OR52N5

OR52N5 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. This family is responsible for the detection of odorants in the nose, and is the largest gene family in the mammalian genome. The OR52N5 gene is specifically involved in the detection of certain odorants, although the exact odorants it detects are not yet known.

Structure

The OR52N5 gene is located on chromosome 11 in humans. It is part of a cluster of olfactory receptor genes, which are all involved in the detection of odorants. The gene is composed of a single exon, which encodes a protein of 312 amino acids. The protein has seven transmembrane domains, which is a characteristic feature of G protein-coupled receptors.

Function

The OR52N5 protein is expressed in the olfactory epithelium, which is the tissue in the nose that is responsible for detecting odors. When an odorant binds to the OR52N5 protein, it triggers a signal transduction pathway that leads to the perception of smell. The exact mechanism by which this occurs is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to involve the activation of a G protein, which in turn activates a series of other proteins in the cell.

Clinical significance

While the exact role of OR52N5 in human health and disease is not yet known, olfactory receptors in general are thought to play a role in a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, mutations in olfactory receptor genes have been linked to a reduced sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia.

See also

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