Abstract
An almost complete list of odorant receptor genes in the dog (1,094 genes) and the rat (1,493 genes) is described. A comparison of odorant receptor repertoires in rat, dog, mouse and human is also included.
Highlights
Dogs and rats have a highly developed capability to detect and identify odorant molecules, even at minute concentrations
Olfactory receptors (ORs) - encoded by the largest known gene superfamily in the mammalian genome, known as the olfactory subgenome [1] - are expressed on the surface of the cilia of the olfactory sensory neurons lining the neuroepithelium in the nasal cavity
olfactory receptors (ORs) proteins belong to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, which is characterized by the presence of seven hydrophobic transmembrane domains
Summary
Dogs and rats have a highly developed capability to detect and identify odorant molecules, even at minute concentrations. Previous analyses have shown that the olfactory receptors (ORs) that bind odorant molecules are encoded by the largest gene family sequenced in mammals so far. Olfactory receptors (ORs) - encoded by the largest known gene superfamily in the mammalian genome, known as the olfactory subgenome [1] - are expressed on the surface of the cilia of the olfactory sensory neurons lining the neuroepithelium in the nasal cavity. Each OR can recognize several chemically related molecules, and a specific odorant may bind to several ORs [2]. This combinatorial coding system has been only partly deciphered, with only about 20 or so ligand-receptor pairs of the thousands possible decoded [213]. The olfactory repertoire of rat has been estimated to contain 1,700 to 2,000 genes [20], whereas that of the dog has been estimated at 1,300 genes [21,22]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
