OR9A4

OR9A4 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. It is also known as olfactory receptor, family 9, subfamily A, member 4. This gene is part of the olfactory receptor family, which is the largest gene family in the genome. The olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a 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.

Gene

The OR9A4 gene is located on chromosome 1, specifically at 1q44. It spans a length of approximately 1.1 kilobases. The gene is expressed in the olfactory epithelium, which is a specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity that is involved in smell.

Protein

The protein encoded by OR9A4 is a member of the olfactory receptor family. It is a G-protein coupled receptor that is involved in the detection of smell. The protein is composed of 312 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 35 kilodaltons.

Clinical significance

While the exact role of OR9A4 in disease is not well understood, olfactory receptors in general have been implicated in various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed to understand the specific role of OR9A4 in human health and disease.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Neurodegenerative disease