T2R receptors (taste 2 receptors) are involved in the sensory perception of bitter taste. Recently, the expression of these receptors has been demonstrated in various tissues outside the oral cavity. The T2R38 receptor is involved in the perception of the presence in food of compounds with thiocarbamide structure present in various vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, endive, arugula... There is currently great interest in understanding the physiological role of these receptors beyond their involvement in sensory perception.

Recent work conducted at the Torribera Food Campus and published in the journal Gens & Nutrition related the phenotypes of this receptor to body mass index, as well as to sensory thresholds for mono- and disaccharides in a population of healthy college students (Torribera Student Taste Study). The results suggest a role for this receptor in the control of body weight. In contrast, no differences were observed in the hedonic perception and consumption of vegetables with this characteristic bitter taste between T2R38 receptor phenotypes.

The work entitled Association of phenylthiocarbamide perception with anthropometric variables and intake and liking for bitter vegetable counted with the participation of INSA-UB researchers and was led by the Dr. Juan José Moreno and as first author the PhD student Marta Trius Soler.