OR2T12

OR2T12 is a gene that encodes a protein in the olfactory receptor family. This family is responsible for the detection of odorants. The olfactory receptor proteins are members of a large family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) arising from single coding-exon genes.

Function

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 clinical significance of OR2T12 is not yet fully understood, olfactory receptors in general play a crucial role in the olfactory system, which has been linked to a variety of health conditions. For example, a diminished sense of smell (known as anosmia) can be an early sign of Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Anosmia
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease