OR52I1

OR52I1 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. This family is responsible for the detection of odor molecules and is the largest gene family in mammals. The olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell.

Function[edit | edit source]

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.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the OR52I1 gene have been associated with various olfactory disorders, including anosmia (the inability to perceive odor), and hyposmia (a reduced ability to smell). Further research is needed to fully understand the role of this gene in these conditions.