FUT2
Description
The FUT2 gene, also known as the Secretor gene, plays a crucial role in determining your secretor status, which influences the presence of certain sugars in your bodily fluids. This gene dictates whether you are a secretor, meaning you express these sugars in saliva, tears, and other fluids, or a non-secretor, lacking their expression. This genetic variation can impact your susceptibility to various diseases and even influence your taste preferences.
Associated Diseases
- Gastrointestinal infections: Secretors are more susceptible to certain bacterial infections like *Helicobacter pylori* and *Campylobacter jejuni*.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Studies suggest a possible link between secretor status and IBD risk.
- Cancer: Secretor status may be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including colorectal cancer.
- Autoimmune diseases: Secretor status might influence the development of autoimmune disorders.
- Allergic diseases: Some research indicates a potential connection between secretor status and allergies.
Did you know?
Did you know that your secretor status can affect your taste perception? Secretors are more likely to be able to taste bitter compounds, while non-secretors have a reduced ability to taste these flavors.
