Lena Ball, Tim Frey, Franziska Haag, Stephanie Frank, Sandra Hoffmann, Matthias Laska, Martin Steinhaus, Klaus Neuhaus, Dietmar Krautwurst
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Geosmin, a ubiquitous volatile sesquiterpenoid of microbiological origin, is causative for deteriorating the quality of many foods, beverages, and drinking water, by eliciting an undesirable "earthy/musty" off-flavor. Moreover, and across species from worm to human, geosmin is a volatile, chemosensory trigger of both avoidance and attraction behaviors, suggesting its role as semiochemical. Volatiles typically are detected by chemosensory receptors of the nose, which have evolved to best detect ecologically relevant food-related odorants and semiochemicals. An insect receptor for geosmin was recently identified in flies. A human geosmin-selective receptor, however, has been elusive. Here, we report on the identification and characterization of a human odorant receptor for geosmin, with its function being conserved in orthologs across six mammalian species. Notably, the receptor from the desert-dwelling kangaroo rat showed a more than 100-fold higher sensitivity compared to its human ortholog and detected geosmin at low nmol/L concentrations in extracts from geosmin-producing actinomycetes.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry publishes high-quality, cutting edge original research representing complete studies and research advances dealing with the chemistry and biochemistry of agriculture and food. The Journal also encourages papers with chemistry and/or biochemistry as a major component combined with biological/sensory/nutritional/toxicological evaluation related to agriculture and/or food.