Cloning of a Delta Opioid Receptor by Functional Expression

TLDR

Opiate drugs are potent analgesics and addictive agents that act on receptors also responsive to endogenous opioid peptides, yet the molecular identity of these opioid receptors had remained elusive. The authors identified a cDNA clone encoding a functional δ opioid receptor by transiently expressing it in COS cells and screening with an iodinated enkephalin analog, and the sequence shows homology to G protein‑coupled receptors such as those for somatostatin, angiotensin, and interleukin‑8.

Abstract

Opiate drugs have potent analgesic and addictive properties. These drugs interact with receptors that also mediate the response to endogenous opioid peptide ligands. However, the receptors for opioids have eluded definitive molecular characterization. By transient expression in COS cells and screening with an iodinated analog of the opioid peptide enkephalin, a complementary DNA clone encoding a functional δ opioid receptor has been identified. The sequence shows homology to G protein-coupled receptors, in particular the receptors for somatostatin, angiotensin, and interleukin-8.