Odorant Binding Protein 2B (OBP2B)

The first step in the process of olfaction is the solubilization of hydrophobic molecules in the hydrophilic nasal mucus. Odorant-binding proteins, believed to transport these molecules within the mucus, are members of the lipocalin family. The presence of 2 genes homologous to LCN1 in the rat raised the question of whether additional LCN1-related genes were present in the human genome. Chromosome in situ hybridization and somatic hybrid analysis indicated that if such genes existed, they would be found in the 9q34 region. OBP2B gene was more strongly expressed in genital-sphere organs such as prostate and mammary glands. Both were expressed in the placenta and male vas deferens. Alternatively spliced mRNAs resulting in proteins with different C termini were generated from each of the 2 genes.