Tutorial:The opioid receptor, a molecular switch: Difference between revisions
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The [[Mu Opioid Receptor]] is a protein construct found in the membrane of neurons. The human body has many opioid receptors; however these in particular react with morphine and other similar opioids involved in the 2010s Opioid Crisis. As of the late 2010s, the molecular shape of these mu opioid receptors has been discovered and documented. | The [[Mu Opioid Receptor]] is a protein construct found in the membrane of neurons. The human body has many opioid receptors; however these in particular react with morphine and other similar opioids involved in the 2010s Opioid Crisis. As of the late 2010s, the molecular shape of these mu opioid receptors has been discovered and documented. | ||
These opioid receptors interact with opioids via a process known as Ligand Binding[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligand_(biochemistry)#Receptor/ligand_binding_affinity]. During this, an opioid molecule binds to the opioid receptor, resulting in what is known as conformational change[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conformational_change]. This alters the shape of the receptor, causing it to release a | These opioid receptors interact with opioids via a process known as Ligand Binding[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligand_(biochemistry)#Receptor/ligand_binding_affinity]. During this, an opioid molecule binds to the opioid receptor, resulting in what is known as conformational change[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conformational_change]. This alters the shape of the receptor, causing it to release a [[GTP-binding protein]] (otherwise known as a G protein), which functions as the on/off switch of the cell's pain and dopamine receptors. | ||
== Disease and treatment== | == Disease and treatment== | ||
