The invention relates to methods for enhancing functional expression of receptor molecules in recombinant cells, preferably heterologous cells. In the method, a eukaryotic cell is transformed or transfected with all of the nucleic acid molecule which encodes the receptor, one which encodes a GEF, such as Ric-8A or Ric-8B, and one which encodes Gαolf. The resulting, recombinant cells are then contacted with an agent that stimulates the functional expression of the receptor. Preferably, the receptor is an odorant receptor, or “OR,” and the agent is a ligand for that OR.