OR4N2

OR4N2

Symbol	OR4N2
HGNC ID	15006
Alternative symbols	–
Entrez Gene	–
OMIM	–
RefSeq	–
UniProt	–
Chromosome	15q11.2
Locus supplementary data	–

OR4N2 is a gene that encodes a member of the olfactory receptor family of proteins. These receptors are part of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, which are responsible for detecting odor molecules and initiating the sense of smell.

Function

Olfactory receptors, such as OR4N2, interact with odorant molecules in the nasal epithelium, triggering a neuronal response that results in the perception of smell. The olfactory receptor proteins are characterized by a 7-transmembrane domain structure, which is a common feature of many neurotransmitter and hormone receptors.

The OR4N2 gene is part of the largest gene family in the human genome, which is responsible for the diversity of olfactory receptors. These receptors are crucial for the detection of a wide range of odorant molecules, allowing humans to perceive a vast array of smells.

Genomics

The OR4N2 gene is located on chromosome 15 at the 15q11.2 locus. It is one of many olfactory receptor genes that are distributed throughout the human genome. The expression of these genes is highly specific to the olfactory epithelium, where they play a critical role in the sense of smell.

Clinical Significance

While the primary function of OR4N2 is related to olfaction, variations in olfactory receptor genes can influence individual differences in odor perception. However, specific clinical conditions directly associated with mutations in the OR4N2 gene have not been extensively documented.

Research

Research into olfactory receptors like OR4N2 continues to provide insights into the mechanisms of smell and the genetic basis of olfactory perception. Understanding these receptors can also have implications for the development of artificial sensing devices and the study of neurodegenerative diseases where the sense of smell is often affected.

See Also

• Olfactory system
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Chromosome 15

External Links

• OR4N2 Gene - NCBI
• OR4N2 Gene - GeneCards