OR9K2

OR9K2 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the olfactory receptor family. Olfactory receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that are involved in the detection of smell. They are expressed in the olfactory epithelium of the nose.

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

Variations in this gene have been associated with differences in olfactory perception such as the ability to smell certain substances. For example, some people may find the smell of a certain food to be pleasant while others find the same smell to be unpleasant. This is thought to be due to genetic differences in the olfactory receptors.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Olfactory perception

External links

• OR9K2 at NCBI
• OR9K2 at GeneCards