OR11A1

OR11A1 is a gene that encodes a protein known as olfactory receptor 11A1. This protein is a member of the olfactory receptor family, a group of proteins that are responsible for detecting odors and transmitting signals to the brain. The OR11A1 protein is specifically expressed in the olfactory epithelium, a specialized tissue inside the nose that is involved in smell.

Function

The OR11A1 gene is part of the olfactory receptor gene family, which is the largest gene family in the genome. The family includes approximately 400 different genes that encode for olfactory receptors. These receptors are located on the surface of sensory neurons in the olfactory epithelium and are responsible for detecting odor molecules in the environment. When an odor molecule binds to an olfactory receptor, it triggers a signal that is transmitted to the brain, resulting in the perception of smell.

Clinical significance

While the specific role of OR11A1 in disease is not well understood, mutations in olfactory receptor genes have been associated with a variety of disorders, including anosmia (the inability to smell), hyposmia (reduced ability to smell), and parosmia (distorted sense of smell). Further research is needed to determine the specific role of OR11A1 in these and other conditions.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Olfactory system
• Anosmia
• Hyposmia
• Parosmia