OR6K6

OR6K6 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the OR6K6 gene. The protein is a member of the olfactory receptor family, which is involved in the detection of smell.

Function

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. 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.

Gene

The OR6K6 gene is located on chromosome 1, specifically at 1q44. The gene spans approximately 1.1 kilobases and consists of a single coding exon. The OR6K6 gene is a part of a cluster of similar olfactory receptor genes located in the same region of chromosome 1.

Clinical significance

While the specific clinical significance of OR6K6 is not fully understood, olfactory receptors in general play a crucial role in the sense of smell. Mutations in olfactory receptor genes, including potentially OR6K6, can lead to conditions such as anosmia, which is the inability to perceive odor.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• G protein-coupled receptor