Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that modulate the T1R1/T1R3 umami taste receptors are provided. These methods comprise screening one or more compounds in a binding assay which identifies compounds that specifically bind to a T1R1/T1R3 taste receptor or which specifically modulate the specific binding of another compound to a T1R1/T1R3 taste receptor, and identifying compounds that elicit or modulate T1R1/T1R3 taste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners. Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors which function as hetero-oligomeric complexes in the sweet taste transduction pathway, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in sweet taste signaling as hetero-oligomeric complexes, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for identifying putative taste modulating compounds using such hetero-oligomeric complexes also described, as is a novel surface expression facilitating peptide useful for targeting integral plasma membrane proteins to the surface of a cell.

Abstract: Binding assays for identifying compounds that induce or modulate the T1R2/T1R3 (sweet) receptor associated taste are provided. These binding assays detect the specific binding or a component to a T1R2/T1R3 (sweet) taste receptor or detect modulation (inhibition or enhancement) of the binding of another compound, e.g., saccharin or another sweetener to a T1R2/T1R3 (sweet) taste receptor. Compounds that are identified in these binding assays have potential application of T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptor modulators and can be used as flavor additives in compositions for human or animal consumption.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrophysiological assays that measure sodium conductance activity of a delta human epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the presence and absence of delta hENaC enhancers. Also, the invention generally relates to assays for identifying compounds that enhance the activity of delta hENaC, especially in an oocyte expression system. These compounds have potential application in modulating (enhancing) salty taste perception.

Abstract: Methods of quantifying the taste of compounds for food and beverages are provided. These methods comprise contacting the compounds with an isolated heteromeric receptor comprising at least one T1R1 polypeptide and at least one T1R3 polypeptide.

Abstract: Methods of modifying taste sensation in an animal are provided. These methods comprise administrating compounds that modulate T1R1/T1R3 or T1R2/T1R3 receptors.

Abstract: Methods of quantifying the taste of compounds for food and beverages are provided. These methods comprise contacting the compounds with an isolated heteromeric receptor comprising at least one T1R2 polypeptide and at least one T1R3 polypeptide.

Abstract: Heteromeric taste receptors are provided. These receptors comprise a first polypeptide which comprises extracellular and transmembrane domains wherein the transmembrane domains are at least 95% identical to the transmembrane domains of specific T1R2 polypeptides, and the extracellular domains are at least 95% identical to the corresponding extracellular domains of the specific T1R2 polypeptide or a different GPCR; and a second polypeptide which comprises extracellular and transmembrane domains wherein the transmembrane domains are at least 95% identical to the transmembrane domains of specific T1R3 polypeptides, and the extracellular domains are at least 95% identical to the corresponding extracellular domains of the specific T1R3 polypeptide or that of a different GPCR.

Abstract: Heteromeric taste receptors are provided. These receptors comprise a first polypeptide containing extracellular domains and transmembrane domains wherein the extracellular domains are at least 95% identical to the extracellular domains of specific T1R2 polypeptides and the transmembrane domains are at least 95% identical to the corresponding transmembrane domains of the specific T1R2 polypeptide or a different GPCR; and a second polypeptide comprising extracellular and transmembrane domains wherein the extracellular domains are at least 95% identical to the extracellular domains of specific T1R3 polypeptides and the transmembrane domains are at least 95% identical to the corresponding transmembrane domains of the specific T1R3 polypeptide or a different GPCR.

Abstract: Heteromeric taste receptors are provided. These receptors comprise a first polypeptide which comprises extracellular and transmembrane domains wherein the transmembrane domains are at least 95% identical to the transmembrane domains of specific T1R1 polypeptides, and the extracellular domains are at least 95% identical to the corresponding extracellular domains of the specific T1R1 polypeptide or a different GPCR; and a second polypeptide which comprises extracellular and transmembrane domains wherein the transmembrane domains are at least 95% identical to the transmembrane domains of specific T1R3 polypeptides, and the extracellular domains are at least 95% identical to the corresponding extracellular domains of the specific T1R3 polypeptide or that of a different GPCR.

Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that modulate the T1R1/T1R3 umami taste receptors are provided. These methods comprise screening for compounds that compete with lactisole for binding to and/or inhibiting the T1R1/T1R3 umami taste receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners. Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting umami taste receptors are provided. These methods comprise contacting T1R1/T1R3 umami taste receptors with a sweet-taste inhibitor that also inhibits both the T1R1/T1R3 umami taste receptor and the T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptor.

Abstract: Heteromeric taste receptors are provided. These receptors comprise a first polypeptide containing extracellular domains and transmembrane domains wherein the extracellular domains are at least 95% identical to the extracellular domains of specific T1R1 polypeptides and the transmembrane domains are at least 95% identical to the corresponding transmembrane domains of the specific T1R1 polypeptide or a different GPCR; and a second polypeptide comprising extracellular and transmembrane domains wherein the extracellular domains are at least 95% identical to the extracellular domains of specific T1R3 polypeptides and the transmembrane domains are at least 95% identical to the corresponding transmembrane domains of the specific T1R3 polypeptide or a different GPCR.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors which function as hetero-oligomeric complexes in the sweet taste transduction pathway, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in sweet taste signaling as hetero-oligomeric complexes, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for identifying putative taste modulating compounds using such hetero-oligomeric complexes also described, as is a novel surface expression facilitating peptide useful for targeting integral plasma membrane proteins to the surface of a cell.

Abstract: A subgenus of olfactory receptors (ORs) that are activated by isovaleric acid (IVA) are identified as well as assays that utilize one or more of these ORs. These assays are useful for identifying potential anti-odorants which may be used in deodorants, air and carpet fresheners, fabric deodorizers, and other compositions for camouflaging odor attributable to IVA and related carboxylic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners. Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel rationale and methods for identifying taste-specific genes, including genes involved in salty taste perception, especially human salty taste perception, but also genes involved in sweet, bitter, umami, and sour taste perception, and genes involved in other taste cell or taste receptor related activities such as digestive function and digestive related diseases, taste cell turnover, immunoregulation of the oral and digestive tract, and metabolic regulation such as in diabetes and obesity, the genes identified using these methods, and assays for identifying taste modulators (enhancers or blockers) and potential therapeutics using these genes. These compounds have potential application in modulating (enhancing or blocking) taste perception, especially salty taste perception and as potential therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners. Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions.