OR7D4
The OR7D4 Gene: Unraveling the Secrets of Sweetness Sensation
Description
The OR7D4 gene, located on chromosome 11, encodes a protein called odorant receptor 7D4. This protein is a key component of the olfactory system, responsible for detecting and transmitting chemical signals related to taste and smell.
Associated Diseases
Mutations in the OR7D4 gene have been associated with several conditions:
- Ageusia: Inability to taste sweetness
- Hypogeusia: Impaired sense of sweetness
- Specific Anosmia: Inability to detect certain sweet odors, such as saccharin
Did you Know ?
Approximately 10% of the human population carries a mutation in the OR7D4 gene. This mutation eliminates the ability to perceive the sweetness of certain artificial sweeteners, including saccharin.
