Olfactory receptor family 5 subfamily H member 3 pseudogene (OR5H3P)

OR5H3P is an olfactory receptor pseudogene belonging to family 5, subfamily H. As a pseudogene, it is considered a non-functional DNA sequence that arose from a protein-coding olfactory receptor gene through mutations such as nonsense or frame-shift changes[1][6]. Olfactory receptor families contain many pseudogenes, reflecting low selection pressures to maintain receptors that are either functionally redundant or detect odors no longer relevant for a species' fitness[6]. While pseudogenes are generally considered non-functional, recent research has revealed some exceptional cases where certain olfactory receptor pseudogenes can actually encode functional receptors through mechanisms like translational readthrough of premature termination codons, termed "pseudo-pseudogenes"[6][7]. However, there is no specific evidence in the available literature indicating that OR5H3P itself represents such a functional exception. The pseudogene classification suggests it has lost its original function in olfactory signal transduction, which normally involves G protein-coupled receptor activity for detecting odorant molecules[5].

Other names

Olfactory receptor OR3-4 pseudogeneOlfactory receptor, family 5, subfamily H, member 14 pseudogene

None applicable (pseudogene)