OR4D1

OR4D1 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. It is also known as Olfactory Receptor Family 4 Subfamily D Member 1. This gene is part of the olfactory receptor family, which is 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.

Gene

The OR4D1 gene is located on chromosome 7, specifically at 7q31.31. The gene spans a length of 993 base pairs and encodes a protein that is 310 amino acids long. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the olfactory receptor family and is expressed in the olfactory epithelium.

Clinical Significance

While the specific clinical significance of OR4D1 is not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general have been implicated in various diseases and conditions. For example, mutations in olfactory receptors have been associated with a decreased sense of smell, known as anosmia. Additionally, some studies suggest that olfactory receptors may play a role in certain types of cancer, although more research is needed in this area.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• G protein-coupled receptor