Plays an olfactory role that is not restricted to pheromone sensitivity. May be involved in the odor detection properties of the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) rather than their differentiation and growth. Localizes to structures interpreted to be vesicles and secretory granules but not in the plasma membrane of the cell body. Principal component of the olfactory cilia membrane. Localizes to the somata, dendritic neck and cilia of the olfactory neurons (at protein level). Not detected in the axons of ORNs, the cytoplasm of auxiliary cells or non-sensory structures. Expression is universal among ORNs but differential between neuron and sensillum types. Detected at low levels on day 6, increases gradually to day 11 and then dramatically rises well into the adult stage. Belongs to the CD36 family.