OR7D2

OR7D2 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor protein, OR7D2, in humans. 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.

Structure

The OR7D2 gene is located on chromosome 17q11.2 and is composed of 1 exon encoding a protein of 312 amino acids. The protein structure of OR7D2, like other olfactory receptors, includes seven transmembrane domains, a characteristic of the large G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. This structure allows the receptor to receive and transduce the signal from odorant molecules to the inside of the olfactory sensory neuron.

Function

The primary function of OR7D2 is to detect odorants, or odor molecules, in the environment and transduce this information to the brain. This is achieved through the binding of an odorant molecule to the OR7D2 receptor, which triggers a signal transduction pathway involving G proteins and cyclic AMP (cAMP). This results in a nerve impulse being sent to the brain, where it is interpreted as a specific smell.

Clinical Significance

While the exact role of OR7D2 in disease is not well understood, olfactory receptors in general have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Further research is needed to determine the specific role of OR7D2 in human health and disease.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Signal transduction
• Neurodegenerative diseases