Grant: Project Grant

The delta opioid receptor (DOP) is part of the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Representing approximately 4% of the human genome, GPCRs form the largest family of membrane proteins with over 800 different members. Their ability to interact with a vast array of mediators, such as hormones, peptides, lipids, ions, photons, nucleotides, and neurotransmitters establishes them as the pharmacological targets with the widest therapeutic range. More than 700 FDA-approved drugs target GPCRs, representing roughly 35% of all authorized drugs in the United States. The idea of GPCRs being functional only at the cell surface has been challenged in recent years. It is now well documented that GPCRs can be functionally active at membranes of organelles like endosomes, Golgi apparatus, nucleus, and mitochondria to regulate a plethora of cellular responses from within the cells. We have observed that DOP can be localized at mitochondria. How GPCRs like DOP are targeted at mitochondria, their role in this organelle and how they regulate mitochondrial function and dynamics are unknown. Our proposal will address these questions and study possible ways of using mitochondrial DOP for the pharmacological treatment to counteract the adverse effects that stress exerts on our body, mind and its burden on the Canadian economy.