OR1E2

OR1E2 is a gene that encodes the olfactory receptor protein 1E2 in humans. 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.

Structure

The OR1E2 gene is located on chromosome 1, specifically at 1q23.1. The gene spans a length of approximately 1.1 kilobases and consists of a single coding exon. The encoded protein, OR1E2, is a 312-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 34.5 kilodaltons.

Function

The primary function of the OR1E2 protein is to detect odorants in the nasal cavity and initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell. The OR1E2 protein, like all olfactory receptors, is a G-protein coupled receptor and is expressed in the cilia of olfactory sensory neurons.

Clinical Significance

While the OR1E2 gene is not currently associated with any human diseases, olfactory receptors in general are being studied for their potential roles in disease detection and as therapeutic targets. For example, certain olfactory receptors are overexpressed in cancer cells, and their activation can trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

See Also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Apoptosis