Abstract: Binding assays for identifying compounds that induce or modulate the T1R1/T1R3 (umami) receptor-associated taste are provided. These binding assays detect the specific binding of a compound to a T1R1/T1R3 (umami) taste receptor or detect the modulation (inhibition or enhancement) of the binding of another compound, e.g., L-glutamate, L-aspartate or lactisole to a T1R1/T1R3 umami taste receptor. Compounds that are identified in these binding assays have potential application as T1R1/T1R3 umami taste modulators and therefore can be used as flavor additives in compositions for human or animal consumption.

Abstract: Methods for expressing a functional heteromeric taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli are provided. These methods comprise the co-expression of T1R2 and T1R3 nucleic acid sequences in a host cell that desirably further expresses a G protein that couples therewith, e.g., G&agr;15, G&agr;16 or gustducin. In preferred embodiments, the host cells will be mammalian cells or Xenopus oocytes. These nucleic acid sequences are expressed constitutively or under inducible conditions. In preferred embodiments the expression methods will use HEK-293 cells that also stably express G&agr;15. These methods give rise to heteromeric receptors and compositions containing that are useful in assays for identifying novel sweeteners and sweetness modulators.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.