Nociceptin Proteins and Enzymes

Nociceptin (Orphanin FQ, OFQ), a heptadecapeptide peptide, has been designated as an endogenous ligand for the ORL1 receptor. The amino acid sequence of nociceptin hashomology with other opioid peptides, especially the prodynorphin fragment dynorphin A, suggesting a close evolutionary relationship between the precursors. A diffuse distribution throughout the brain is seen with binding studies and in situ hybridization suggesting an extensive role for nociceptin in a multitude of CNS functions. ...