OR6Q1

OR6Q1 is a gene that in humans encodes the olfactory receptor, family 6, subfamily Q, member 1. 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

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

While the specific function and clinical significance of OR6Q1 are still under investigation, olfactory receptors in general have been linked to various diseases. For instance, mutations in olfactory receptors have been associated with a decreased sense of smell, known as anosmia.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• G protein-coupled receptor