Nociceptin Receptor (NOCIR)

An additional opioid receptor has been identified and cloned based on homology with the cDNA. This receptor is known as the nociceptin receptor or NOP receptor. Its natural ligand is known alternately as nociceptin or orphanin FQ.The protein encoded by this gene is a G protein-coupled receptor whose expression can be induced by phytohemagglutinin. The encoded integral membrane protein is a receptor for the 17 aa neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ. This gene may be involved in the regulation of numerous brain activities, particularly instinctive and emotional behaviors. A promoter for this gene also functions as a promoter for another gene, regulator of G-protein signalling 19 (RGS19), located on the opposite strand. Two transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene.