The Complex Roles of μ-Opioid Receptor Phosphorylation: A Key Determinant in Receptor Signaling and Regulation

Mol Pharmacol. 2015 Oct;88(4):814-5. doi: 10.1124/mol.115.100180. Epub 2015 Jul 7.

Abstract

This Commentary focuses on two articles in the October 2015 issue of Molecular Pharmacology that investigate the role of μ-opioid receptor phosphorylation in receptor agonist binding and desensitization. The work of Birdsong et al. and Yousuf et al. clearly highlights the complexity that researchers face when trying to assess the signaling and regulatory consequences of G protein-coupled receptor phosphorylation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)- / metabolism
  • Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)- / pharmacology
  • Female
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Phosphorylation / physiology
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / agonists
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Opioid, mu
  • Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-