Olfactory receptor (OR) genes constitute the basis for the sense of smell. It has long been observed that a subset of mammalian OR genes are expressed in nonolfactory tissues, in addition to their expression in the olfactory epithelium. However, it is unknown whether OR genes have alternative functions in the nonolfactory tissues. Using a dedicated microarray, we surveyed OR gene expression in olfactory epithelium as well as a number of nonolfactory tissues, in human and chimpanzee. Our observations suggest that ectopically expressed OR orthologous genes are expressed in the same nonolfactory tissues in human and chimpanzee more often than expected by chance alone. Moreover, we found that the subset of orthologous OR genes with conserved ectopic expression evolve under stronger evolutionary constraint than OR genes expressed exclusively in the olfactory epithelium. Thus, although we cannot provide direct functional data, our observations are consistent with the notion that a subset of ectopically expressed OR genes have additional functions in nonolfactory tissues.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2767087 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msn294 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Citronellal Alleviates Insulin Resistance in High-Fat Diet/Streptozocin Model: Role of Asprosin/Olfactory Receptor Axis.
Mol Nutr Food Res
January 2025
Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Ectopic olfactory receptors are expressed in nonolfactory tissues and perform diverse roles including regulation of glucose homeostasis. We explored the effect of citronellal treatment on olfactory receptor 4M1 subtype (OR4M1) signaling in insulin resistance and Type II diabetes in rats. We aimed to validate the anti-diabetic effect of citronellal through Asprosin/OR4M1 modulation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUpregulation of olfactory receptors and neuronal-associated genes highlights complex immune and neuronal dysregulation in Long COVID patients.
Brain Behav Immun
February 2025
Mike Petryk School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E1, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E1, AB, Canada; Women and Children Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E1, AB, Canada; Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E1, AB, Canada; Glycomics Institute of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E1, AB, Canada. Electronic address:
A substantial portion of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience prolonged complications, known as Long COVID (LC). A subset of these patients exhibits the most debilitating symptoms, similar to those defined in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). We performed bulk RNA sequencing (RNAseq) on the whole blood of LC with ME/CFS, at least 12 months post-onset of the acute disease, and compared them with controls.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTranscriptional regulation of olfactory receptor OR51B5 by the TBX6.
Am J Physiol Cell Physiol
December 2024
Department of Food and Nutrition, BK21 FOUR, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
Olfactory receptors (ORs) are G protein-coupled receptors primarily expressed in olfactory tissue, facilitating the perception of odors. Interestingly, they have also been detected in nonolfactory tissues such as the skin, where they regulate processes like collagen synthesis. This study aimed to analyze the promoter of the OR family 51 subfamily B member 5 (OR51B5) and identify the transcription factors that bind to it to understand the potential regulatory mechanisms for OR51B5 expression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOlfactory Receptors and Tumorigenesis: Implications for Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy.
Cell Biochem Biophys
October 2024
Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Sub No.2, Weiyang West Road, Qindu District, Xianyang, 712000, China.
Olfactory receptors (ORs) are a class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) widely distributed in olfactory sensory neurons and various non-olfactory tissues, serving significant physiological and pathological functions in the human body. Increasing evidence reveals the heightened expression of olfactory receptors in tumorous tissues and cells alongside normal tissues. Olfactory receptors have demonstrated influence over tumor cell proliferation and metastasis, establishing a close relationship with tumor initiation and progression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNew insights into the roles of olfactory receptors in cardiovascular disease.
Mol Cell Biochem
July 2024
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolissm, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
Olfactory receptors (ORs) are G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) with seven transmembrane domains that bind to specific exogenous chemical ligands and transduce intracellular signals. They constitute the largest gene family in the human genome. They are expressed in the epithelial cells of the olfactory organs and in the non-olfactory tissues such as the liver, kidney, heart, lung, pancreas, intestines, muscle, testis, placenta, cerebral cortex, and skin.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!