OR2B2

OR2B2 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily B, member 2 protein in humans. 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.

Function

The protein encoded by the OR2B2 gene is an olfactory receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor that is involved in the detection of smell. Olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell. The olfactory receptor gene family is the largest in the genome, and the OR2B2 gene is a member of this family.

Clinical Significance

While the specific clinical relevance of the OR2B2 gene is not well understood, olfactory receptors in general have been linked to various disease states. For example, alterations in olfactory receptor function have been associated with conditions such as anosmia (loss of the sense of smell) and olfactory reference syndrome (a psychiatric condition where the affected person is excessively concerned about body odor).

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia
• Olfactory reference syndrome