OR8B12

OR8B12 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the olfactory receptor family, which is a class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that 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

While the specific function of OR8B12 is not fully understood, it is believed to play a role in the detection of specific odors. Mutations in this gene may be associated with altered smell perception, which can be a symptom of various diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease