Rehovot Scientists Sniff Out Genetics of Smell

Researchers from the Weizmann Institute have identified a gene associated with sensitivity to the odor of sweat, revealing one way in which varying olfactory acuity might be accounted for. Working with molecular genetics Professor Doron Lancet, research student Idan Menashe conducted an experiment in which a team of volunteers sniffed compounds imbued with the odor of banana, eucalyptus, spearmint and sweat. Noting the sensitivity with which the subjects perceived the scent, the researchers cross-referenced the results against genetic profiles relating to one gene known as OR11H7P. Their findings, published recently in the open-source journal PLoS, note a correlation between the presence of the gene, the number of times the gene is found, and a capacity for smelling isovaleric acid, which mimics the odor of sweat. The discovery will bolster the Institute's Human Olfactory Receptor Data Exploratorium project, which aims to supply an overview of the evolution, structure and function of the entire olfactory gene family.

Source: November 25 - December 1, 2007 News. Israel21c.org [FullText]