OR5K1

OR5K1 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 which 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 OR5K1 is not yet fully understood, it is believed to play a role in the complex process of detecting and distinguishing odors. Mutations in this gene, as well as other olfactory receptor genes, could potentially play a role in disorders of the sense of smell (anosmia).

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia

References

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