Can Salivary Components Predict Subject Responsiveness to Taste?
Lead Research Organisation:
King's College London
Department Name: Dental Institute
Abstract
The aim of the project is to determine if endogenous components in saliva affect taste. Taste varies widely
between subjects for unknown reasons. The receptors have been largely characterised and some genetic
variation exists but this project aims to determine if the metabolome influences taste. Bacteria in the mouth
are able to utilise glycoproteins in saliva to produce small molecules (eg butyrate) whilst the body also
contributes other metabolites (such as lactate). NMR is an approach that covers a wide range of small
molecules and will be used as a first approach.
between subjects for unknown reasons. The receptors have been largely characterised and some genetic
variation exists but this project aims to determine if the metabolome influences taste. Bacteria in the mouth
are able to utilise glycoproteins in saliva to produce small molecules (eg butyrate) whilst the body also
contributes other metabolites (such as lactate). NMR is an approach that covers a wide range of small
molecules and will be used as a first approach.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Guy Carpenter (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Alexander Gardner (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M015211/1 | 01/01/2016 | 31/12/2019 | |||
| 1723122 | Studentship | BB/M015211/1 | 04/01/2016 | 03/01/2020 | Alexander Gardner |
| Description | To date we have found evidence that bacteria in the mouth are responsible for producing many metabolites in saliva and their is preliminary data that these metabolites might be affecting taste perception. We have gained stronger evidence that bacterial derived and bacterial modulated metabolites in the oral cavity have associations with the perceptions of various taste modalities. We are in the process of moving from an association to try and demonstrate causation. |
| Exploitation Route | The ongoing findings could ultimately lead to further understanding of environmental factors that contribute taste perception and would serve as important factors for future research into taste perception in clinical and industrial research in this field. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |