This gene product belongs to the family of candidate taste receptors that are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily. These proteins are specifically expressed in the taste receptor cells of the tongue and palate epithelia. They are organized in the genome in clusters and are genetically linked to loci that influence bitter perception in mice and humans. In functional expression studies, they respond to bitter tastants. This gene maps to the taste receptor gene cluster on chromosome 12p13. TAS2R8 (Taste 2 Receptor Member 8) is a Protein Coding gene. Among its related pathways are Peptide ligand-binding receptors and Taste transduction. GO annotations related to this gene include G-protein coupled receptor activity and taste receptor activity. An important paralog of this gene is TAS2R9.