phe93, Leu59, Met271, Phe246, and Leu188. 
   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising determining biological activity of the canine T2R2 bitter taste receptor. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound increases the intensity of a bitter taste of a pet food product. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound decreases the intensity of a bitter taste of a pet food product. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound binds to one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of Ser94, Trp90, Lys268, Tur245, and Glu180. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound binds to one or more amino acids selected from Art 176 or Met 91. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound binds to one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of Asn185, Val184, Met181, Phe249, Pro155, Gln177, Lys174, Phe264, Phe93, Leu59, Met271, Phe246, and Leu188. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound binds to two or more amino acids. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound binds to three or more amino acids. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound binds to five or more amino acids.