The roles of type 1 and type 2 taste receptors in bone remodeling: A literature review

Taste sensitivity in humans varies due to quantitative and qualitative differences in the structure of the sense-perception organs. Taste perception is caused by the interaction of peripheral chemosensory organs, transmitted from the taste receptors of the taste buds on the tongue to the brain. Interestingly, taste receptors, which are classified into four types, are not only found in the oral cavity; they are also present at extraoral sites. Taste receptor type 1 (TAS1R) and type 2 (TAS2R) regulate bone remodeling. This review focuses on the effects of TAS1R1, TAS2R, TAS1R2, and TAS1R3, all of which belong to the family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) related to bone remodeling. A summary of the clinical evidence that taste receptors play an essential role in bone remodeling is also provided.