Dynorphin A (1–17)
PreclinicalEndogenous dynorphin opioid peptide
Research material. Not for human or animal consumption.
Research overview
Dynorphin A (1-17) is a 17-amino-acid opioid peptide, Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg-Arg-Ile-Arg-Pro-Lys-Leu-Lys-Trp-Asp-Asn-Gln (YGGFLRRIRPKLKWDNQ), produced from prodynorphin. It was described by Avram Goldstein's group in 1979 and named from the Greek dynamis, power, for its potency. Its main target is the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR). Unlike mu-opioid signalling, KOR activation tends to produce dysphoria and stress-like responses, and dynorphin is studied in pain, addiction, depression and stress biology. At high levels it can also affect NMDA receptors independently of opioid receptors.
Laboratory, computational, ex vivo or animal model research is the main evidence base.
Questions about Dynorphin A (1–17)
PRODUCT QUESTIONSWhat is Dynorphin A (1–17)?
Dynorphin A (1–17) is a 17 residue opioid peptide derived from prodynorphin. Its first five residues match leucine enkephalin, while the basic residues that follow give it selectivity for the kappa opioid receptor.
What research has been published on Dynorphin A (1–17)?
Studies link dynorphin and the kappa opioid receptor to the negative mood of drug withdrawal and to stress triggered relapse in animal models. In the spinal cord, raised dynorphin after nerve injury contributes to chronic pain, partly through non opioid actions at NMDA and bradykinin receptors. Kappa receptor blockers are now in human trials for depression.
What batch documentation should accompany Dynorphin A (1–17)?
Dynorphin A (1–17): Ask for the COA and analytical reports for the batch being quoted. Ask for mass spectrometry confirming the full 17 residue mass, HPLC purity that resolves shorter fragments such as dynorphin A 1 to 13 and 1 to 8, peptide content and counterion content.
How should Dynorphin A (1–17) storage conditions be assessed?
Dynorphin A (1–17) is highly basic and binds to glass and plastic surfaces. Store the lyophilised peptide at −20°C, protected from light, and make dilute solutions in low binding tubes with a carrier or slightly acidic buffer.