Description:
Summary
FLAGMOR transgenic mice provides an advantage to studying signal transduction of mu-opioid receptors (MOR) through the activation of potassium-ion channels, desensitization, and receptor trafficking.
Technology Overview
Mu-opioid receptors are a class of G-protein coupled receptors found primarily in the CNS and the GI system. The activation of MOR by opioids cause decreased perception of pain, decreased reaction to pain, and increased pain tolerance by inhibiting excitatory pathways.
The current mice express an epitope-tagged mu-opioid receptor (FLAGMOR) targeted to catecholamine neurons. The FLAGMOR transgene was generated by manipulating and regulating molecular elements of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene. These mice are used to analyze the process of opioid receptor signaling. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of MOR activation will lead to improved opioid treatment and research.
Publication
Arttamangkul, S. (2008) Differential activation and trafficking of mu-opioid receptors in brain slices. Mol. Pharmacol. 74:972-979. Link
Licensing Opportunity
This technology is available for non-exclusive licensing.
