OR7C2

OR7C2 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. The protein is a member of the olfactory receptor family, a class of G protein-coupled receptors which are involved in the detection of smell.

Function

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. The nomenclature assigned to the olfactory receptor genes and proteins for this organism is independent of other organisms.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the OR7C2 gene have been associated with a reduced ability to smell, a condition known as anosmia. This is because the OR7C2 protein is involved in the detection of smell, and changes in its structure can affect this function.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• G protein-coupled receptor