OR8K1

OR8K1 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor, family 8, subfamily K, member 1 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. 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.

Function

The protein encoded by the OR8K1 gene is an olfactory receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor that is involved in the detection of smell. Olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell. The OR8K1 gene is one of many olfactory receptor genes located in a cluster on chromosome 11.

Clinical Significance

While the specific function of the OR8K1 gene is not well understood, it is believed to play a role in the complex process of detecting smells. Mutations in this gene, as well as other olfactory receptor genes, could potentially affect a person's sense of smell. Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of the OR8K1 gene.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Gene
• Protein