OR5A1

OR5A1 is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein called olfactory receptor 5A1. This protein is part of a large family of receptors that play a role in the sense of smell (olfaction). The OR5A1 protein is located in the olfactory epithelium, a specialized tissue inside the nose that is involved in smell detection.

Function

The OR5A1 gene belongs to the olfactory receptor family, which is the largest gene family in the genome. The family members are G-protein coupled receptors, which are a large family of proteins that play a role in many different physiological functions. The OR5A1 protein specifically recognizes and binds to odor molecules, triggering a neural response that is sent to the brain.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the OR5A1 gene have been associated with a reduced ability to smell certain odors. This condition is known as specific anosmia. In particular, a variant of the OR5A1 gene has been linked to an inability to detect the smell of a compound called androstenone, which is found in pork meat and sweat.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Olfaction
• Specific anosmia

External links

• OR5A1 at NCBI
• OR5A1 at GeneCards