OR2AJ1

OR2AJ1 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily AJ, 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.

Gene

The OR2AJ1 gene is located on chromosome 11, specifically at 11p15.4. It spans a length of 0.948 kb and is encoded by a single exon. The gene is primarily expressed in the olfactory epithelium, a specialized tissue inside the nose that is involved in smell.

Clinical Significance

While the specific clinical significance of OR2AJ1 is not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general have been linked to various diseases and conditions. For example, changes in the sense of smell can be an early sign of Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed to determine the specific roles and potential clinical applications of OR2AJ1.

See Also

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