For the first time, it was map there 3D structure of receptor present on ours tongue which allows us to savor the sweet things, key to the exhaustible desire for chocolate, cakes and candies: so far, in fact, it was Note its chemical formula but not the exact shapea bit like knowing the recipe for a cake but not its final appearance. The result, published in the Cell magazine, is due to the group of researchers led by the US Columbia University Zuckerman Institute, and it is a fundamental step forward that opens up to the possibility of regulate the desire for sugarfor example through new sweeteners.
Researchers coordinated by Charles Zuker took about 3 years to complete the company, mainly because the sweet taste receptor proved to be extremely difficult to obtain in the laboratory. Once this obstacle has been passed, they used the electronic criticroscopy to analyze the receptor: This technique shoots beams of electrons towards the frozen molecules to capture instantaneously from different angles, in order to finally reconstruct the entire three -dimensional structure in an extremely detailed way.
In particular, the authors of the study managed to reveal the point structure Exactly in which sweet foods bind to the receptortriggering the reactions that guide ours desire for the dessert. “Defining this receptor’s link site with extreme precision is absolutely fundamental to understand its function,” says Anthony Fitzpatrick, co-author of the research. “Knowing its exact shape, we can understand why sweeteners attach themselves to it – adds Fitzpatrick – and how to create or find better molecules that activate the receptor or regulate the function”.
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I am a journalist with over 6 years of experience working in the news industry. I currently work as an author for Global Happenings, and my coverage focuses on Technology news. I have written for various publications, including Reuters, The New York Times and The Guardian.
