Current Progress in Understanding the Structure and Function of Sweet Taste Receptor

The sweet taste receptor, which was identified approximately 20 years ago, mediates sweet taste recognition in humans and other vertebrates. With the development of genomics, metabonomics, structural biology, evolutionary biology, physiology, and neuroscience, as well as technical advances in these areas, our understanding of this important protein has resulted in substantial progress. This article reviews the structure, function, genetics, and evolution of the sweet taste receptor and offers meaningful insights into this G protein-coupled receptor, which may be helpful guidances for personalized feeding, diet, and medicine. Prospective directions for research on sweet taste receptors have also been proposed.

Automated summary

The sweet taste receptor, identified approximately 20 years ago, plays a crucial role in sweet taste recognition in humans and vertebrates. Advancements in genomics, metabolomics, structural biology, evolutionary biology, physiology, and neuroscience have significantly enhanced our understanding of this important protein. Insights provided in this review may guide personalized feeding, diet, and medicine, with proposed prospective research directions on sweet taste receptors.