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 [[GTP-binding protein]] (otherwise known as a G protein), which functions as the on/off switch of the cell's pain and dopamine receptors. | 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. When the G protein is released, it in turn binds to the pain receptor and the [[Dopamine receptor]], causing the former to stop releasing pain signals, and the latter to release dopamine, which causes the body's pain to numb and the body to experience pleasure, respectively. | ||
Once this has transpired, a new molecule gets released into the cell. This compound, known as [[Arrestin]], creates more changes in the cell's internal environment. These changes first result in the opioid receptor being encapsulated in a membrane and dragged into the cell, which, due to increased acidity, ejects the bound opioid. Then, one of 2 events may occur with the opioid receptor itself. The first results in the receptor being returned to the cell's membrane for further use, and the second results in the receptor being broken down inside the cell to be later recycled entirely. | |||
For further information, references=d is a 4:35 video providing visuals and a general overview of the above information. | |||
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BcINeVoOWQ] | |||
== Disease and treatment== | == Disease and treatment== | ||
