Kappa Opioid Receptor
| Gene Ontology | |
|---|---|
| Molecular function | • protein binding • dynorphin receptor activity |
| Cellular component | • plasma membrane • integral to plasma membrane |
| Biological process | • immune response • adenylate cyclase-inhibiting G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway • phospholipase C-activating G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway • synaptic transmission • sensory perception • behavior • opioid receptor signaling pathway • defense response to virus |
| Sources: Amigo / QuickGO | |
54.14 – 54.16 Mb
5.59 – 5.61 Mb
The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the OPRK1 gene. The κ-opioid receptor is one of five related receptors that bind opium-like compounds in the brain and are responsible for mediating the effects of these compounds. These effects include altering the perception of pain, consciousness, motor control, and mood.
The κ-opioid receptor is a type of opioid receptor that binds the opioid peptide dynorphin as the primary endogenous ligand. In addition to dynorphin, a variety of natural alkaloids and synthetic ligands bind to the receptor. The κ-opioid receptor may provide a natural addiction control mechanism, and therefore, drugs that act as agonists and increase activation of this receptor may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of addiction.
Read more about Kappa Opioid Receptor: Distribution, Subtypes, Function, Signal Transduction, Ligands, Role in Treatment of Drug Addiction, Interactions
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