Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily A member 42 (OR2A42)

Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily A member 42 (OR2A42) is a human G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) belonging to the vast olfactory receptor family, which is responsible for detecting airborne odorants and initiating the neuronal responses underlying the perception of smell. Like all olfactory receptors, OR2A42 has a canonical seven-transmembrane domain structure typical of GPCRs and is predicted to transduce signals by coupling to olfactory G-proteins, leading to downstream production of cyclic AMP and activation of ion channels in olfactory sensory neurons. Although initially believed to be limited to the olfactory epithelium, some olfactory receptors including OR2A42 show broader tissue expression, such as in testis and possibly various tumors, but their functional roles outside olfaction remain unclear and largely uncharacterized. There are currently no known drugs targeting OR2A42, nor established clinical roles as a biomarker or therapeutic target. Its primary known biological function is the detection of chemical stimuli (odorants) as part of normal olfactory system signal transduction.

Other names

Olfactory receptor 2A1/2A42OR2A1Olfactory receptor OR7-16Olfactory receptor OR7-19olfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily A, member 1OR2A42

Activation by volatile odorant molecules leading to G protein-coupled receptor signaling