OR51E2: A Sensory Neuron's Secret Weapon

Researchers used cryoelectron microscopy to study odor receptor, OR51E2. They found that within the structure of the interlocked molecules, the Or51E2 had trapped propionate within a small pocket. When they enlarged the pocket, the receptor lost much of its sensitivity to propionate into another small molecule that normally activates it. Other human olfactory receptors, especially those closely related toOR51E2, likely functions similarly says Matsunami.