Olfactory receptor (, ). Activated by the odorant, beta-ionone, a synthetic terpenoid ( ). The activity of this receptor is probably mediated by G-proteins leading to the elevation of intracellular Ca(2+), cAMP and activation of the protein kinases PKA and MAPK3/MAPK1 (, ). Stimulation of OR51E2 by beta-ionone affects melanocyte proliferation, differentiation, and melanogenesis . Activation of OR51E2 by beta-ionone increases proliferation and migration of primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells . Activated also by the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) acetate and propionate. In response to SCFA, may positively regulate renin secretion and increase blood pressure . May also be activated by steroid hormones and regulate cell proliferation . Activated by L-lactate in glomus cells (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane, Early endosome membrane
Highly expressed in the prostate . Also expressed in spleen, liver, olfactory epithelium, retinal pigment epithelium and medulla oblongata ( ). In the retinal pigment epithelium expression is restricted to the pigment cells and choroid (at protein level) . Expressed in epidermal melanocytes (at protein level) .