Olfactory receptor family 4 subfamily C member 6 (OR4C6)

Olfactory receptor family 4 subfamily C member 6 (OR4C6) is a protein-coding gene and receptor in the human genome. It belongs to the olfactory receptor (OR) family, which is the largest family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors share a canonical seven-transmembrane domain structure, which enables them to interact with odorant molecules and initiate the sense of smell through G protein-mediated signaling[1][3][5]. OR4C6 has been identified as having heightened and cancer-specific expression in pancreatic carcinoma, suggesting its potential utility as a tissue biomarker—for healthy pancreas, its expression is virtually absent[2]. Although traditionally studied for their role in olfaction, recent research demonstrates that olfactory receptors can also function in other tissues, and their dysregulation may be implicated in disease states (including cancer)[1][2]. To date, OR4C6 remains an orphan receptor, meaning its physiological activator(s) are unknown, and no approved drugs or dedicated chemical modulators are described for it[2]. If you need information in a machine-readable format, each field above is ready for mapping, with null values or explicit absence noted where supporting data are lacking.

Other names

Olfactory receptor 4C6OR4C6Olfactory receptor OR11-138OR11-138olfactory receptor 4C6olfactory receptor OR11-138

For odorant molecules: Ligand binding (unknown for OR4C6), activates G protein-coupled signaling cascade, leading to neuronal activation[3][1]. For cancer, if targeted: Hypothetical—blockade or modulation may affect cell proliferation if confirmed as relevant in carcinoma biology.