TAS2R38 rs713598: Understanding Bitter Taste Perception
The rs713598 variant is a well-studied single nucleotide polymorphism located within the TAS2R38 gene region. It is primarily associated with differences in the human ability to perceive bitter tastes, specifically compounds like phenylthiocarbamide (PTC).
What each genotype means
Typical bitter taste perception
This genotype is associated with the TAS2R38 gene, which influences how you perceive bitter tastes. Research on this variant has shown mixed results, with some studies suggesting it may influence preferences for specific foods like butter, beer, or cured meats, while others find no significant impact on overall food choices.
This is a common genotype found across diverse global populations.
Typical bitter taste perception
This genotype is associated with the TAS2R38 gene, which influences how you perceive bitter tastes. Research on this variant has shown mixed results, with some studies suggesting it may influence preferences for specific foods like butter, beer, or cured meats, while others find no significant impact on overall food choices.
This is a common genotype found across diverse global populations.
Typical bitter taste perception
This genotype is associated with the TAS2R38 gene, which influences how you perceive bitter tastes. Research on this variant has shown mixed results, with some studies suggesting it may influence preferences for specific foods like butter, beer, or cured meats, while others find no significant impact on overall food choices.
This is a common genotype found across diverse global populations.
What is rs713598?
The rs713598 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located on chromosome 7. In the context of human genetics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence among individuals. This specific variant is situated within the TAS2R38 gene, which encodes a bitter taste receptor protein. Because taste perception is a complex trait influenced by both genetics and environment, researchers use SNPs like rs713598 to understand why individuals have different sensitivities to bitter compounds found in various foods and beverages. By studying this location, scientists can map how specific DNA changes correlate with the functional sensitivity of taste receptors on the tongue.
The Role of TAS2R38
The TAS2R38 gene provides instructions for making a protein that functions as a bitter taste receptor. These receptors are found on the surface of taste receptor cells in the tongue and other parts of the digestive tract. When specific bitter-tasting molecules, such as those found in certain vegetables or synthetic compounds like phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), bind to these receptors, they trigger a signal that the brain interprets as a bitter taste. Variations in the TAS2R38 gene, including those linked to rs713598, can alter the structure or function of this receptor. This change in protein shape can lead to significant differences in how intensely a person perceives bitterness, which may ultimately influence dietary preferences and food choices throughout a person's life.
Research and Evidence
The association between rs713598 and bitter taste perception is supported by a substantial body of research. Studies have consistently linked this variant to the ability to taste PTC, a compound often used in genetic testing to demonstrate inherited taste sensitivity. The evidence for this association is considered robust within the scientific community, as it has been replicated across multiple populations. While the variant is a key marker for taste sensitivity, it is important to note that taste perception is polygenic, meaning other genes and environmental factors also play a role. Current research continues to explore how these genetic differences might influence broader health outcomes, such as alcohol consumption patterns or the intake of specific nutrients, though these associations are often more complex and require further investigation.
What You Can Do With This Information
Understanding your genotype for rs713598 provides insight into your biological predisposition for bitter taste sensitivity. It is important to recognize that this information is for educational purposes and does not constitute a medical diagnosis or a prediction of your overall health. Genetic variants like this are simply one piece of a much larger puzzle that includes your upbringing, culture, and personal experiences. If you are curious about how your genetics might influence your diet or health, the best approach is to discuss these topics with a registered dietitian or a healthcare professional. They can help you interpret how your personal preferences and biological traits fit into a balanced lifestyle, ensuring that any dietary changes you consider are safe, evidence-based, and appropriate for your individual needs.
How common is this variant?
The rs713598 variant is common globally, with a reported Global Minor Allele Frequency (GMAF) of approximately 0.469. Frequencies of the associated haplotypes vary significantly across different ancestral groups, reflecting diverse evolutionary pressures on taste perception.
Frequently asked questions
Is rs713598 a medical test?
No, rs713598 is not a medical diagnostic test. It is a genetic marker used in research to study variations in human taste perception and is not used to diagnose or treat any medical condition.
Does this variant determine what I like to eat?
While your genetics can influence your sensitivity to bitter tastes, your food preferences are also shaped by your environment, culture, and personal experiences. Genetics is only one factor in the complex process of determining what you enjoy eating.
Can I change my genotype?
No, your genotype is determined at conception and remains constant throughout your life. You cannot change your genetic sequence, but you can always adjust your diet and lifestyle choices based on your personal preferences.
Where can I find more information on TAS2R38?
You can find reliable information on the TAS2R38 gene and its role in taste perception through resources like MedlinePlus Genetics or the NCBI Gene database. These platforms provide peer-reviewed summaries of gene functions and associated research.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/6/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
Curious what your genotype is for rs713598?
Upload a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA and see this variant — plus thousands more — interpreted in your full report.
Get my report — $29Related variants
An intronic regulatory variant in the LPP gene strongly associated with serum allergen-specific IgE levels and allergic rhinitis susceptibility.
A well-replicated intronic polymorphism in LPP associated with multi-allergen sensitization, including cat dander, dust mites, and grass pollen.
This intronic variant in the CASP8 gene is linked to prostate cancer risk assessment models.
This intronic variant is associated with improved risk stratification for clinically significant prostate cancer.
An intronic variant in the ITGA6 gene identified as a marker for prostate cancer risk stratification.
This variant is significantly associated with increased risk of mortality in coronary artery disease patients.