Uncovering the role of orphan opioid peptides

Project Summary

The project seeks to characterise the structure and biological function of several opioid gene products that have are currently classified as orphan peptides. Our data shows these peptides to have roles both centrally and peripherally. Centrally they have the potential of being developed into important therapeutics in relating to cognitive decline and addiction behaviour while peripherally they can be developed into important biomarkers of cardiac and renal function.