OR5D16

OR5D16 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. The OR5D16 gene is also known as olfactory receptor, family 5, subfamily D, member 16. Olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose, to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell. The olfactory receptor proteins are members of a large family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) arising from single coding-exon genes.

Function

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

While the specific function and clinical significance of OR5D16 are not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general are known to play a crucial role in the olfactory system, which has been linked to a variety of health conditions. For example, a diminished sense of smell (known as anosmia) can be an early sign of Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.

See also

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