OR4B1

OR4B1 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 4, subfamily B, member 1. It is part of the olfactory receptor family of genes which are the largest gene family in the genome. The olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell.

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.

Clinical significance

Variations in this gene have been associated with differences in olfaction, or sense of smell. Abnormalities in olfactory receptors such as OR4B1 can lead to conditions such as anosmia, the inability to perceive odor or a lack of functioning olfaction.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia