OR51D1

OR51D1 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. This family is responsible for the detection of odorants in organisms, and is a part of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. The 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. 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 OR51D1 gene is located on chromosome 11 in humans. It is predominantly expressed in the olfactory epithelium, the tissue in the nasal cavity that is responsible for smell.

Function

The OR51D1 gene encodes a protein that is a member of the olfactory receptor family. These receptors are located in the cell membranes of olfactory receptor neurons in the olfactory epithelium, where they detect odorant molecules and initiate a neuronal response.

The specific function of the OR51D1 protein is not well understood. However, like other olfactory receptors, it is likely involved in the detection and recognition of specific odorant molecules, contributing to the sense of smell.

Clinical Significance

While the specific clinical significance of OR51D1 is not well understood, mutations in olfactory receptor genes, including OR51D1, have been associated with anosmia, a condition characterized by a loss of the sense of smell.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia