Olfactory receptor family 8 subfamily K member 3 (OR8K3)

Olfactory receptor family 8 subfamily K member 3 (OR8K3) is a member of the olfactory receptor family and is encoded by the OR8K3 gene in humans. Olfactory receptors are a subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) characterized by a seven-transmembrane domain structure. These receptors are primarily responsible for detecting odorant molecules in the nasal epithelium, binding odorants, and initiating G protein-mediated signal transduction that ultimately leads to the perception of smell. OR8K3, like other olfactory receptors, is believed to mediate specific aspects of olfactory signal transduction by recognizing particular odorants. This gene is unique in that it is a segregating pseudogene in the population, meaning some individuals have a functional allele while others have a non-functional version. There is no significant evidence that OR8K3 is a direct therapeutic or pharmacological target with approved drugs or active clinical development. It is not considered to be implicated as a robust biomarker or safety concern in patients

Other names

Olfactory receptor 8K3OR8K3Olfactory receptor OR11-181OR11-181olfactory receptor, family 8, subfamily K, member 3

Not applicable for drugs; endogenous mechanism is odorant (ligand)-induced G protein signaling leading to neuronal activation