Olfactory receptor family 4 subfamily Q member 2 (OR4Q2)

Olfactory receptor family 4 subfamily Q member 2 (OR4Q2) is a human protein that belongs to the large olfactory receptor family, which are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Like other olfactory receptors, it contains a seven-transmembrane domain structure characteristic of GPCRs, and is involved in detecting odorant molecules in the nose, initiating neuronal responses that result in the perception of smell. OR4Q2, like many other olfactory receptors, is encoded by a single coding-exon gene. Notably, OR4Q2 is classified as a segregating pseudogene in some individuals, meaning that some people may have a non-functional version of this receptor. There is no evidence that this gene serves as a therapeutic drug target, nor are there any data linking it directly to disease or to pharmacological intervention. The designation "OR4Q2P" generally refers to its status as a possible pseudogene in some genomic databases. It should not be confused with other closely numbered olfactory receptors (such as OR4X2) which are distinct gene products. The family of olfactory receptors is the largest gene family in the human genome. Olfactory receptors (in general) are known for extensive sequence diversity and redundancy in recognizing odorants.

Other names

Olfactory receptor 4Q2OR4Q2POlfactory receptor OR14-21Olfactory receptor, family 4, subfamily Q, member 2OR4Q2 (GeneCards symbol)