Functional characterisation of a SNP in the ABCC11 allele - effects on axillary skin metabolism, odour generation and associated behaviours.
BACKGROUND
A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 538G→A, leading to a G180R substitution in the ABCC11 gene results in reduced concentrations of apocrine derived axillary odour precursors.


OBJECTIVE
Determine the axillary odour levels in the SNP ABCC11 genotype variants and to investigate if other parameters associated with odour production are affected.


METHODS
Axillary odour was assessed by subjective quantification and gas chromatography headspace analysis. Metabolite profiles, microbiome diversity and personal hygiene habits were also assessed.


RESULTS
Axillary odour in the A/A homozygotes was significantly lower compared to the G/A and G/G genotypes. However, the perception-based measures still detected appreciable levels of axillary odour in the A/A subjects. Metabolomic analysis highlighted significant differences in axillary skin metabolites between A/A subjects compared to those carrying the G allele. These differences resulted in A/A subjects lacking specific volatile odourants in the axillary headspace, but all genotypes produced odoriferous short chain fatty acids. Microbiomic analysis revealed differences in the relative abundance of key bacterial genera associated with odour generation between the different genotypes. Deodorant usage indicated a high level of self awareness of axillary odour levels with A/A individuals less likely to adopt personal hygiene habits designed to eradicate/mask its presence.


CONCLUSIONS
The SNP in the ABCC11 gene results in lower levels of axillary odour in the A/A homozygotes compared to those carrying the G allele, but A/A subjects still produce noticeable amounts of axillary odour. Differences in axillary skin metabolites, bacterial genera and personal hygiene behaviours also appear to be influenced by this SNP.
Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom. Electronic address: mark.harker@unilever.com.
Mark
M
Harker
Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom.
Ann-Marie
AM
Carvell
Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom.
Vernon P J
VP
Marti
Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom.
Svetlana
S
Riazanskaia
Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom.
Hailey
H
Kelso
Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom.
David
D
Taylor
Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom.
Sally
S
Grimshaw
Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom.
David S
DS
Arnold
Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom.
Ruediger
R
Zillmer
Unilever Research & Development, Quarry Road East, Port Sunlight, United Kingdom.
Jane
J
Shaw
Waters Corporation, MS Technologies Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Jayne M
JM
Kirk
Unilever Philippines Inc., 1351 United Nations Avenue, Paco, 1007 Manila, Philippines.
Zee M
ZM
Alcasid
Unilever Philippines Inc., 1351 United Nations Avenue, Paco, 1007 Manila, Philippines.
Sheila
S
Gonzales-Tanon
Clinical Trial Management & Testing Associates, Inc., Unit 1207, 2301 Civic Place, Civic Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines.
Gertrude P
GP
Chan
Unilever Research Laboratory, Oliver van Noortlaan 120, 3133 AT Vlaardingen, The Netherlands.
Egge A E
EA
Rosing
Unilever Discover, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, United Kingdom.
Adrian M
AM
Smith
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001050:Apocrine Glands / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D001364:Awareness; D001365:Axilla; D003836:Deodorants; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006579:Heterozygote; D006720:Homozygote; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009812:Odorants; D010641:Phenotype; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000382:microbiology; D017592:Skin Care; D055815:Young Adult
C435500:ABCC11 protein, human; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D003836:Deodorants
Glutamine conjugate; Malodour; Odoriferous; Skin metabolomics; Skin microbiome; Volatiles