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Polymorphic variants in Sweet and Umami taste receptor genes and birthweight

Riccardo Farinella1, Ilaria Erbi1, Alice Bedini2

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

Scientific Reports
|March 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variants in the TAS1R1 gene are linked to increased birth weight. This finding highlights the role of taste receptor genes in early development and their potential long-term health implications.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • The first thousand days of life critically influence long-term health.
  • Birth weight is a key indicator of infant growth and neurological development.
  • Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) suggest a significant genetic basis for birth weight, but much remains unidentified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between genetic variants in taste receptor genes and birth weight.
  • To explore the role of TAS1R1 and TAS1R3 genes in early human development.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in taste receptor genes, specifically TAS1R1.
  • Statistical analysis to determine the relationship between TAS1R1-rs4908932 genotypes and birth weight.
  • Linkage disequilibrium analysis to assess the functional significance of the identified SNP.

Main Results:

  • Carriers of the T allele at the TAS1R1-rs4908932 SNP locus exhibited significantly increased birth weight (Coeff: 87.40, p=0.001).
  • The association remained statistically significant after multiple testing correction.
  • The TAS1R1-rs4908932 SNP is in linkage disequilibrium with a variant previously associated with adult Body Mass Index (BMI).

Conclusions:

  • Genetic variations in the TAS1R1 gene influence birth weight.
  • The TAS1R1-rs4908932 SNP may have functional implications for development from conception through adulthood.
  • Taste receptor genes represent a promising area for understanding the genetic determinants of birth weight and subsequent health.

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