ArticleCommunications biology2025
An odorant receptor for a key odor constituent of ambergris.
Article in Communications biology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- The ectopic olfactory receptor OR7A17 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of human epidermal keratinocytes, and ginsenoside Rh3 acts as its antagonist.Journal of ginseng research · 2026Article
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5 authors.
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Abstract
Ambergris, a substance derived from the digestive system of sperm whales, has been valued for centuries for its unique aromatic properties. However, historical accounts indicate that certain human populations, particularly in East Asia, utilized ambergris without regard for its odor quality. These observations suggest that ambergris offers a model for studying how pleasant olfactory perception and its regional variations are constructed. Despite its historical and cultural significance, the molecular basis of ambergris perception has remained unclear. Here, we identified OR7A17 as an odorant receptor tuned to (-)-Ambroxide, a key odorant in ambergris. Analysis of genetic and functional variations in OR7A17 revealed that non-functional alleles of this receptor are prevalent in human populations, especially in East Asia. Individuals lacking functional OR7A17 alleles could still detect (-)-Ambroxide but found its scent less pleasant compared to those with functional alleles. These findings elucidate a molecular mechanism that influences the perceived pleasantness of ambergris and shed light on its enduring legacy in perfumery.
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