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Glass full of cubes sugar with straw on a beautiful peach background - unhealthy diet concept.
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The Obese Taste Bud Study

 

The Obese Taste Bud Study

 

Taste is one important driver for food preferences, contributes to caloric intake and the development of obesity. Obesity is associated with alterations of taste sensitivity as well as with a loss of taste buds on the tongue. Within this project, we aim to unravel mechanisms underlying these observations. We want to answer the questions, which factors change taste cell homeostasis and how this might potentially affect eating habits. In the context of a clinical study, we will modulate food choices and define novel targets for the  prevention and treatment of obesity.

Project Insights

Bildliche Beschreibung der Zählung von Geschmackspapillen
Kerstin Rohde-Zimmermann

Strategy for Taste Bud Count

A) Anterior part of the tongue is coloured with food coloring to make taste buds more visible. Filter paper of defined size is used to mark the counting circle. B) and C) The resulting area is used to count for taste buds in a previous defined manner (size, structure etc.)

Count of human taste buds will be related to body weight, fat mass, eating behavior,and taste sensitivity measurements. Biopsies of taste buds are taken to gain insights into the (epi)genetic and molecular underpinnings of taste cell alterations in people with obesity.

Scientists working in the project

Dr. Kerstin Rohde-Zimmermann

PostDoc

Publications

Contact Project Leader

Dr. Kerstin Rohde-Zimmermann

PostDoc

Leipzig