Identification and characterization of seven new exon 11-associated splice variants of the rat μ opioid receptor gene, OPRM1.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The mouse mu opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene undergoes extensive alternative splicing at both the 3'- and 5'-ends of the gene. Previously, several C-terminal variants generated through 3' splicing have been identified in the rat OPRM1 gene. In both mice and humans 5' splicing generates a number of exon 11-containing variants. Studies in an exon 11 knockout mouse suggest the functional importance of these exon 11-associated variants in mediating the analgesic actions of a subset of mu opioids, including morphine-6β-glucuronide (M6G) and heroin, but not others such as morphine and methadone. We now have examined 5' splicing in the rat.

Results

The current studies identified in the rat a homologous exon 11 and seven exon 11-associated variants, suggesting conservation o

SUBMITTER: Xu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3057186 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature