OR2A4

OR2A4 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily A, member 4. 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.

Gene

The OR2A4 gene is located on chromosome 7, specifically at 7q31.31. It spans a length of 0.948 kilobases and is encoded by a single exon. The gene is expressed in the olfactory epithelium, a small patch of tissue inside the nose.

Clinical Significance

While the specific clinical significance of OR2A4 is not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general have been linked to various diseases. For example, mutations in certain olfactory receptors have been associated with a decreased sense of smell, known as anosmia. Additionally, some research suggests that olfactory receptors may play a role in certain types of cancer, although more research is needed in this area.

File:OR2A4 gene location on human chromosome 7.png

Location of OR2A4 gene on human chromosome 7.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• G protein-coupled receptor