OR4L1

OR4L1 is a gene that encodes a protein in humans. It is also known as the olfactory receptor, family 4, subfamily L, member 1 gene. This gene is part of the olfactory receptor gene family, which is the largest gene family in the genome. The olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose to initiate a neuronal response that triggers the perception of a smell.

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.

Function

The OR4L1 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is involved in the detection of smell (olfaction). This protein is found in cells called olfactory receptor neurons, which are located in a small patch of tissue high inside the nose. These cells connect directly to the brain. Each olfactory receptor neuron has one type of odor receptor, and the receptors can detect a wide range of smells.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the OR4L1 gene have been associated with a reduced ability to smell (anosmia). However, the relationship between these mutations and anosmia is not fully understood. Further research is needed to understand the role of the OR4L1 gene in the sense of smell and how mutations in this gene may contribute to conditions such as anosmia.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• G protein-coupled receptor