OR1L4

OR1L4 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 1, subfamily L, member 4. It is part of the olfactory receptor family of genes which are the largest gene family in the genome. The olfactory receptors are G-protein coupled receptors which help in the detection of odor molecules.

Function

The OR1L4 gene is a member of the olfactory receptor family and encodes a protein which is involved in the detection of odor molecules. The olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose, to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell. The olfactory receptor proteins are members of a large family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) arising from single coding-exon genes.

Expression

OR1L4 is expressed in the olfactory epithelium, where it is involved in odorant recognition. The specific function of this protein, however, is still unknown.

Clinical Significance

While the specific clinical significance of OR1L4 is not yet fully understood, mutations in this gene and others in the olfactory receptor family have been associated with various olfactory disorders, including congenital anosmia, which is the inability to perceive odor.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Olfactory epithelium
• Anosmia