Receptor Transporter Protein 1 (RTP1)

Transport of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to the cell surface membrane is critical for receptor-ligand recognition. However, mammalian GPCR odorant receptors (ORs), when heterologously expressed in cells, are poorly expressed on the cell surface.

The deduced mouse Rtp1 protein contains 263 amino acids and shares 73% identity with mouse Rtp2 . Rtp1 lacks a signal peptide, but it has a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Northern blot analysis of mouse tissues detected prominent expression of Rtp1 in olfactory and vomeronasal organs. Long exposure revealed faint expression in brain. In situ hybridization of mouse olfactory epithelium revealed specific expression of Rtp1 in olfactory neurons.