OR52A5

OR52A5 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. This family is a group of G protein-coupled receptors which are responsible for detecting molecules in the environment and subsequently initiating a neuronal response. The olfactory receptor proteins interact with odorant molecules in the nose to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell.

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 OR52A5 gene is located on chromosome 11, specifically at 11q11. It spans a length of approximately 1.1 kilobases and consists of a single exon. The OR52A5 protein is a member of the class A rhodopsin-like family of G protein-coupled receptors. It is composed of 312 amino acids and has a predicted molecular weight of approximately 35 kDa.

Function

The exact function of the OR52A5 protein is not well understood. However, it is known to be expressed in the olfactory epithelium, a specialized tissue in the nose that is involved in smell. The protein is thought to play a role in the detection of odorant molecules and the initiation of a neuronal response.

Clinical Significance

While the clinical significance of OR52A5 is not yet fully understood, alterations in the function of olfactory receptors have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, as well as cancer.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease