OR5A1

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.

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External links[edit | edit source]


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