OR1J2

OR1J2 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 1, subfamily J, member 2 protein in humans. 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.

File:OR1J2 gene location on human chromosome.png

Location of OR1J2 gene on human chromosome

Function

The protein encoded by the OR1J2 gene is an olfactory receptor. Olfactory receptors (ORs) are a type of G protein-coupled receptor that are expressed in the cell membranes of olfactory receptor neurons and are responsible for the detection of odorants. Each OR gene encodes a unique receptor protein that responds to specific odorant molecules. The specific function of this protein, as with other ORs, is to aid in the detection of environmental odorants.

Gene

The OR1J2 gene is located on the chromosome 1 (1q44) in humans. It spans approximately 1 kilobase and contains one exon. The OR1J2 gene is a member of the olfactory receptor family of genes, which is the largest gene family in the human genome.

Clinical Significance

While the specific clinical significance of OR1J2 is not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general have been implicated in various diseases and conditions. For example, alterations in olfactory receptor function can lead to a diminished sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia. Additionally, some studies suggest that olfactory receptors may play a role in disease states such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia