OR5U1

OR5U1 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. This protein is a member of the olfactory receptor family, which is involved in the detection of smell. The olfactory receptor proteins are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that detect odor molecules in the nose and initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell.

Function

The olfactory receptor proteins are members of a large family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) arising from single coding-exon genes. 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.

Structure

The OR5U1 gene is located on chromosome 1, specifically at 1q44. The gene spans approximately 1 kilobase and consists of one exon. The encoded protein is 312 amino acids in length, with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 35 kilodaltons. The protein is predicted to have seven transmembrane domains, characteristic of G protein-coupled receptors.

Clinical Significance

While the specific function of OR5U1 is not yet fully understood, it is believed to play a role in the detection of certain smells. Mutations in this gene, as well as other olfactory receptor genes, have been associated with a decreased sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of OR5U1 in smell perception and potential links to disease.

File:OR5U1 gene location on human chromosome 1.png

Location of the OR5U1 gene on human chromosome 1.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia