PAV haplotype
The Pro49, Ala262, Val296 combination encodes the common receptor form that responds more strongly to PTC and PROP.
Free calculator · TAS2R38
Bitter taste calculator from raw DNA.
Resolve the common TAS2R38 PAV and AVI haplotypes that shape sensitivity to the laboratory bitter compounds PTC and PROP.
Is TAS2R38 a universal ‘supertaster gene’?
No. The three TAS2R38 coding variants explain much of the difference in sensitivity to PTC and PROP, but ‘supertasting’ also involves taste-bud density and other biology. The result therefore describes PTC/PROP-like bitterness, not every bitter vegetable, coffee, beer, or medicine.
Run the bitter taste check
Choose the unmodified raw export from your provider. Only the listed marker calls are interpreted.
Supports 23andMe, AncestryDNA, FTDNA, MyHeritage, and Living DNA autosomal exports.
Drop your raw DNA file here
or.txt, .csv, .tsv, .zip, .gz · 30 MB max
What this calculator does—and does not do.
Three amino-acid-changing variants form the common PAV sensitive and AVI less-sensitive receptor haplotypes. All three calls are needed for a defensible diplotype result.
AVI haplotype
The Ala49, Val262, Ile296 combination is associated with a blunted response to those specific thiourea compounds.
Haplotype safeguards
Common homozygous and triple-heterozygous patterns resolve cleanly. Other unphased combinations are labelled uncommon or unresolved.
Limitations
Where the model stops.
- PTC and PROP are proxies; bitterness perception is compound-specific.
- Other taste-receptor genes, taste-bud density, age, illness, and smoking contribute.
- Food preference and diet cannot be inferred reliably from this haplotype alone.
Primary evidence
Research behind the panel.
- Discovery of the TAS2R38 locusKim et al., Science (2003)
- Functional haplotype evidenceHayes et al., Chemical Senses (2011)
- Haplotype diversity and interpretationTAS2R38 dietary intervention study (2018)
Frequently asked.
What are PAV and AVI?
They are amino-acid shorthand for the two common TAS2R38 receptor haplotypes across positions 49, 262, and 296.
Why does the calculator need three SNPs?
The biological signal belongs to the combined receptor haplotype. One marker alone can misclassify uncommon combinations.
Does PAV/PAV prove I am a supertaster?
No. It supports higher PTC/PROP sensitivity, while true supertasting also depends on anatomy and additional genetic and environmental factors.
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