TAS2R36 Gene - Bitter Taste Receptor 36
Genetic and functional insights into TAS2R36, a bitter taste receptor involved in sensory perception and potential disease associations.
Gene Information Card
| Symbol | TAS2R36 |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taste 2 Receptor Member 36 |
| Gene Type | protein coding |
| Chromosomal Location | 7q34 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 259293 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/259293 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000187131 |
| UniProt ID | P59536 |
| OMIM ID | 613965 |
| HGNC ID | 18850 |
| Aliases | T2R36, taste receptor type 2 member 36 |
Description
TAS2R36 encodes a member of the bitter taste receptor family (T2Rs), which are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed primarily in taste receptor cells of the tongue and palate. These receptors detect bitter compounds, triggering a signaling cascade that leads to the perception of bitter taste. TAS2R36 is located in a cluster of TAS2R genes on chromosome 7q34. Polymorphisms in TAS2R36 may influence individual differences in bitter taste sensitivity and have been studied for associations with dietary preferences and disease susceptibility.
Disease Associations
| Disease category | Pathophysiological mechanism | Genomic evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Bitter taste perception variation | Genetic variants in TAS2R36 alter receptor function, affecting sensitivity to bitter compounds. | PubMed: 20585620, 21772284 |
| Potential influence on dietary behavior | TAS2R36 variants may modulate bitter taste perception, influencing food choices and nutritional status. | PubMed: 21772284 |
| Association with upper aerodigestive tract cancers (suggestive) | TAS2R36 polymorphisms may affect bitter taste signaling, potentially altering cancer risk through dietary or behavioral factors. | PubMed: 20585620 |
Expression Profile
Tissue Expression
| Tissue | nTPM | level |
|---|---|---|
| Tongue | Not available | High expression in taste buds (based on RNA-seq data from GTEx, but nTPM not specified) |
| Esophagus | Not available | Low expression |
| Stomach | Not available | Low expression |
| Small intestine | Not available | Low expression |
| Lung | Not available | Low expression |
Cell Line Expression
| Cell Line | nTPM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taste receptor cells | Not available | Primary site of expression |
| HEK293 (transfected) | Not available | Used for functional assays of TAS2R36 activation |
Data source：Human Protein Atlas（proteinatlas.org）
Mutations & Variants
Hotspot Mutations
| Variant | Type | Frequency | Functional Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| rs3741845 (Arg299Cys) | SNP | Allele frequency varies by population (e.g., ~0.3 in CEU) | May alter receptor function; associated with bitter taste sensitivity differences. |
| rs3741846 (Val240Ile) | SNP | Allele frequency varies | Potential impact on ligand binding or receptor stability. |
| rs12365989 (intronic) | SNP | Common | No known functional effect; may be used as a marker in association studies. |
Mutation functional classification
Loss of Function (LOF)
Some rare variants may reduce receptor expression or signaling, leading to decreased bitter taste sensitivity.
Gain of Function (GOF)
No clear gain-of-function variants reported; most variants are common SNPs with modest effects.
Dominant Negative (DN)
No evidence for dominant-negative effects in TAS2R36.
View complete mutation data：
Gene Ontology (GO)
| • G protein-coupled receptor activity | • bitter taste receptor activity |
| • plasma membrane | • signal transduction |
| • detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception of bitter taste |
Pathways
• Bitter taste transduction (KEGG: hsa04742)
• GPCR downstream signaling (e.g.
• G-protein beta/gamma complex
• PLC-beta
• IP3
• calcium release)
Protein Summary
TAS2R36 is a 299-amino acid protein with seven transmembrane domains, characteristic of GPCRs. It is expressed on the surface of taste receptor cells and couples to the G protein gustducin. Upon binding bitter ligands, it activates a signaling cascade that leads to intracellular calcium release and neurotransmitter release, ultimately transmitting the bitter taste signal to the brain. The protein is also found in extraoral tissues, suggesting additional physiological roles.
Related Services
Related Products
| Product name | Cat.No. | Species | Gene ID | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAS2R36 Knockout HEK293 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ15618 | Human | 266666 | Details Get a Quote |
| TAS2R36 Knockout HeLa Cell Line | EDJ-KQ45286 | Human | 266666 | Details Get a Quote |
| TAS2R36 Knockout A-549 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ46512 | Human | 266666 | Details Get a Quote |
| TAS2R36 Knockout HCT 116 Cell Line | EDJ-KQ46513 | Human | 266666 | Details Get a Quote |
