OR3A3

OR3A3 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor protein, OR3A3. 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 OR3A3 gene is part of the olfactory receptor family, which is involved in the detection of smell. The olfactory system is a sensory system used for smelling (and tasting). Most mammalian species have a significant number of functional olfactory receptor genes, which are involved in the detection of thousands of different odor molecules. The OR3A3 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is located in the membranes of cells in the nose. This protein detects specific odor molecules and sends signals to the brain, providing the sense of smell.

Clinical Significance

While the OR3A3 gene is primarily associated with the function of smell, mutations in this gene have been linked to certain medical conditions. For example, a decreased sense of smell (hyposmia) or loss of smell (anosmia) can occur with mutations in the OR3A3 gene. Further research is needed to fully understand the clinical significance of the OR3A3 gene.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• Olfactory system
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia
• Hyposmia