OR6B2

OR6B2 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. The olfactory receptor family is the largest in the genome, with members located on almost all human chromosomes. The function of this family has been largely deduced from similar mouse genes, as the human genome lacks a large percentage of these genes, which are pseudogenes.

Function

The protein encoded by the OR6B2 gene is an olfactory receptor, which is a type of G protein-coupled receptor. 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.

Expression

OR6B2 is expressed in the olfactory epithelium, which is a specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity that is involved in smell. In humans, the olfactory epithelium is located in the superior and posterior part of the nasal cavity and is about 2.5 square centimeters in area.

Clinical Significance

While the specific clinical significance of OR6B2 is not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general are thought to have roles in various diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and congenital anosmia (inability to smell).

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Olfactory epithelium
• Cancer
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Congenital anosmia