The protein encoded by this gene represents the alpha subunit of a cyclic nucleotide-gated olfactory channel. The encoded protein contains a carboxy-terminal leucine zipper that mediates channel formation. Odorant signal transduction is probably mediated by a G-protein coupled cascade using cAMP as second messenger. The olfactory channel can be shown to be activated by cyclic nucleotides which leads to a depolarization of olfactory sensory neurons.