PKD2L1

PKD2L1 (Polycystic Kidney Disease 2-Like 1): PKD2L1, a member of the polycystic kidney disease (PKD) family, is a transmembrane protein predominantly expressed in sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system and certain epithelial cells. It plays a crucial role in chemosensation and mechanosensation, particularly in taste perception and the detection of sour taste stimuli. PKD2L1 functions as a non-selective cation channel, facilitating the influx of ions upon activation by extracellular stimuli, thereby triggering cellular responses. Beyond its role in taste sensation, PKD2L1 has been implicated in other physiological processes such as gastrointestinal sensory transduction and regulation of blood pressure. Dysregulation or mutations in PKD2L1 have been associated with altered taste perception and sensory processing disorders. Understanding the function of PKD2L1 provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sensory perception and may offer potential targets for therapeutic interventions in taste-related disorders.