Gene mapping for taste related phenotypes in humans and mice

• Published in: Appetite Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 189 - 190
• Main Author: Reed, D.R.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01-10-2000; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Chromosome Mapping; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Mice; Olfactory system and olfaction. Gustatory system and gustation; Phenotype; Phenylthiourea; Propylthiouracil; Taste - genetics; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Genetic mapping; Human; Genetic variability; Rodentia; Review; Gustative system; Vertebrata; Phenotype; Mammalia; Gene; Mouse; Animal; Gustation; Genetics; Taste; Comparative study; Bibliographic review
• ISSN: 0195-6663; 1095-8304
• DOI: 10.1006/appe.2000.0347

Within the last several years, new methods in genetics and molecular biology have sharply increased the speed with which genes for complex behaviors can be located and identified. The discovery of the hormone leptin through gene mapping and positional cloning techniques had a large impact on obesity research. Discoveries of novel genes involved in food intake, taste, food preferences and body-weight regulation will be certain to follow. The identification of genes important in the perception and hedonic appreciation of taste will contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of taste transduction and perception. It will also aid us in understanding how taste is related to food preferences and food selection.