Genetic variation in the TAS2R38 taste receptor contributes to the oral microbiota in North and South European locations: a pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Background Microbial communities are influenced by environmental factors including host genetics. We investigated the relationship between host bitter taste receptor genotype hTAS2R38 and oral microbiota, together with the influence of geographical location. Methods hTAS2R38 polymorphisms and 16S bacterial gene sequencing from oral samples were analyzed from a total of 45 healthy volunteers from different geographical locations. Results Genetic variation in the bitter taste receptor TAS2R38 reflected in the microbial composition of oral mucosa in Finnish and Spanish subjects. Multivariate analysis showed significant differences in the microbial composition between country and also dependent on taste genotype. Oral microbiota was shown to be more stable to the geographical location impact among AVI-homozygotes than PAV-homozygotes or heterozygotes (PAV/AVI). Conclusion Geographical location and genetic variation in the hTAS2R38 taste receptor impact oral mucosa microbial composition. These findings provide an advance in the knowledge regarding the interactions between taste receptor genes and oral microbiota. This study suggests the role of host-microbiota interactions on the food taste perception in food choices, nutrition, and eating behavior.

Keywords

• TAS2R38 taste receptor
• Oral microbiota
• Genetic variation
• Cross-cultural study
• Geographical location
• Food and nutrition