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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

High-throughput Analysis of Mammalian Olfactory Receptors: Measurement of Receptor Activation via Luciferase Activity
12:02

High-throughput Analysis of Mammalian Olfactory Receptors: Measurement of Receptor Activation via Luciferase Activity

Published on: June 2, 2014

Evolution of olfactory receptors.

Kara C Hoover1

  • 1Anthropology Department, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|April 16, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Olfactory receptors detect odors via G protein-coupled receptors and signal transduction. Vertebrate olfactory evolution shows distinct marine and terrestrial adaptations, but knowledge gaps remain regarding lifetime diversity and epigenetic influences.

Area of Science:

  • Olfactory receptor biology
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Olfactory receptors are G protein-coupled receptors on olfactory sensory neurons, crucial for odor detection and processing.
  • Odor detection involves a signal transduction cascade initiated by ligand binding, leading to nerve impulses to the brain.
  • Vertebrate olfactory evolution is marked by birth-and-death events and adaptations to marine and terrestrial environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of olfactory receptor cells and their function.
  • To highlight evolutionary divergences in olfactory receptor genes (Class I and Class II) reflecting marine and terrestrial heritage.
  • To identify knowledge gaps in olfactory receptor research.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on olfactory receptor cells, signal transduction, and evolutionary processes.

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Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase
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Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase

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Last Updated: May 12, 2026

High-throughput Analysis of Mammalian Olfactory Receptors: Measurement of Receptor Activation via Luciferase Activity
12:02

High-throughput Analysis of Mammalian Olfactory Receptors: Measurement of Receptor Activation via Luciferase Activity

Published on: June 2, 2014

Live-cell Measurement of Odorant Receptor Activation Using a Real-time cAMP Assay
09:11

Live-cell Measurement of Odorant Receptor Activation Using a Real-time cAMP Assay

Published on: October 2, 2017

Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase
09:53

Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase

Published on: April 23, 2019

  • Comparative analysis of olfactory receptor gene classes in different vertebrate lineages.
  • Identification of research areas requiring further investigation.

    • Main Results:

    • Olfactory receptors are key components of the olfactory system, utilizing G protein-coupled receptors and signal transduction pathways.
    • Two main classes of olfactory receptor genes (Class I and Class II) reflect vertebrate evolutionary history from marine to terrestrial life.
    • Significant knowledge gaps persist concerning intra-individual diversity, epigenetic modifications, and ligand-specific receptor associations.

    Conclusions:

    • Olfactory receptor research has advanced significantly, particularly in understanding evolutionary adaptations.
    • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complexities of olfactory receptor function, diversity, and regulation throughout an organism's life.
    • Addressing these knowledge gaps is essential for a comprehensive understanding of olfaction.