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Olfaction: it makes a world of scents
1Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California at Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA. swooding@tastegenes.org
Current Biology : CB
|August 24, 2013
Summary
Genetic mutations in odorant receptors influence how individuals perceive smells from food and flowers. Recombination of these genes creates diverse olfactory abilities within populations.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Olfactory Neuroscience
- Sensory Biology
Background:
- Olfactory perception relies on odorant receptors (ORs).
- Genetic variations in OR genes are known to affect smell sensitivity.
- Individual differences in olfactory perception are widespread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between mutations in odorant receptor genes and olfactory perception.
- To understand how genetic recombination contributes to variations in sensory ability.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of odorant receptor gene mutations.
- Correlation studies between genetic variations and olfactory perception of specific compounds.
- Examination of genetic recombination mechanisms in OR gene families.
Main Results:
- Specific mutations in odorant receptor genes were found to predict olfactory perception of common food and floral odorants.
- Genetic recombination was identified as a mechanism generating significant combinatorial variation in olfactory abilities among individuals.
Conclusions:
- Odorant receptor gene mutations are key determinants of individual olfactory perception.
- Genetic diversity in olfactory receptor genes, driven by recombination, underlies the wide spectrum of human smell sensitivity.
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