Elsevier

Peptides

Volume 4, Issue 5, September–October 1983, Pages 651-656
Peptides

Regulation of opioid gene expression

https://doi.org/10.1016/0196-9781(83)90013-XGet rights and content

Abstract

Opioid peptides are synthesized in the form of large precursors, which contain the information for more than one biologically active peptide. Using recombinant DNA technology, three opioid precursors have been sequenced: pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), proenkephalin and prodynorphin. Analysis of the structures of these three precursors and their corresponding genes show striking similarities suggesting a common evolutionary mechanism. Regulation of POMC gene expression has been analyzed in different rat tissues. Detection of POMC mRNA in brain tissues supports the hypothesis that ACTH and endorphin peptides are synthesized in these tissues. Quantitation of POMC mRNA levels in pituitaries of rats subjected to adrenalectomy and glucocorticoid treatment shows that the feedback effect of the glucocorticoids occurs at the level of the rate of transcription of POMC mRNA.

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