LEUCINE enkephalin; [LEU5]-enkephalin Antibody – Rabbit Polyclonal

This gene encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate multiple protein products. These products include the pentapeptide opioids Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin, which are stored in synaptic vesicles, then released into the synapse where they bind to mu- and delta-opioid receptors to modulate the perception of pain. Other non-opioid cleavage products may function in distinct biological activities. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2015]

PENK: Met- and 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. PENK(114-133) and PENK(237-258) increase glutamate release in the striatum. PENK(114-133) decreases GABA concentration in the striatum. Belongs to the opioid neuropeptide precursor family.

Protein type: Secreted, signal peptide; Secreted; Hormone

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 8q23-q24

Cellular Component: dendrite; extracellular region; nerve terminal; perikaryon

Molecular Function: neuropeptide hormone activity; opioid peptide activity; protein binding

Biological Process: aging; behavioral fear response; general adaptation syndrome, behavioral process; glial cell proliferation; neuropeptide signaling pathway; osteoblast differentiation; response to calcium ion; response to estradiol stimulus; response to ethanol; response to hypoxia; response to lipopolysaccharide; response to morphine; response to nicotine; response to radiation; response to toxin; sensory perception of pain; signal transduction; startle response