Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily A member 4 (OR2A4)

Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily A member 4 (OR2A4) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, primarily responsible for detecting odorant molecules in the nose and initiating neuronal responses that trigger smell perception. Like other olfactory receptors, OR2A4 possesses a 7-transmembrane domain structure typical of class A GPCRs[1][4][5]. Beyond classic olfactory function, OR2A4 is also expressed in non-olfactory tissues, especially skin and hair follicles, where it regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis. Notably, topical activation of OR2A4 by the synthetic odorant Sandalore has been shown to prolong the growth phase of human hair follicles ex vivo by stimulating IGF-1 expression and reducing keratinocyte apoptosis. This identifies OR2A4 as a novel therapeutic target candidate for conditions such as hair loss[2][3][4].

Other names

Olfactory receptor 2A4OR2A10Olfactory receptor 2A10Olfactory receptor OR6-37OR2A7Olfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily A, member 10

Agonist (Sandalore): Stimulates OR2A4 to promote keratinocyte proliferation and prolong hair follicle anagen phase by upregulating IGF-1 and decreasing apoptosis - Antagonist (Phenirat): Blocks OR2A4, inhibiting hair growth-promoting effects