Orphanin FQ/nociceptin: a role in pain and analgesia, but so much more.
The publication of the delta opioid receptor sequence led to the cloning of three homologous receptors: the mu and kappa opioid receptors, and a novel opioid-like orphan receptor. The orphan receptor's endogenous ligand, a 17-amino-acid peptide that resembles dynorphin, was named 'orphanin FQ' and 'nociceptin' (OFQ/N1-17). The OFQ/N1-17 receptor is expressed widely in the nervous system, and it is becoming clear that the peptide is likely to participate in a broad range of physiological and behavioral functions. At the cellular level, OFQ/N1-17 has much in common with the classical opioids; however, functional studies are now revealing distinct actions of this peptide. Identified only two years ago, OFQ/N1-17 has already attracted a great deal of attention. The number and diversity of papers focused on OFQ/N1-17 at the recent meeting of the Society for Neuroscience augur an exciting future for this new peptide.
Darland
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Dept of Cell and Developmental Biology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, USA.
Heinricher
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MM
Grandy
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DK
D000698:Analgesia; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D018847:Opioid Peptides / Q000502:physiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology; D000094942:Nociceptin Receptor; D000097629:Nociceptin
D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D018847:Opioid Peptides; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D000094942:Nociceptin Receptor; D000097629:Nociceptin; C000722283:OPRL1 protein, human