OR6A2
Description
The OR6A2 (olfactory receptor family 6 subfamily A member 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.
Olfactory receptor 6A2 is a protein encoded by the OR6A2 gene in humans. It's a Class II (tetrapod-specific) olfactory receptor and a rhodopsin-like receptor. Olfactory receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose, triggering a neuronal response that results in the perception of smell. These receptors are part of a large family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), each arising from a single coding-exon gene. They share a 7-transmembrane domain structure with many neurotransmitters and hormone receptors. Their primary function is to recognize and transduce odorant signals through G protein mediation. Genetic variation in the OR6A2 gene is linked to individual differences in the perception of coriander (cilantro), with some people finding it pleasant while others experience a strong aversion, often associating it with unpleasant tastes like soap or vomit. This is attributed to the presence of aldehyde chemicals, which are found in soap, detergents, coriander, and stinkbugs.
This protein acts as an odorant receptor, playing a role in detecting and recognizing smells.
OR6A2 is also known as I7, OR11-55, OR6A1, OR6A2P.
