OR5J2

OR5J2 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 OR5J2 is not fully understood, olfactory receptors in general play a crucial role in the sense of smell. Mutations in these receptors can lead to a diminished or absent sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia.

See also

• Olfactory receptor
• Anosmia
• G protein-coupled receptor