OR6B1

OR6B1 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. The olfactory receptors 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

The OR6B1 gene is part of the olfactory receptor family, a class of proteins that are responsible for detecting smells. These proteins are located in the cell membranes of olfactory receptor neurons in the nose and they interact with odorant molecules, initiating a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell.

Structure

The OR6B1 gene is located on chromosome 1, specifically at 1q44. It spans approximately 1.1 kilobases and contains one exon. The OR6B1 protein it encodes is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor 1 family.

Clinical Significance

While the specific role of OR6B1 in human health and disease is not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general are thought to have roles in various physiological processes. For example, they may be involved in disease detection, as certain diseases produce specific odors.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Exon
• Chromosome 1