Taste receptors, a subclass of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are primarily known for detecting flavors on the tongue. However, recent findings suggest that these receptors are also expressed in the brain and other tissues, playing broader physiological roles beyond taste perception.
This study aims to investigate how genomic variants in taste receptor genes influence brain connectivity and physiological traits. Specifically, we will:
Identify population-specific genomic variants by comparing taste receptor gene variants between the UK Biobank and the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES).
Assess the functional significance of these variants by analyzing their associations with metabolic traits, immune regulation, and diseases.
Examine interactions between taste receptor variants and brain connectivity by integrating UK Biobank neuroimaging data, including functional MRI.
Our research will contribute to understanding the role of taste receptor genetics in neural communication and human health. By exploring population-specific variations and their functional effects, we aim to provide insights that may support the development of precision medicine and therapeutic strategies targeting taste receptor-mediated physiological regulation.
