Evolution of the opioid/ORL-1 receptor gene family.

In gnathostomes the kappa, mu, delta, ORL-1 receptor genes constitute the opioid/ORL-1 receptor gene family. These genes are most likely the result of two (2R) genome duplication events that occurred during the radiation of the chordates. In stilico analysis of the genome of the lamprey, Petromyzon marius, revealed the partial sequences of four genes that may be the result of a lineage specific genome duplication event in the lamprey lineage. The sequencing of cDNAs from the lamprey CNS supports the assumption that these putative lamprey opioid-like receptor genes are expressed by lamprey neurons. Analysis of gnathostome ORL-1 receptor sequences support the hypothesis that the ORL-1 gene has undergone a transition from an opioid receptor that could bind several types of opioid ligands to a receptor in mammals that can only be activated by the FGGF form of the orphanin ligand.