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 neurotransmitters 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.[1]
Clinical significance
Variation in the OR6A2 gene has been identified as a likely cause of some people's strong dislike of coriander (also known as cilantro)[2], often associating it with a combination of soap and vomit, while for others it is closer to the foul smelling odor emitted by stinkbugs. This is due to the presence of aldehyde chemicals, which are present in soap, various detergents, coriander, several species of stinkbugs and cinnamon.[3]
↑Eriksson N, Wu S, Chuong BD, et al. (29 November 2012). "A genetic variant near olfactory receptor genes influences cilantro preference". Flavour. doi:10.1186/2044-7248-1-22.
↑Callaway E (September 2012). "Soapy taste of coriander linked to genetic variants". Nature. doi:10.1038/nature.2012.11398.
Further reading
Buettner JA, Glusman G, Ben-Arie N, et al. (1998). "Organization and evolution of olfactory receptor genes on human chromosome 11". Genomics. 53 (1): 56–68. doi:10.1006/geno.1998.5422. PMID9787077.
