Oprk1 — Kappa Opioid Receptor is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Kappa-Opioid Receptor (KOR) is a The kappa-opioid receptor mediates analgesia, dysphoria, and diuresis. It is expressed throughout the CNS including the striatum, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. KOR antagonists are being explored for depression and substance abuse treatment.
| Symbol | OPRK1 |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kappa-Opioid Receptor (KOR) |
| Chromosomal Location | 8q11.23 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 4985 |
| OMIM | 165040 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000082556 |
| UniProt | P41145 |
The OPRK1 gene encodes a G protein-coupled receptor that The kappa-opioid receptor mediates analgesia, dysphoria, and diuresis. It is expressed throughout the CNS including the striatum, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. KOR antagonists are being explored for depression and substance abuse treatment.
This receptor couples to G proteins to activate downstream signaling cascades:
| Disease | Role | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Parkinson's disease | Receptor alterations affect dopaminergic signaling | GWAS, postmortem studies |
| Schizophrenia | Altered receptor expression and signaling | Genetic association, PET studies |
| Movement disorders | Receptor polymorphisms affect motor control | Clinical studies |
This receptor is expressed in various brain regions:
Expression data available from Allen Brain Atlas.
The study of Oprk1 — Kappa Opioid Receptor has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.