Abstract
The dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system has been implicated in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders. In the present review, we present evidence indicating a key role for this system in modulating neurotransmission in brain circuits that subserve mood, motivation, and cognitive function. We overview the pharmacology, signaling, post-translational, post-transcriptional, transcriptional, epigenetic and cis regulation of the dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system, and critically review functional neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and pharmacological evidence, suggesting that alterations in this system may contribute to affective disorders, drug addiction, and schizophrenia. We also overview the dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system in the genetics of psychiatric disorders and discuss implications of the reviewed material for therapeutics development.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Brain / physiology
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Central Nervous System Stimulants / pharmacology
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Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / physiology
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Dynorphins / genetics
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Dynorphins / physiology*
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Enkephalins / genetics
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Epigenesis, Genetic
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Gene Expression Regulation
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Humans
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Mental Disorders / drug therapy
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Mental Disorders / etiology*
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Models, Animal
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Protein Precursors / genetics
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Receptors, Opioid, kappa / agonists
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Receptors, Opioid, kappa / genetics
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Receptors, Opioid, kappa / physiology*
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Self Stimulation
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Signal Transduction
Substances
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CREB1 protein, human
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Central Nervous System Stimulants
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Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
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Enkephalins
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OPRK1 protein, human
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Protein Precursors
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Receptors, Opioid, kappa
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Dynorphins
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preproenkephalin