OR13C4

OR13C4 is a gene that in humans is encoded by the OR13C4 olfactory receptor family 13 subfamily C member 4. 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.

Function

The OR13C4 gene is part of the olfactory receptor family, which is involved in the detection of smell. Olfactory receptors are proteins that bind odor molecules in the nose, initiating a neural response that triggers the perception of a smell. The olfactory receptor family is the largest gene family in the human genome, with around 1,000 genes that encode olfactory receptors.

Structure

The OR13C4 gene is located on chromosome 11, specifically at 11p15.4. It spans approximately 1 kilobase and consists of a single coding exon. The encoded protein is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family, and like other receptors in this family, it has a 7-transmembrane domain structure.

Clinical Significance

While the specific role of OR13C4 in human health and disease is not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general are known to play a role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. For example, mutations in olfactory receptor genes have been associated with anosmia, the inability to perceive smell.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia