Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a gene that causes the expression of a taste receptor for fat, suggesting that some people are more genetically inclined to detect the taste of fat than others. The gene, called CD36, is associated with the production of CD36 protein. A genetic variant in the CD36 gene is linked with less CD36 protein production, resulting in decreased sensitivity to the taste of fat. Alternatively, high CD36 protein production leads to increased sensitivity to fat. Production of the CD36 protein in animals is influenced by both genetics and diet. A diet high in fat leads to decreased production of CD36 protein and in turn creates less sensitivity to fat. This finding follows research that had previously identified a role for this gene in rats.
