OR4F15

OR4F15 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. It is also known as olfactory receptor, family 4, subfamily F, member 15. The OR4F15 gene is part of the olfactory receptor gene family, which is the largest gene family in the genome. The family members are expressed in a combinatorial manner in the olfactory epithelium, where they play a key role in odor recognition.

Function

The OR4F15 gene is a member of the olfactory receptor gene family. Olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose to initiate 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.

Expression

The OR4F15 gene is predominantly expressed in the olfactory epithelium, the specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity that is involved in smell. In humans, the olfactory epithelium is located in the superior part of the nasal cavity and covers approximately 10 cm2 on each side of the nasal septum.

Clinical Significance

While the specific clinical significance of OR4F15 is not yet fully understood, the olfactory receptor gene family as a whole is of significant interest in biomedical research. Mutations in different olfactory receptor genes have been associated with various human diseases, including congenital anosmia (inability to smell), and may also play a role in a variety of other health conditions, such as obesity and cancer.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• Olfactory epithelium
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia