Publications (3)2.6 Total impact
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Article: Genetic variation in the odorant receptor OR2J3 is associated with the ability to detect the "grassy" smelling odor, cis-3-hexen-1-ol.
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ABSTRACT: The ability to detect many odors varies among individuals; however, the contribution of genotype to this variation has been assessed for relatively few compounds. We have identified a genetic basis for the ability to detect the flavor compound cis-3-hexen-1-ol. This compound is typically described as "green grassy" or the smell of "cut grass," with variation in the ability to detect it linked to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a region on human chromosome 6 containing 25 odorant receptor genes. We have sequenced the coding regions of all 25 receptors across an ethnically mixed population of 52 individuals and identified 147 sequence variants. We tested these for association with cis-3-hexen-1-ol detection thresholds and found 3 strongly associated SNPs, including one found in a functional odorant receptor (rs28757581 in OR2J3). In vitro assays of 13 odorant receptors from the region identified 3 receptors that could respond to cis-3-hexen-1-ol, including OR2J3. This gene contained 5 predicted haplotypes across the 52 individuals. We tested all 5 haplotypes in vitro and several amino acid substitutions on their own, such as rs28757581 (T113A). Two amino acid substitutions, T113A and R226Q, impaired the ability of OR2J3 to respond to cis-3-hexen-1-ol, and together these two substitutions effectively abolished the response to the compound. The haplotype of OR2J3 containing both T113A and R226Q explains 26.4% of the variation in cis-3-hexen-1-ol detection in our study cohort. Further research is required to examine whether OR2J3 haplotypes explain variation in perceived flavor experience and the consumption of foods containing cis-3-hexen-1-ol.Chemical Senses 06/2012; 37(7):585-93. · 2.60 Impact Factor -
Article: Consumer preferences for fresh and aged apples: a cross-cultural comparison
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ABSTRACT: Sensory preference for three apple varieties varying in degree of mealiness was investigated among British and Danish consumers. The experimental design was reflected in the sensory profiles, where differences in flavour were mainly related to varieties and differences in texture mainly to mealiness condition. Internal preference mapping showed that preference was more strongly related to variety than mealiness condition. Overall, Boskoop apples were less preferred than Cox and Jonagold. Mealiness was considered a negative quality attribute associated with fluffy appearance, stale flavour and floury and granular texture. The preference patterns for British and Danish consumers were similar and reflected no cross-cultural differences. Differences between individuals varying in Private Body Consciousness (PBC) were not reflected in the preference patterns. Internal preference maps obtained from high and low PBC individuals were largely similar. However, high PBC individuals appeared to rely more strongly on the sensory characteristics of apples than low PBC individuals when forming preference ratings.Food Quality and Preference. -
Article: A preliminary investigation into a genetic basis for cis-3-hexen-1-ol odour perception: A genome-wide association approach
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ABSTRACT: Odour perception is controlled by environmental and genetic influences. Most people can discriminate over 10,000 different odours, but the molecular basis of this ability is poorly understood. Little is known about which odorant receptors (ORs) detect what odour compounds, and additional research is required to gain knowledge of why detection thresholds for some odorants vary 1000-fold, or more, across people. The primary purpose of this paper is to describe a research strategy for investigating the genetic basis of human odour perception. Background information on human olfaction, human genetics and the associated research approaches is presented. This is followed by a case study on cis-3-hexen-1-ol, a compound which contributes to the ‘green leaf’ odour (and flavour) in fruit, vegetables and wine. Odour detection threshold data for 48 participants were obtained using the rating R-index methodology. The ability to perceive cis-3-hexen-1-ol odour was tested for association with genetic variability on a genome-wide scale by microarray probe genotyping. A group of significant SNPs on chromosome 6 around the SNP rs9295791 was identified and these localise with a cluster of OR genes which could potentially be involved in perception of cis-3-hexen-1-ol. Further steps required to identify genes and alleles that encode the different ability to perceive cis-3-hexen-1-ol are outlined.Food Quality and Preference.
