Patent ID: 7459277
Filing Date: 2008-12-02
Classification: C07K,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of identifying a compound that modulates taste signal transduction in taste cells, the method comprising the steps of: (i) contacting a test compound with an isolated taste receptor comprising at least one T1R3 polypeptide and not comprising T1R1 or T1R2 and wherein the T1R3 polypeptide is at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:15, 20, 23, 25 or 31; (ii) determining the functional effect of the test compound upon the receptor, wherein said functional effect is binding to the receptor or having an effect on the activity of the receptor; (iii) determining the functional effect of >300 mM natural sugar on the receptor; and (iv) comparing the functional effect of the test compound to the functional effect of >300 mM natural sugar and, identifying the test compound as the compound that modulates taste signal transduction if the effect of the test compound is equal to or greater than the effect of >300 mM natural sugar.