Taste Receptor Type 2 Member 13 (TAS2R13)

TAS2R13 belongs to the family of candidate taste receptors that are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily. These proteins are specifically expressed in the taste receptor cells of the tongue and palate epithelia. They are organized in the genome in clusters and are genetically linked to loci that influence bitter perception in mice and humans. They respond to bitter tastants. Six encode receptors related to TRB2, and 2 are pseudogenes. RT-PCR detected expression of mouse Trb2 and Trb3 in the circumvallate and foliate taste papillae, as well as the tip of the tongue, which contains fungiform taste papillae, and the palate, which also contains taste buds. Trb2 and Trb3 expression was not detected in the vomeronasal organ, but appropriately sized PCR products were obtained from the testis.