Olfactory receptor 52N2 (OR52N2)

Olfactory receptor 52N2 is a G protein-coupled receptor located in the olfactory epithelium, where it mediates the detection of specific odorant molecules in the nasal cavity. The protein has a characteristic seven-transmembrane domain structure and is part of the largest gene family in the human genome. Upon binding to its odorant ligand, the receptor triggers a cascade involving G protein activation and cAMP increase, resulting in neuronal signaling to the brain and odor perception. Members of the OR52 subfamily, including OR52N2, are selective for carboxylic acid odorants with long hydrocarbon chains, and bind them via a specific pocket formed within transmembrane domains of the receptor. No drugs are known to act on this receptor, and its primary function is in olfactory signal transduction.

Other names

Olfactory receptor family 52 subfamily N member 2OR52N2

Binding of odorant molecules (often carboxylic acids with hydrocarbon tails for the OR52 subfamily) to the receptor triggers a conformational change in the receptor, which activates an olfactory-specific G protein (G_olf or G_s). This activation, in turn, stimulates adenylate cyclase, increasing cAMP, which opens cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels, leading to neuron depolarization and signal transmission to the brain.