Do polymorphisms in chemosensory genes matter for human ingestive behavior?

ABSTRACT: In the last decade, basic research in chemoreceptor genetics and neurobiology have revolutionized our understanding of individual differences in chemosensation. From an evolutionary perspective, chemosensory variations appear to have arisen in response to different living environments, generally in the avoidance of toxins and to better detect vital food sources. Today, it is often assumed that these differences may drive variable food preferences and choices, with downstream effects on health and wellness. A growing body of evidence indicates chemosensory variation is far more complex than previously believed. However, just because a genetic polymorphism results in altered receptor function in cultured cells or even behavioral phenotypes in the laboratory, this variation may not be suffici

SUBMITTER: Hayes JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3714112 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature