Olfactory receptor family 52 subfamily K member 1 (OR52K1)

Olfactory receptor family 52 subfamily K member 1 (OR52K1) is a member of the large olfactory receptor family, which are specialized G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) responsible for detecting odorant molecules in the nasal epithelium and initiating a neuronal response that leads to the perception of smell. OR52K1, like other olfactory receptors, has a seven-transmembrane domain structure and functions via G protein-mediated signal transduction. It is encoded by a single coding-exon gene and is part of the largest gene family in the human genome. While the primary function of olfactory receptors is in the sense of smell, recent research suggests possible roles for olfactory receptors in extranasal tissues and in various physiological and pathological processes; however, there is limited direct evidence for such roles specifically for OR52K1. No drugs or drug candidates are currently known to interact with OR52K1, and it is not a recognized therapeutic target, but the molecular family has been studied in the context of chemosensory drug discovery.

Other names

Olfactory receptor 52K1OR52K1Olfactory receptor OR11-8OR11-8

Not established for drugs; endogenous mechanism involves G protein-mediated signal transduction upon binding of odorant molecules