OR52R1

OR52R1 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 human genome. The OR52R1 gene is located on chromosome 11 in humans.

Function

The olfactory receptor proteins, such as the one encoded by the OR52R1 gene, are members of a large family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) arising from single coding-exon genes. These receptors are located in the cilia of the olfactory sensory neurons, in a region of the nasal epithelium known as the olfactory epithelium.

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, consisting of 800 genes in humans.

Clinical significance

While the specific function of the OR52R1 gene is not fully understood, it is believed to play a role in the detection of certain odors. Mutations in this gene could potentially affect an individual's sense of smell.

Research is ongoing to determine the potential role of olfactory receptors like OR52R1 in disease processes, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as in cancer.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Olfactory system