Prepronociceptin

Prepronociceptin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PNOC gene. It is a precursor to the neuropeptide nociceptin, which is involved in the regulation of pain perception and anxiety.

Structure

The PNOC gene is located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 8 at position 21.2. The gene spans approximately 6 kilobases and consists of four exons. The prepronociceptin protein is composed of 131 amino acids, and its structure includes a signal peptide, nociceptin, and three nociceptin-related peptides.

Function

Prepronociceptin is cleaved by prohormone convertases to form nociceptin and three related peptides. Nociceptin, also known as orphanin FQ, is a 17-amino acid neuropeptide that functions as the endogenous ligand for the opioid receptor NOP (also known as ORL1). It is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including pain perception, anxiety, and neuroendocrine regulation.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the PNOC gene and the nociceptin system have been implicated in a variety of disorders, including substance abuse, mood disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. For example, variations in the PNOC gene have been associated with increased risk for opioid addiction. In addition, nociceptin has been shown to have anti-anxiety effects in animal models, suggesting potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

File:Prepronociceptin.png

Structure of prepronociceptin.

See also

• Nociceptin receptor
• Pain
• Anxiety