Putative taste receptor. TAS1R1/TAS1R3 responds to the umami taste stimulus (the taste of monosodium glutamate). TAS1R2/TAS1R3 recognizes diverse natural and synthetic sweeteners. TAS1R3 is essential for the recognition and response to the disaccharide trehalose (By similarity). Sequence differences within and between species can significantly influence the selectivity and specificity of taste responses. Forms homodimers or heterodimers with TAS1R1 and TAS1R2. Belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor 3 family. TAS1R subfamily. The taste experience - Issue 55 of February 2005