OR2F1

OR2F1 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. 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 OR2F1 gene is located on chromosome 11, specifically at 11p15.4. It spans a length of approximately 1.1 kilobases and consists of a single coding exon. The encoded protein is 312 amino acids in length. Like all olfactory receptors, OR2F1 has a 7-transmembrane domain structure, characteristic of G-protein coupled receptors.

Function

The primary function of the OR2F1 protein is the recognition and G protein-mediated transduction of odorant signals. This process begins when an odorant binds to the OR2F1 receptor, triggering a signal transduction cascade that results in a neuronal response. The specific odorants that OR2F1 responds to are currently unknown.

Clinical Significance

While the clinical significance of OR2F1 is not fully understood, olfactory receptors in general have been implicated in a variety of diseases and conditions. For example, mutations in olfactory receptor genes have been associated with anosmia, a condition characterized by the inability to perceive odor. Additionally, olfactory receptors have been found to be expressed in a variety of non-olfactory tissues, suggesting potential roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia