gustducin


gust·duc·in

(gŭst'dus-in), A protein messenger in taste buds that is activated in response to sweet and bitter tastes; gustducin is a G-protein α-subunit. [L. gustus, taste, + duco, to lead, induce, + -in]

gustducin

A protein that is released when the taste receptors in the mouth detect a bitter compound. This protein triggers a cascade of reactions that finally sends sensory messages to the brain cause the experience of a bitter taste. Gustducin blockers have been developed in the expectation that a food additive might remove unpleasant flavours from foods. This may be expected to exacerbate the obesity pandemic in the Western world.