RCSBProteinDataBank | Opioids and Pain Signaling (from PDB-101) @RCSBProteinDataBank | Uploaded June 2021 | Updated October 2024, 4 days ago.
Pain is one of the most trying experiences of life. On the cellular level it is communicated via special neuronal pathways. On the molecular level, however, pain is communicated like any other sensation, via a set of electrical and chemical signals facilitated by complex molecular machinery. These signals can be modulated by opioids, causing us to feel less pain, or no pain at all. Learn how opioids activate the G-proteins which in turn interact with other proteins to edit the pain signal.
Video Guide:
00:06 Pain signaling:
00:25 Electrical Signals: Action Potential
02:47 Chemical Signals: Synaptic Signaling
04:08 Modulation of pain signal by opioids:
04:33 Introduction to opioid receptor (GPCR) and G protein
05:22 G-beta-gamma interactions
05:58 G-alpha interactions
07:09 Blocking the effects of opioids: the mechanism of Naloxone
Visit pdb101.rcsb.org/browse/drugs-and-the-brain to explore more educational resources on how drugs help tune the function of the brain and nervous system.
Pain is one of the most trying experiences of life. On the cellular level it is communicated via special neuronal pathways. On the molecular level, however, pain is communicated like any other sensation, via a set of electrical and chemical signals facilitated by complex molecular machinery. These signals can be modulated by opioids, causing us to feel less pain, or no pain at all. Learn how opioids activate the G-proteins which in turn interact with other proteins to edit the pain signal.
Video Guide:
00:06 Pain signaling:
00:25 Electrical Signals: Action Potential
02:47 Chemical Signals: Synaptic Signaling
04:08 Modulation of pain signal by opioids:
04:33 Introduction to opioid receptor (GPCR) and G protein
05:22 G-beta-gamma interactions
05:58 G-alpha interactions
07:09 Blocking the effects of opioids: the mechanism of Naloxone
Visit pdb101.rcsb.org/browse/drugs-and-the-brain to explore more educational resources on how drugs help tune the function of the brain and nervous system.
