OR2A1

OR2A1 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor protein, OR2A1. 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.

Structure

The OR2A1 gene is located on chromosome 7q31.31 and is part of the OR2A/2B subfamily. The gene spans approximately 3.4 kilobases and consists of a single coding exon. The encoded protein is 312 amino acids in length with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 34.5 kilodaltons.

Function

The OR2A1 protein is an olfactory receptor, which is a type of G protein-coupled receptor. These receptors detect odorants in the nasal cavity and 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.

Clinical Significance

While the specific function of OR2A1 in humans is not well understood, variations in this gene have been associated with differences in odor perception. Further research is needed to understand the potential clinical significance of these findings.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Odor perception