Olfactory receptor family 1 subfamily A member 2 (OR1A2)

Olfactory receptor family 1 subfamily A member 2 (OR1A2) is a member of the olfactory receptor family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), characterized by a 7-transmembrane domain structure. OR1A2 detects and binds odorant molecules in the nasal epithelium, initiating a neuronal response that underlies the sense of smell. Beyond the olfactory system, OR1A2 is also ectopically expressed in non-olfactory tissues, including liver, blood, heart, and pancreas, where it may play roles in extra-nasal signaling and has been explored for its effect on cell proliferation and hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Experimentally, odorant molecules such as octanoic acid and (S)-(−)-citronellal have been shown to activate OR1A2, leading to specific intracellular signaling responses. The receptor is part of the largest gene family in the human genome and shares its structural and functional properties with other class A/1 rhodopsin-like GPCRs. The OR1A2 protein is hydrophobic, making it challenging for structural and functional studies outside membrane environments. No clinically approved therapeutic agents target OR1A2, and its primary biological role remains the recognition and transduction of odorant signals.

Other names

Olfactory receptor 1A2OR17-6Olfactory receptor 17-6Olfactory receptor OR17-10

Binding of odorant molecules triggers conformational change, activates G-protein, initiates cAMP signaling cascade, leads to neuronal depolarization and transmission of olfactory signal to the brain. Activation can induce calcium signaling and modulate cell proliferation.