Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily W member 3 (OR2W3)

Olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily W member 3 (OR2W3) is a member of the olfactory receptor family and belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. Olfactory receptors, including OR2W3, typically function in the recognition and transduction of odorant signals in the nose, triggering neuronal signals that ultimately result in the perception of smell. These receptors have a characteristic 7-transmembrane domain structure common to many neurotransmitter and hormone receptors. Importantly, OR2W3 is also expressed outside the olfactory epithelium, such as on airway smooth muscle cells. Here, OR2W3 is activated by odorant ligands including the monoterpene nerol, which induces a unique signaling cascade involving increased intracellular calcium levels and activation of Ca²⁺-activated chloride channels (TMEM16A and CFTR). This pathway leads to airway smooth muscle relaxation, indicating a potential therapeutic role in respiratory diseases. No traditional drugs are documented to target OR2W3, but its emerging role as a modulator of airway tone suggests it could be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of obstructive airway diseases. OR2W3 is known by multiple aliases, and while annotated as a pseudogene in some contexts, recent evidence establishes it as a functional, protein-coding receptor in humans.

Other names

Olfactory receptor 2W3OR2W3POR2W8POST718Olfactory receptor 2W8Olfactory receptor OR1-49olfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily W, member 3 pseudogeneolfactory receptor, family 2, subfamily W, member 8 pseudogene

Activation by odorant ligands (such as nerol) leads to G protein-mediated signaling, increased intracellular calcium, and activation of Ca²⁺-activated chloride channels (TMEM16A, CFTR) resulting in airway smooth muscle relaxation