Olfactory receptor family 51 subfamily C member 1 (OR51C1)

Olfactory receptor family 51 subfamily C member 1 (OR51C1) is classified as an olfactory receptor, part of the large family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) responsible for the detection of odorants in the nasal epithelium[2][3][4]. Like other olfactory receptors, OR51C1 has a characteristic 7-transmembrane domain structure similar to many neurotransmitter and hormone receptors[5]. However, OR51C1 is officially considered a **pseudogene** in humans, as indicated by multiple aliases and historical nomenclature (e.g., OR51C1P, OR51C2P, OR51C3P, "pseudogene")[5]. As a pseudogene, it is not thought to encode a functional protein, and thus is **not an active therapeutic or pharmacological target**. The biological function of its intact orthologs in other species would be related to odorant recognition and signal transduction via activation of associated G proteins, leading to downstream neuronal signaling[2][3][4]. There is no evidence of drugs interacting with this molecule, nor is there indication that it serves as a biomarker or has safety concerns. **Note:** The presence of "pseudogene" in multiple aliases, and its listing as such in authoritative gene databases, strongly suggests that OR51C1 does not yield a functional receptor in humans and should not be considered an active drug target[5].

Other names

OST734OR51C1POR51C2POR51C3Polfactory receptor OR51C1olfactory receptor family 51 subfamily C member 1 pseudogeneolfactory receptor, family 51, subfamily C, member 2 pseudogeneolfactory receptor, family 51, subfamily C, member 3 pseudogene