Receptor Transporter Protein 2 (RTP2)

The deduced mouse Rtp2 protein contains 223 amino acids and shares 73% identity with mouse Rtp1 . Rtp2 lacks a signal peptide, but it has a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Northern blot analysis of mouse tissues detected prominent expression of Rtp2 in olfactory and vomeronasal organs. Long exposure revealed faint expression in brain. In situ hybridization of mouse olfactory epithelium revealed specific expression of Rtp2 in olfactory neurons.Rtp1 and Rtp2 were associated with OR proteins and enhanced the OR responses to odorants. Similar but weaker effects were seen with a third protein, Reep1. These findings suggested that RTP1 and RTP2 play significant roles in the translocation of ORs to the plasma membrane, as well as in the functioning of ORs.