| Abstract: | The molecular basis o taste has been extensively studied over many years. The research carried out in our laboratories is focused on the elucidation of detailed structure–taste relationships of peptides and peptidomimetics using an “integrated” approach employing synthesis, analysis of NMR spectra, computer simulations, and X-ray crystallography. Various peptidomimetic residues have been incorporated to introduce predictable structural constraints into taste ligands. These constraints eliminate some of the molecular flexibility and allow us to develop structure–activity relationships. We describe here the topochemical requirements of the sweet and bitter taste receptor(s) and develop detailed structure-taste relationships with considerable predictive power for peptides and related molecules. |
