Nociceptin receptor:Nociceptin Nociceptin receptor binds to nociceptin Authored: Jassal, B, 2008-08-21 14:07:16 Edited: D'Eustachio, P, 2008-09-01 11:58:31 Pubmed8137918 Pubmed8710928 Pubmed9521323 Reactome Database ID Release 43374723 Reactome, http://www.reactome.org ReactomeREACT_14801 Reviewed: Bockaert, J, 2008-09-01 12:04:13 The orphan nociceptin (ORL1) receptor (Mollereau C et al, 1994) is most closely related to opioid receptors on structural (sequence) and functional grounds but is not a typical opioid receptor. It may play a role in instinctive behaviours and emotions. Its natural ligand is nociceptin (orphanin FQ) (Mollereau C et al, 1996), a 17 amino acid neuropeptide which acts as a potent anti-analgesic. Both receptor and ligand are widely expressed in the CNS.