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Pathway Description
Olfactory Transduction OR2J3
Homo sapiens
Physiological Pathway
Created: 2025-08-06
Last Updated: 2025-10-07
Olfaction is the chemosensory process that enables the detection of airborne, volatile compounds at low concentrations. The OR2J3 (Olfactory Receptor 2J3) gene encodes a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a key role in recognizing specific odorant molecules. OR2J3 is expressed on the cilia of olfactory sensory neurons within the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity.
When volatile odorant molecules enter the nasal cavity and dissolve in the mucus layer, certain ligands selectively bind to the OR2J3 receptor. This ligand–receptor interaction activates the olfactory G-protein (Golf), which in turn stimulates adenylate cyclase, leading to the synthesis of cyclic AMP (cAMP). The increase in intracellular cAMP opens cyclic nucleotide–gated ion channels, allowing sodium (Na⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺) ions to enter the neuron. The resulting ionic influx depolarizes the neuronal membrane.
If this depolarization reaches threshold, it initiates an action potential that propagates along the olfactory nerve to the olfactory bulb. From there, the signal is transmitted to higher brain regions such as the olfactory cortex, where it contributes to the perception of a distinct odor associated with OR2J3 activation.
OR2J3 is known to respond specifically to cis-3-hexen-1-ol, a compound responsible for the characteristic “fresh-cut grass” or “green” odor. Variations in the OR2J3 gene among individuals can influence sensitivity to this smell, illustrating how genetic differences in olfactory receptors contribute to perceptual diversity in human odor detection.
References
Olfactory Transduction OR2J3 References
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