Summary
Dr. Christopher Evans, Director of the Brain Research Institute at UCLA, and colleagues have developed a screening methodology for identifying modulators of the delta opioid recepto Background Opioid receptors are abundant in the central and peripheral nervous system and are the targets of both opiate drugs and a family of endogenous opioid peptides. Seminal work carried out by Dr. Evans' research group at UCLA on this receptor has led to key insights in the field of neuropharmacology. To date, the delta opioid receptor has been implicated in various diseases including, but not limited to, pain, depression, neuroprotection, drug abuse and impulse control disorders. Moreover, on-going work has hinted at additional roles for this critical receptor. A method for screening potential modulators of the delta opioid receptors would provide unparalleled insight into the development of targeted therapies against this key target.
Innovation
Researchers in the laboratory of Dr. Christopher Evans have cloned and characterized the delta opioid receptor. The present invention utilizes a cell based assay to detect the levels of activation of opioid receptors in the presence or absence of candidate drugs. The present invention provides methods for screening agonists and antagonists of the delta opioid receptor, and can potentially play a large role in the development of targeted therapies directed to treat a host of ailments.
Applications
The receptor may be used as a diagnostic tool for conditions involving opioid receptors. The invention provides a screen against recombinant receptor agonists and antagonists. The invention provides a negative screen to verify if drugs are truly selective to the delta opioid receptor. The opioid receptor can be prepared using standard peptide synthesis methods.
1993-576 Method for Screening Delta Opioid Receptor Modulators