T1R and T2R receptors: the modulation of incretin hormones and potential targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is characterized by insulin and glucose dysregulation, is a major contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease, renal failure and premature death. Incretin hormones are released from the intestines upon nutrient ingestion and contribute to glucose homeostasis in part by promoting insulin secretion from the pancreas. Drugs that enhance the incretin response have emerged as effective treatments for T2DM. Several recent studies have revealed that incretin secretion from enteroendocrine cells in the intestines can be modulated by T1R and T2R receptors, proteins that have been demonstrated to function as taste receptors. This review focuses on the intriguing finding that taste receptors may be involved in modulating the incretin response, and considers T1Rs and T2Rs as potential targets for new hypoglycemic drugs.