Generic placeholder image

Current Medicinal Chemistry

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 0929-8673
ISSN (Online): 1875-533X

Review Article

Nociceptin /Orphanin FQ Peptide (NOP) Receptor Modulators: An Update in Structure-Activity Relationships

Author(s): Carlo Mustazza*, Stefano Pieretti and Francesca Marzoli

Volume 25, Issue 20, 2018

Page: [2353 - 2384] Pages: 32

DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180111095458

Price: $65

Open Access Journals Promotions 2
Abstract

Nociceptin /Orphanin FQ Peptide” receptor (NOPr) is a G-protein-coupled receptor with the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (N/OFQ) as endogenous agonist. It is expressed in the nervous system as well as in some non-neural tissues. Its activation has pronociceptive effect at the supraspinal level, whereas at the spinal level it produces nociceptive effects at low doses and antinociceptive effects at higher doses. NOPr is also involved in mood and blood pressure regulation, immunoregulation, airway constriction, feeding, urination, bowel motility, learning and memory. Selective NOPr agonists have been tested clinically as anxiolytics and antitussives, and the antagonists as analgesics, antidepressants and in the treatment of alcohol addiction. Two NOPr radioligands have also been tested in humans as neuroimaging agents. Furthermore, the partial agonist peptide SER100 and N/OFQ have been used in clinical trials, respectively for congestive heart failure and overactive bladder. The evidence of interactions between NOP and μ-opioid receptor (MOPr) receptors has been exploited in the use of mixed NOPr/MOPr modulators as analgesics and in the treatment of drug addiction. These drugs are devoid of typical opioid liabilities. In this review, we outline the latest advances in the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of NOPr agonists and antagonists, with emphasis on affinity, activity, selectivity and pharmacokinetic features.

Keywords: Nociceptin, NOP receptor ligands, Opioids, Structure-activity relationship, G-protein coupled receptors, Pain.


Rights & Permissions Print Cite
© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy