OR8B4

OR8B4 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. The protein is a member of the olfactory receptor family, a group of proteins that are involved in the detection of smell. The OR8B4 protein is specifically involved in the detection of certain odors.

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 clinical significance of OR8B4 is not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general have been linked to various diseases and conditions. For example, mutations in olfactory receptors have been associated with a decreased sense of smell, known as anosmia. Additionally, some studies have suggested that olfactory receptors may play a role in diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• Cancer
• Neurodegenerative diseases