Olfactory receptor 51J1 (OR51J1)

Olfactory receptor 51J1 (OR51J1) is a member of the olfactory receptor family within the class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), encoded by a single exon gene that in some individuals may function as a segregating pseudogene (i.e., some alleles are non-functional)[3]. Like other olfactory receptors, OR51J1 consists of seven transmembrane domains responsible for the detection of odorant molecules and the initiation of neuronal signaling via G proteins, triggering downstream effects such as odor perception in the brain[3][5]. In addition to its canonical role in the olfactory epithelium, OR51J1 is highly expressed in several cancer types (including breast cancer), where it may act as a cancer-associated biomarker; its expression in tumors is significantly higher than in adjacent normal tissues[2][4]. The broader family of olfactory receptors is also implicated in diverse nonolfactory processes across multiple tissues, suggesting potential roles in cell proliferation, migration, and tissue regeneration[2][7]. No drugs or ligands are currently clinically established to target OR51J1, and the molecule is not yet considered a validated therapeutic target, but its potential in cancer diagnostics and biomarker-guided therapy is under preliminary investigation[2].

Other names

Olfactory receptor 51J1OR51J1OR51J1POR51J2Odorant receptor HOR5'beta8Olfactory receptor 51J2HOR5'Beta8olfactory receptor family 51 subfamily J member 1 pseudogeneolfactory receptor family 51 subfamily J member 2odorant receptor HOR5'beta8

Not established for drugs; canonical mechanism is G protein-mediated transduction of odorant signals