Cloning, sequencing, expression and function of a cDNA encoding a receptor for the opioid growth factor, [Met(5)]enkephalin. Journal   Brain research. Citation   Brain Res. 849(1-2):147-54 Publication date   1999 Dec 4 Authors   Zagon IS Verderame MF Allen SS McLaughlin PJ Investigators   Patricia J. McLaughlin Michael F. Verderame Ian S. Zagon Grant agencies   National Cancer Institute National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Grants   NCI CA66783 NINDS NS20500 MeSH headings   Brain Enkephalin, Methionine Gene Expression Regulation Receptors, Opioid MeSH qualifiers   metabolism genetics physiology Abstract   The native opioid growth factor (OGF), [Met(5)]enkephalin, is a tonic inhibitory peptide that modulates cell proliferation and tissue organization during development, cancer, cellular renewal, wound healing and angiogenesis. OGF action is mediated by a receptor mechanism. We have cloned and sequenced a 2.1-kilobase (kb) cDNA for a receptor to OGF (OGFr). The open reading frame was found to encode a protein of 580 amino acids, and eight imperfect repeats of nine amino acids each were a prominent feature. The protein encoded by this cDNA exhibited the pharmacological, temporal and spatial characteristics of the OGFr. Functional studies using antisense technology demonstrated an enhancement in cell growth. The molecular organization of the OGFr has no homology to classical opioid receptors. These results provide molecular validity for the interaction of OGF and OGFr in the regulation of growth processes. Medline ID   20074706