OR2T10

OR2T10 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 olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose, initiating 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. 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 OR2T10 gene is thought to encode a olfactory receptor protein, which is involved in the detection of odorants in the nose. The protein is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family, and is expressed in the olfactory epithelium of the nose. When an odorant molecule binds to the receptor, it triggers a signal transduction pathway that leads to the perception of smell.

Structure

The OR2T10 gene is located on chromosome 1, and is composed of a single coding exon. The protein it encodes is a member of the olfactory receptor family, and shares a 7-transmembrane domain structure with many neurotransmitter and hormone receptors. This structure allows the receptor to span the cell membrane and interact with odorant molecules on one side, and signal transduction proteins on the other.

Clinical Significance

While the exact role of OR2T10 in human health and disease is not fully understood, it is thought that variations in this gene may influence an individual's sense of smell. Further research is needed to fully understand the clinical significance of this gene.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Signal transduction