OR11H6

OR11H6 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. This family is responsible for the detection of odor molecules, and the encoded protein is thought to play a role in the perception of smell.

Function

The olfactory receptor proteins are members of a large family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) arising from single coding-exon genes. Olfactory receptors share a 7-transmembrane domain structure with many neurotransmitter and hormone receptors and are responsible for the recognition and G protein-mediated transduction of odorant signals. The olfactory receptor gene family is the largest in the genome. The nomenclature assigned to the olfactory receptor genes and proteins for this organism is independent of other organisms.

Gene

The OR11H6 gene is located on chromosome 14q11.1 in humans. It is part of a cluster of olfactory receptor genes, which are thought to have evolved through a process of gene duplication and divergence. The gene is expressed in the olfactory epithelium, the tissue lining the nasal cavity that is responsible for detecting odors.

Protein

The protein encoded by the OR11H6 gene is a member of the olfactory receptor family. It is a G protein-coupled receptor that is responsible for detecting odor molecules and initiating a neuronal response that results in the perception of smell. The exact odorant that this receptor responds to is currently unknown.

Clinical significance

While the exact function of the OR11H6 gene is not fully understood, mutations in this gene have been associated with a reduced sense of smell, known as anosmia. Further research is needed to understand the potential role of this gene in disease.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Gene duplication