Cognitive · Endogenous Neuropeptide
Nociceptin (Orphanin FQ)
Also known as Orphanin FQ
Nociceptin is a 17-amino-acid neuropeptide studied for its function in pain modulation, memory, and behavior via the NOP receptor system.
- Length
- 17 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- It is the endogenous ligand for the nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor (ORL-1), a G protein-coupled receptor.
- Studied in
- Laboratory studies investigate its role in pain perception, learning, memory, and anxiety-like behaviors in animal models.
About Nociceptin (Orphanin FQ)
Nociceptin, also known as Orphanin FQ, is an endogenous peptide composed of 17 amino acids. It was identified as the natural ligand for the orphan G protein-coupled receptor ORL-1, now termed the NOP receptor. This peptide is structurally related to the opioid peptide family, particularly dynorphin A, but it does not bind with high affinity to classical opioid receptors (mu, delta, kappa).
The Nociceptin/NOP receptor system is distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. In laboratory settings, its activation is explored for its complex effects on nociception, where it can produce both hyperalgesic and analgesic responses depending on the experimental context. Research models also examine its involvement in reward pathways, stress responses, and cognitive functions.
Laboratory notes
- Nociceptin peptide solutions can be unstable; prepare fresh for each experiment and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Due to its structural similarity to opioids, control experiments using classical opioid receptor antagonists like naloxone are often necessary to confirm NOP receptor-specific effects.
- The peptide sequence is F-G-G-F-T-G-A-R-K-S-A-R-K-L-A-N-Q.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Nociceptin (Orphanin FQ)
What receptor does Nociceptin target?
Nociceptin is the endogenous ligand for the Nociceptin Opioid Peptide (NOP) receptor, also known as ORL-1.
Is Nociceptin an opioid?
While structurally related to opioid peptides, it does not bind significantly to classical mu, delta, or kappa opioid receptors and operates through its own distinct NOP receptor system.
What is the correct way to handle lyophilised Nociceptin?
Reconstitute the lyophilised powder in sterile, pyrogen-free water or a suitable buffer. Aliquot into single-use volumes to prevent degradation from multiple freeze-thaw cycles.
Is Nociceptin (Orphanin FQ) for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.