OR6N1

OR6N1 is a gene that in humans is encoded by the OR6N1 olfactory receptor. The olfactory receptor genes form the largest gene family in mammals. They are G protein-coupled receptors and are responsible for detecting odor molecules in the nose and subsequently providing the sense of smell. Each olfactory receptor gene is expressed in a subset of olfactory receptor neurons in the nose.

Function

The OR6N1 gene belongs to the olfactory receptor gene family, which is the largest gene family in the genome. The family members of this gene are located in a cluster on chromosome 1. 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.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the OR6N1 gene have been associated with a reduced ability to smell, a condition known as anosmia. This is because the OR6N1 gene is involved in the detection of odor molecules, and mutations can disrupt this process.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• G protein-coupled receptor