Olfactory receptor family 52 subfamily A member 1 (OR52A1)

Olfactory receptor family 52 subfamily A member 1 (OR52A1) is a member of the olfactory receptor family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). It is encoded by the OR52A1 gene, which gives rise to a protein with the canonical GPCR seven-transmembrane domain structure. OR52A1 interacts with volatile odorant molecules in the nasal epithelium, initiating the signal transduction cascade for the sense of smell via G proteins. Its ligand-binding pocket is structurally adapted to recognize long-chain carboxylic acid odorants, distinguishing its mechanisms from non-olfactory GPCRs. OR52A1 is one of the largest gene families in the human genome, and while its primary physiological role is olfaction, it has detectable expression in nonolfactory tissues, suggesting possible broader biological roles. No drugs are currently known to act on OR52A1, and its disease associations are genetic rather than pharmacological.

Other names

OR52A1HPFH1OROdorant receptor HOR3'beta4Olfactory receptor OR11-319

When activated by specific odorant molecules (carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains), OR52A1 triggers G protein-mediated cAMP signaling. No clinical drugs are currently known to modulate this signaling for therapeutic purposes.