Olfactory receptor family 52 subfamily B member 4 (OR52B4)

Olfactory receptor family 52 subfamily B member 4 (OR52B4) is a member of the large olfactory receptor gene family found in humans, encoding a predicted seven-transmembrane domain receptor embedded in olfactory sensory neurons. These receptors detect odorant molecules entering the nasal cavity and initiate neuronal signaling via G protein-coupled mechanisms that enable the perception of different smells. OR52B4 is part of the rhodopsin-like GPCR subfamily, sharing key structural motifs with neurotransmitter and hormone receptors. This gene is notable as a segregating pseudogene: in some individuals, the allele may encode a functional receptor, while in others it may be non-functional due to sequence variation. The direct functions of OR52B4 in odor discrimination or additional physiological roles remain largely uncharacterized in the literature; no evidence currently supports its involvement in human disease, drug response, or utility as a biomarker. Given its molecular classification, OR52B4 could theoretically be a pharmacological target, but there are no current drugs or clinical programs involving this receptor. Its role is restricted to sensory biology and does not have known systemic physiological or pathological effects outside of olfaction.

Other names

OR52B4Olfactory receptor 52B4Olfactory receptor OR11-3OR11-3olfactory receptor 52B4

No drugs known to target OR52B4; canonical mechanism is agonism by odorant ligands with G protein signaling