OR8I2

OR8I2 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 8, subfamily I, member 2 protein in humans. 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.

Gene

The OR8I2 gene is located on the chromosome 11 (11q11). It spans 1,093 base pairs and encodes a protein that is 312 amino acids long. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the olfactory receptor family, and it is specifically expressed in the olfactory epithelium.

Clinical Significance

While the specific function and clinical significance of OR8I2 are not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general are known to play a role in a wide range of physiological processes. They are involved in the detection of smell, but also in various other functions such as metabolism, and they have been implicated in diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Chromosome 11