OR8H2

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OR8H2 is a human gene that encodes an olfactory receptor, a type of protein that helps you smell. Olfactory receptors are a large family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) located in the nose. They detect odor molecules and start a signal that the brain interprets as a smell. OR8H2 is one member of this gene family, which is the largest family of genes in the human genome.

Location and basics:
- OR8H2 is on chromosome 11 (11q12.1), spanning about 4,000 bases (roughly 56,103,687 to 56,107,658 in the GRCh38 genome build).
- Aliases include OR8H2 and OR11-171.

Expression and species information:
- In humans, OR8H2 is expressed in tissues such as adipose (fat) tissue and blood.
- There is a mouse ortholog located on chromosome 2 (about 86.8 Mb), showing that this receptor has counterparts in other species.

Function and structure:
- Molecular function: G protein-coupled receptor activity, odorant binding, and olfactory receptor activity; it also participates in signal transduction.
- Cellular location: a membrane protein (integral component of the membrane, part of the plasma membrane).
- Biological role: helps detect smells and trigger the brain’s response to odor molecules.

Context:
- Olfactory receptor genes form the largest gene family in the genome, with a broad and diverse role in sensing thousands of different odors.