Patent ID: 9012161
Filing Date: 2015-04-21
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of identifying a molecule that provides or enhances a sweet taste in the mouth comprising: (a) contacting a test molecule with a mammalian cell or cell line that expresses a sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) and a potassium inwardly-rectifying channel (Kir) via an ATP-gated K+ channel (K (b)(i) measuring the electrophysiological or functional activity of the K (b)(ii) measuring or detecting the nuclear localization of SUR1 in the contacted cell or cell line; wherein a change in the nuclear localization of SUR1 in the contacted cell or cell line relative to the nuclear localization of SUR1 in the negative control indicates a test molecule that provides or modulates a sweet taste; wherein the negative control is the same mammalian cell or cell line contacted by a control molecule known to not provide or enhance a sweet taste in the mouth; or the same cell or cell line not contacted by a test or control molecule.