Olfactory receptor family 8 subfamily K member 4 pseudogene (OR8K4P)

Olfactory receptor family 8 subfamily K member 4 pseudogene (OR8K4P) is a member of the large family of human olfactory receptor genes, which normally encode proteins involved in detecting odorants through G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) mechanisms in olfactory neurons[2][4]. However, OR8K4P is annotated as a pseudogene, meaning it does not encode a functional receptor or detectable protein due to disruptive mutations[2][5]. Olfactory receptor pseudogenes are common in the human genome, reflecting evolutionary changes and gene repertoire contraction. These pseudogenes do not have established biological functions in humans, are not relevant to disease, and do not serve as drug targets, biomarkers, or sources of safety concerns[2][5]. Although some olfactory receptor pseudogenes in other species—or under rare circumstances—may retain partial or unexpected functions[1][5], there is no evidence that OR8K4P encodes a functional receptor or is relevant as a therapeutic target. A similar paradigm in other olfactory receptor pseudogenes exists, but does not apply specifically to OR8K4P[2].

Other names

OR8K4PHuman Genome Nomenclature (HGNC:15314)NCBI Gene ID: 81166Ensembl: ENSG00000254947HORDE: OR8K4PGC11U990400GC11M055666GC11M055909

Not applicable; no functional protein is produced