Abstract
Olfaction is essential for the survival of animals. Diverse odor molecules in the environment are detected by the olfactory receptors (ORs) in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. There are ∼400 and ∼1,000 OR genes in the human and mouse genomes, respectively, forming the largest multigene family in mammals. The relationships between ORs and odorants are multiple-to-multiple, which allows for discriminating almost unlimited number of different odorants by a combination of ORs. However, the OR-ligand relationships are still largely unknown, and predicting the quality of odor from its molecular structure is unsuccessful.
Extensive bioinformatic analyses using the whole genomes of various organisms revealed a great variation in number of OR genes among species, reflecting the diversity of their living environments. For example, higher primates equipped with a well-developed vision system and dolphins that are secondarily adapted to the aquatic life have considerably smaller numbers of OR genes than most of other mammals do. OR genes are characterized by extremely frequent gene duplications and losses. The OR gene repertories are also diverse among human individuals, explaining the diversity of odor perception such as the specific anosmia.
OR genes are present in all vertebrates. The number of OR genes is smaller in teleost fishes than in mammals, while the diversity is higher in the former than the latter. Because the genome of amphioxus, the most basal chordate species, harbors vertebrate-like OR genes, the origin of OR genes can be traced back to the common ancestor of the phylum Chordata.
Keywords: Birth-and-death evolution, Color vision, G-protein coupled receptor, Multigene family, Odor perception, Olfactory receptor, Primate evolution, Vertebrate evolution, OR genes, GENOMIC DISTRIBUTION
Current Genomics
Title:Olfactory Receptor Multigene Family in Vertebrates: From the Viewpoint of Evolutionary Genomics
Volume: 13 Issue: 2
Author(s): Yoshihito Niimura
Affiliation:
Keywords: Birth-and-death evolution, Color vision, G-protein coupled receptor, Multigene family, Odor perception, Olfactory receptor, Primate evolution, Vertebrate evolution, OR genes, GENOMIC DISTRIBUTION
Abstract:
Olfaction is essential for the survival of animals. Diverse odor molecules in the environment are detected by the olfactory receptors (ORs) in the olfactory epithelium of the nasal cavity. There are ∼400 and ∼1,000 OR genes in the human and mouse genomes, respectively, forming the largest multigene family in mammals. The relationships between ORs and odorants are multiple-to-multiple, which allows for discriminating almost unlimited number of different odorants by a combination of ORs. However, the OR-ligand relationships are still largely unknown, and predicting the quality of odor from its molecular structure is unsuccessful.
Extensive bioinformatic analyses using the whole genomes of various organisms revealed a great variation in number of OR genes among species, reflecting the diversity of their living environments. For example, higher primates equipped with a well-developed vision system and dolphins that are secondarily adapted to the aquatic life have considerably smaller numbers of OR genes than most of other mammals do. OR genes are characterized by extremely frequent gene duplications and losses. The OR gene repertories are also diverse among human individuals, explaining the diversity of odor perception such as the specific anosmia.
OR genes are present in all vertebrates. The number of OR genes is smaller in teleost fishes than in mammals, while the diversity is higher in the former than the latter. Because the genome of amphioxus, the most basal chordate species, harbors vertebrate-like OR genes, the origin of OR genes can be traced back to the common ancestor of the phylum Chordata.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Yoshihito Niimura , Olfactory Receptor Multigene Family in Vertebrates: From the Viewpoint of Evolutionary Genomics, Current Genomics 2012; 13 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920212799860706
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920212799860706 |
Print ISSN 1389-2029 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5488 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advanced Computational Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Pharmacogenomics
In the era of personalized medicine, understanding the relationship between genetics and drug response is crucial. This issue delves into innovative methodologies, leveraging deep computational analysis and artificial intelligence, to enhance the field of Clinical Pharmacogenomics. The interdisciplinary approach harnesses the power of advanced high-throughput genotyping technologies, sophisticated computational analysis, ...read more
Applications of Single-cell Sequencing Technology in Reproductive Medicine
Single cell sequencing (SCS) technology utilizes individual cells' genetic material to sequence their genome, transcriptome, and epigenetics at the molecular level. It offers insights into cell heterogeneity and enables the study of limited biological materials. Since its recognition as a valuable technique in 2011, single cell sequencing has yielded numerous ...read more
Big Data in Cancer Research
Cancer is a significant threat to human life and health, remaining a highly aggressive killer. It is a leading cause of death worldwide and represents a crucial medical issue for humanity. However, in the past decade, the effectiveness of new synthetic anticancer agents has not matched the current clinical speculation. ...read more
Current Genomics in Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the world, in recent years we have had important advances in the interaction between cardiovascular disease and genomics. In this Research Topic, we intend for researchers to present their results with a focus on basic, translational and clinical investigations associated with ...read more
Related Journals
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Structure and Ligand Based Drug Design Strategies in the Development of Novel 5- LOX Inhibitors
Current Medicinal Chemistry DNA Topoisomerases in Life and Death: Implications in Kinetoplastid Protozoa
Current Molecular Medicine Editorial [Hot Topic: How Brain Faces Stressors, Regulates Stress Response and Undergoes Stress Consequences (Guest Editor: Juan C. Leza)]
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Natural Products and their (Semi-)Synthetic Forms in the Treatment of Migraine: History and Current Status
Current Medicinal Chemistry Targeting IL-17 and IL-23 in Immune Mediated Renal Disease
Current Medicinal Chemistry Pathogenesis of Graves Orbitopathy
Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Discontinued) Adrenomedullin Expression in Alzheimer's Brain
Current Alzheimer Research Epigenetic MicroRNA Regulation of Multiple Chromatin Functions: A Perspective in Cancer
Epigenetic Diagnosis & Therapy (Discontinued) Hypertension and Angiogenesis
Current Pharmaceutical Design Cellular Iron Homeostasis and Therapeutic Implications of Iron Chelators in Cancer
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Imaging of Tumor Angiogenesis: Current Approaches and Future Prospects
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Role of Heat Shock Protein (HSP) in Atherosclerosis: Pathophysiology and Clinical Opportunities
Current Medicinal Chemistry Evaluation of Salivary Melatonin Levels in HIV-positive Patients: A Historical Cohort Study
Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials Acknowledgements to Reviewers
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry P-Glycoprotein Contributes to Cell Membrane Depolarization of Hippocampus and Neocortex in a Model of Repetitive Seizures Induced by Pentylenetetrazole in Rats
Current Pharmaceutical Design Study of Grumixama (Eugenia Brasiliensis, Lam) Fruit Pulp and Development of a Jelly: Rheological, Sensorial and Colorimetric Evaluation
The Natural Products Journal Roles of Natural Compounds from Medicinal Plants in Cancer Treatment: Structure and Mode of Action at Molecular Level
Medicinal Chemistry Subcategories of Fibromyalgia - A New Concept
Current Rheumatology Reviews Role of DAP12 in Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses
Current Pharmaceutical Design Involvement of IL-1R/TLR Signalling in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis
Current Molecular Medicine