Combined influence of TAS2R38 genotype and PROP phenotype on the intensity of basic tastes, astringency and pungency in the Italian taste project

The combined influence of TAS2R38 genotype and PROP phenotype on oral sensations is still to be clarified. present work investigates their the intensity basic tastes somatosensory stimuli (capsaicin, aluminium sulphate), using a large cohort 1117 individuals. possible influences gustin fungiform papillae density were also assessed. was mainly associated with AVI/AVI individuals reporting lowest mean bitterness (12.6 ± 1.26), PAV/AVI rating lower (46.53 0.93) than PAV/PAV (54.14 1.33). However, 25% subjects reported perception higher ‘moderate’ small percentages both responded very little stimulation. significantly affected ratings all tastant solutions ST giving highest NT lowest. An unexpected systematic effect diplotype perceived found, solution for stimuli. Recursive partitioning analysis used determine explanatory variables (TAS2R38 diplotype, status, age gender) each solution. Regression trees indicated that most important variable explaining differences in astringency, when compared responsiveness, gender, age. Gender primary determinant heightened pungency. status second influential models, limited only sweetness umami perception. No significant variations taste found association polymorphism or density. These findings call re-examination notion gene uniquely controls tasting future research devoted more in-depth genetic characterization group its associations other polymorphisms.