Prodynorphin (PDYN) Antibody

The protein encoded by this gene is a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to form the secreted opioid peptides beta-neoendorphin, dynorphin, leu-enkephalin, rimorphin, and leumorphin. These peptides are ligands for the kappa-type of opioid receptor. Dynorphin is involved in modulating responses to several psychoactive substances, including cocaine. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2010]

PDYN: Leu-enkephalins compete with and mimic the effects of opiate drugs. They play a role in a number of physiologic functions, including pain perception and responses to stress. Defects in PDYN are the cause of spinocerebellar ataxia type 23 (SCA23). Spinocerebellar ataxia is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of cerebellar disorders. Patients show progressive incoordination of gait and often poor coordination of hands, speech and eye movements, due to degeneration of the cerebellum with variable involvement of the brainstem and spinal cord. SCA23 is an adult-onset autosomal dominant form characterized by slowly progressive gait and limb ataxia, with variable additional features, including peripheral neuropathy and dysarthria. Belongs to the opioid neuropeptide precursor family.

Protein type: Secreted; Secreted, signal peptide

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 20p13

Cellular Component: extracellular region; plasma membrane

Molecular Function: opioid peptide activity

Biological Process: synaptic transmission; neuropeptide signaling pathway

Disease: Spinocerebellar Ataxia 23