Small subfamily of olfactory receptor genes: structural features, expression pattern and genomic organization

Gene. 1999 Aug 20;236(2):281-91. doi: 10.1016/s0378-1119(99)00275-9.

Abstract

Olfactory receptors of the OR37 subfamily are characterized by distinct sequence features and are expressed in neurons segregated in a restricted area of the olfactory epithelium. In the present study, we have characterized the complement of OR37-like genes in the mouse. Five OR37-like genes were identified. They reside within only 60kb of DNA on chromosome 4. About 70kb distant from this cluster, two additional olfactory receptor genes are located, which are members of distinct receptor subfamilies. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the two physically linked receptors are closely related to the OR37 subfamily. Studies of gene expression showed that both genes are also expressed in clustered neuron populations located in the typical OR37 region of the epithelium. These data suggest the involvement of locus-dependent mechanisms for the spatial control of OR gene expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / analysis
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Gene Library
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Mice
  • Models, Genetic
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Multigene Family
  • Nasal Cavity / anatomy & histology
  • Phylogeny
  • Receptors, Odorant / genetics*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Receptors, Odorant

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AJ133424
  • GENBANK/AJ133425
  • GENBANK/AJ133426
  • GENBANK/AJ133427
  • GENBANK/AJ133428
  • GENBANK/AJ133429
  • GENBANK/AJ133430