OR9G4

OR9G4 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. The gene is also known as olfactory receptor family 9 subfamily G member 4. Olfactory receptors are proteins that are involved in the detection of smell. They are located on the surface of sensory nerve cells in the nose and are responsible for the detection of odor molecules.

Function[edit | edit source]

The OR9G4 gene is part of a larger family of genes, known as the olfactory receptor gene family. This family is the largest in the genome and is thought to have around 800 members. The proteins encoded by these genes are located in the cell membranes of olfactory receptor neurons in the nose, where they detect odorant molecules and initiate a neural response that is ultimately interpreted by the brain as a specific smell.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The OR9G4 protein is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which is a type of protein that spans the cell membrane and interacts with G proteins inside the cell to trigger a response. Like other GPCRs, the OR9G4 protein has seven transmembrane domains, which are regions of the protein that span the cell membrane.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

While the specific function of the OR9G4 gene is not well understood, mutations in olfactory receptor genes have been associated with a reduced sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia. However, more research is needed to determine the specific role of the OR9G4 gene in smell and disease.