Full name: opioid receptor, kappa 1

Gene type: protein coding

RefSeq status: REVIEWED

Also known as: K-OR-1; KOR; KOR-1; MSL-1; Oprk2; R21

Summary: This gene encodes an opioid receptor, which is a member of the 7 transmembrane-spanning G protein-coupled receptor family. It functions as a receptor for endogenous ligands, as well as a receptor for various synthetic opioids. Ligand binding results in inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity and neurotransmitter release. This opioid receptor plays a role in the perception of pain and mediating the hypolocomotor, analgesic and aversive actions of synthetic opioids. Variations in this gene have also been associated with alcohol dependence and opiate addiction. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene. A recent study provided evidence for translational readthrough in this gene, and expression of an additional C-terminally extended isoform via the use of an alternative in-frame translation termination codon. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2017]

Expression: Biased expression in frontal lobe adult (RPKM 1.1), cortex adult (RPKM 0.9) and 8 other tissues

Gene size: 17685bp

Exon count: 4