TAS2R38: Proteins and Enzymes

The STAS2R38 gene encodes a 333 amino acid long, 37 kDA taste receptor type 2 member 38 protein that obtains the ability to identify the perception of bitterness as it obtains the capabilities of tasting glucosinolates. Additionally, many believe that this receptor has the ability to stimulate alpha gustducin to regulate PLC-beta-2 activation. In doing so, it would lead to the gating of TRPM5. Therefore, the STAS2R38 gene is involved in taste transduction and bitter taste signaling. It has been researched regarding its role in thyroiditis, dental caries, nicotine dependence, motion sickness, phenylthiocarbamide tasting, coronary heart disease, alcoholism, and twining.