OR1S2

OR1S2 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 1, subfamily S, member 2. 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

While the specific function of OR1S2 is not well understood, mutations in this gene have been associated with various diseases. For example, a study found that a mutation in OR1S2 was associated with congenital anosmia, a condition characterized by a complete inability to smell.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Congenital anosmia