OR2J1

OR2J1 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily J, member 1 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.

File:OR2J1 gene location on human chromosome 6.png

Location of OR2J1 gene on human chromosome 6

Function

The protein encoded by the OR2J1 gene is an olfactory receptor, expressed in the olfactory epithelium of the nose. Olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose, to 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

Variations in the OR2J1 gene have been associated with differences in the perception of certain odors. For example, a study published in the journal Chemical Senses found that individuals with a certain variant of the OR2J1 gene were more sensitive to the smell of certain chemicals.

See Also

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