Phenome-wide investigation of dietary and health outcomes associated with bitter taste receptor gene TAS2R38.

Abstract

Background: Bitter taste receptor gene TAS2R38 determines our ability to perceive the bitter substances phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and propylthiouracil (PROP). Despite being extensively investigated, its potential correlations with dietary and health outcomes remain inconclusive. This study aims to validate previous findings observed in small studies and explore novel associations using publicly available summary results statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Methods: We examine the associations between three TAS2R38 variants (rs713598, rs1726866, and rs10246939) and 139 food liking traits and 29 food intake traits using GWAS data from the UK Biobank (N up to 445,779 individuals of European ancestry). We further search for their associations with health outcomes in published GWASs using three online platforms OpenGWAS, Open Targets, and GWAS Atlas.

Results: The bitter sensitive alleles were associated with reduced preferences for and/or consumption of horseradish, salty food, grapefruit, and alcohol (but only for whiskey, red wine, and spirits), increased preferences for cucumber and melon, and increased consumption of tea (p < Bonferroni-corrected threshold of 0.00128). We identified novel associations between bitter sensitive alleles and impaired renal function, indicated by increased serum creatinine levels (p = 9.80 × 10^-5), decreased urinary proline betaine levels (p = 3.18 × 10^-3), and an elevated risk of bipolar disorder (p = 4.01 × 10^-5).

Conclusion: This study highlights the potential impact of the TAS2R38 genotype on food preference, consumption, renal function, and bipolar disorder. Further research on genetic links will facilitate the development of targeted interventions and public health strategies to mitigate diet-related health risks.