OR2M4

OR2M4 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. This family is responsible for the detection of odorants in the nose, and is the largest gene family in the mammalian genome. The OR2M4 gene is specifically involved in the detection of certain types of odorants.

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.

Structure

The OR2M4 gene is located on chromosome 1, and is part of a cluster of olfactory receptor genes. The gene is approximately 1 kilobase in length, and encodes a protein of 312 amino acids. The protein has seven transmembrane domains, a characteristic of G-protein coupled receptors.

Clinical Significance

While the specific role of OR2M4 in disease is not well understood, olfactory receptors in general have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer. Further research is needed to determine the specific role of OR2M4 in these and other diseases.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• Cancer