OR1N1

OR1N1 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 1, subfamily N, member 1. It is part of the olfactory receptor family of genes, which are the largest gene family in the genome. The olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a 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.

Clinical significance

Variations in this gene have been associated with differences in olfactory perception such as the ability to smell certain substances. For example, some people may be able to smell the odor produced by the compound androstenone, while others cannot. This difference in perception is thought to be due to a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the OR1N1 gene.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Single nucleotide polymorphism

External links

• OR1N1 at NCBI
• OR1N1 at GeneCards