Summary of Invention
Mu opioid receptors are G-protein coupled receptors, which mediate analgesic function, immune function, respiratory depression, constipation, nausea, sedation and addiction. Most recent studies have shown that in addition to being localized to the brain, these receptors are also expressed in the peripheral nervous system, where they have been implicated in peripheral pain sensation and inflammation. This invention centers on the discovery of human mu opioid (MOR-1) receptor splice variants. The MOR-1 gene is subject to alternative splicing that produces novel splice variants of the mRNA and/or receptor. These variants are potential targets for modulating analgesia and opioid mediated ingestive responses.
Advantages
- Useful targets in a high-throughput drug screen to identify both agonists and antagonists with an improved efficacy profile and minimal side effects.
- Novel receptors which can be used to discover new therapeutics for the treatment of pain, constipation, addiction and other indications resulting in improved patient outcomes.
- U.S. patents pending cover multiple components of the genes, proteins and drug discovery screening systems.
Areas of Application
Targets for high-throughput drug screening.
Stage of Development
Animal studies ongoing
Lead Inventor
Dr. Gavril Pasternak
Patent Information
U.S. patent application pending
References
Contact Information
Jeanne Farrell, PhD
Tel: 212-639-6181, Fax: 212-717-3439
E-mail: farrelj1@mskcc.org
