Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily A member 1 (OR2A1)

Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily A member 1 (OR2A1) is a protein-coding gene that encodes a member of the olfactory receptor family, the largest group of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the human genome[3][6]. OR2A1, like other olfactory receptors, is responsible for detecting volatile odorant molecules in the nasal epithelium and transmitting signals via G protein-mediated pathways to trigger the perception of smell[3][6][7]. Structurally, olfactory receptors such as OR2A1 share a 7-transmembrane domain architecture common to neurotransmitter and hormone receptors[3][4][5]. The gene is located on chromosome 7[6] and shows expression primarily in sensory tissues but can also be detected at low levels in other tissues[1]. While many olfactory receptors remain "orphan" (unmatched to a specific ligand), their fundamental biological role is in the transduction of odorant signals leading to neuronal activation[3][7]. OR2A1 is not recognized as a direct therapeutic target, nor does it have associated disease roles, biomarkers, or safety concerns in the context of human medicine[3][6]. There are no established drugs that act on OR2A1, and its characterization is primarily relevant for basic science of olfactory signaling rather than clinical application[3][7].

Other names

Olfactory receptor 2A1OR2A1Olfactory receptor OR7-16Olfactory receptor OR7-19olfactory receptor 2A1/2A42

no approved drugs; olfactory receptor activation typically triggers downstream GPCR signaling and cAMP increase in sensory neurons