Use of 2-pentanone and specific receptor thereof in a manufacture of a product regulating a cell function, a regulation of cell function, a manufacture of a product promoting an increase in an intracellular calcium ion concentration, or a manufacture of a product promoting an increase in a neuronal firing rate is provided. In the present disclosure, the specific receptor of 2-pentanone is expressed in cultured cells or animals, and its specific binding to 2-pentanone opens ligand-gated cation channels, resulting in an increase of intracellular calcium ion concentration, depolarization of cell membranes, and generation of electrical activity or endocrine activity, thereby finally achieving precise regulation of tissue cells and organ functions. After being treated, cells can be activated rapidly, producing effects with a rapid onset; once the treatment is stopped, the experimental effect can be quickly terminated to allow the cells to return to their original state quickly.