OR8K3

OR8K3 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. The protein is a member of the olfactory receptor family, 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 OR8K3 is not fully understood, it is believed to play a role in the detection of specific odors. Mutations in this gene, as well as other olfactory receptor genes, may be associated with anosmia, the inability to perceive smell. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of OR8K3 in human health and disease.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia