OR4D2

OR4D2 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. This protein is a member of the olfactory receptor family, a class of G protein-coupled receptors which are involved in the detection of smell. The OR4D2 gene is located on chromosome 11 in humans.

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 OR4D2 gene is located on the eleventh chromosome in humans. It is part of a cluster of olfactory receptor genes on 11p15.4. The gene spans approximately 1 kilobase and contains one exon. The OR4D2 protein is a member of the Class A rhodopsin-like family of GPCRs, and like other olfactory receptors, it has seven transmembrane domains.

Clinical Significance

While the specific role of OR4D2 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 OR4D2 in these and other conditions.

Research

Research into the OR4D2 gene and its associated protein is ongoing. Current areas of focus include determining the specific odorants that bind to the OR4D2 protein, understanding the role of OR4D2 in disease, and exploring potential therapeutic applications of manipulating OR4D2 activity.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Chromosome 11