New insight into the molecular determinants of function, diversity and
evolution of sweet taste receptors T1R2/T1R3 in primates
Abstract
Sweet taste is a primary sensation for the preference and adaption of
primates to diet, which is crucial for their survival and fitness. It is
clear now that the sweet perception is mediated by a G protein-coupled
receptor (GPCR)-sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3, and many behavioral or
physiological experiments have revealed the diverse sweet taste
preferences and sensitivities in primates. However, the
structure-function relationship of T1R2s/T1R3s in primates, especially
the molecular basis for their species-specific sweet taste, has not be
well understood until now. In this study, we performed a comprehensive
sequence, structural and functional analysis of sweet taste receptors in
primates to elucidate the molecular determinants mediating their
species-dependent sweet taste recognition. Our results indicate
obviously distinct taxonomic distribution and classification, as well as
significant characteristics (interaction, coevolution and epistasis) for
several subsets of function-related potential residues, which could
partly account for the previously reported behavioral and physiological
results of taste perception in primates. Moreover, the prosimians
Lemuriformes species, which were reported to have no sensitivity to
aspartame, could be proposed to be aspartame tasters based on the
present analysis. Collectively, our study provides new insights and
promotes a better understanding for the diversity, function and
evolution of sweet taste receptors in primates.