OR13H1

OR13H1 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. This family is responsible for the detection of odorants in the nose and is the largest gene family in the human genome. The OR13H1 gene is specifically involved in the detection of certain odorants.

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.

Clinical significance

While the specific clinical significance of OR13H1 is not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general have been linked to various diseases and conditions. For example, mutations in olfactory receptor genes have been associated with anosmia, the inability to smell. Additionally, some olfactory receptors are expressed in other tissues of the body and have been linked to diseases such as cancer.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• G protein-coupled receptor

External links

• OR13H1 at the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee