OR6C1

OR6C1 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 OR6C1 gene is part of a larger family of genes - the olfactory receptor gene family, which is the largest in the genome. The family includes approximately 6% of all genes in the human genome. The olfactory receptors are G-protein coupled receptors and are responsible for detecting odor molecules in the nose. The specific function of the OR6C1 gene is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to play a role in the detection of specific odor molecules.

Structure

The OR6C1 gene is located on chromosome 11, specifically at 11q11. It spans approximately 1 kilobase and contains one exon. The gene encodes a protein that is 312 amino acids in length. The protein is a member of the olfactory receptor family, which is characterized by seven transmembrane domains, a characteristic of G-protein coupled receptors.

Clinical Significance

While the specific clinical significance of the OR6C1 gene is not yet fully understood, it is believed to play a role in the sense of smell. Mutations in this gene, as well as other genes in the olfactory receptor family, could potentially lead to a decreased sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia. Further research is needed to fully understand the clinical implications of this gene.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia