The human bitter taste receptor hTAS2R39 is the primary receptor for the bitterness of theaflavins

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2014;78(10):1753-6. doi: 10.1080/09168451.2014.930326. Epub 2014 Jun 26.

Abstract

We purified several hundred mgs of four major theaflavins (theaflavin, theaflavin-3-O-gallate, theaflavin-3'-O-gallate, and theaflavin-3,3'-O-digallate). Among the 25 hTAS2Rs expressed in HEK293T cells, hTAS2R39 and hTAS2R14 were activated by theaflavins. Both hTAS2R39 and hTAS2R14 responded to theaflavin-3'-O-gallate. In addition, hTAS2R39 was activated by theaflavin and theaflavin-3,3'-O-gallate, but not by theaflavin-3-O-gallate. In contrast, hTAS2R14 responded to theaflavin-3-O-gallate.

Keywords: human bitter taste receptor; human bitter taste receptor 14 (hTAS2R14); human bitter taste receptor 39 (hTAS2R39); theaflavins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biflavonoids / metabolism*
  • Biflavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Catechin / metabolism*
  • Catechin / pharmacology*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Taste Perception / drug effects*

Substances

  • Biflavonoids
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • TAS2R39 protein, human
  • theaflavin
  • Catechin
  • Calcium