Individual variation in 3-methylbutanal: A putative link between human leukocyte antigen and skin microflora

Citation

Savelev SU, Antony-Babu S, Roberts SC, Wang H, Clare AS, Gosling LM, Petrie M, Goodfellow M, O'Donnell AG & Ward AC (2008) Individual variation in 3-methylbutanal: A putative link between human leukocyte antigen and skin microflora. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 34 (9), pp. 1253-1257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-008-9524-1

Abstract
The human derma emits volatile compounds whose interaction with a receiver's olfactory sensory system may affect individual recognition and mating preferences. Studies suggest that both genes and environmental factors determine characteristic odor of an individual. Here, we use solid phase micro-extraction and GC-MS to identify 3-methylbutanal (3-MB) in human axillary odor, show that the abundance of this volatile compound varies significantly between individuals and demonstrate in vitro that its formation may be influenced by interaction between human leukocyte antigen peptide and dermal microflora.

Keywords
human leukocyte antigen; human odor; 3-methylbutanal; skin microflora; solid-phase microextraction

Journal
Journal of Chemical Ecology: Volume 34, Issue 9

People

Professor Craig Roberts

Professor of Social Psychology, Psychology