Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily B member 6 (OR2B6)

Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily B member 6 (OR2B6) is a member of the olfactory receptor family, the largest group of G protein-coupled receptors in the human genome, typically mediating the perception of odors through binding of small molecule odorants in the nasal epithelium. OR2B6, like other olfactory receptors, possesses a 7-transmembrane domain characteristic of GPCRs. In addition to its canonical role in olfaction, OR2B6 has been identified as being ectopically expressed in several cancerous tissues, most notably in breast carcinoma, where its expression is observed in the majority of breast cancer tissues and cell lines but not in healthy breast tissue. This has led to investigation of OR2B6 as a molecular biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis and research. There is evidence that OR2B6 may also be expressed (at lower levels) in pancreatic and lung carcinoma tissues but is not reliably detected in healthy versions of these tissues. The physiological or pathological function of OR2B6 in cancer biology remains largely uncharacterized; no endogenous ligands or interacting drugs are known, and its deorphanization is complicated by technical challenges. Currently, while OR2B6 represents a promising diagnostic marker for breast cancer, no therapies are directed against this receptor and no pharmacological modulators have been identified.

Other names

Olfactory receptor 2B6OR2B6OR2B1OR2B1POR2B6POR5-40OR5-41OR6-31dJ408B20.2Hs6M1-32Olfactory receptor 2B1Olfactory receptor 2B5Olfactory receptor 5-40Olfactory receptor 6-31Olfactory receptor OR6-4olfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily B, member 1 pseudogeneolfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily B, member 5olfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily B, member 6 pseudogene

Mechanism of drugs targeting this receptor is unknown due to lack of characterized ligands or clinical modulators.