Prodynorphin
Encyclopedia
Prodynorphin, also known as proenkephalin B, is an opioid
polypeptide hormone
involved with chemical signal transduction and cell communication. The gene for prodynorphin is expressed in the endometrium
and the striatum
, and its gene map locus is 20pter-p12. Prodynorphin is a basic building-block of endorphin
s, the chemical messengers in the brain that appear most heavily involved in the anticipation and experience of pain and the formation of deep emotional bonds, and that are also critical in learning and memory.
The gene is thought to influence perception, as well as susceptibility to drug dependence, and is expressed more readily in human beings than in other primates.
n populations of Homo sapiens have two copies of the gene sequence for prodynorphin, whereas East Africa
s, Middle East
erners, and Europe
ans tend to have three repetitions. Most humans have multiple copies of the regulatory gene sequence for prodynorphin, which is virtually identical among all primates, whereas other primate
s have only a single copy.
The extent of regulatory gene disparities for prodynorphin, between human and primates, has gained the attention of scientists. There are very few genes known to be directly related to mankind's speciation
from other great apes. According to computational biologist researcher Matthew W. Hahn of Indiana University, "This is the first documented instance of a neural gene that has had its regulation shaped by natural selection during human origins
."
The prodynorphin polypeptide is identical in humans and chimps, but the regulatory promoter sequences have been shown to exhibit marked differences. "Humans have the ability to turn on this gene more easily and more intensely than other primates. Given its function, we believe regulation of this gene was likely important in the evolution of modern humans' mental capacity," said Hahn.
Opioid
An opioid is a psychoactive chemical that works by binding to opioid receptors, which are found principally in the central and peripheral nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract...
polypeptide hormone
Hormone
A hormone is a chemical released by a cell or a gland in one part of the body that sends out messages that affect cells in other parts of the organism. Only a small amount of hormone is required to alter cell metabolism. In essence, it is a chemical messenger that transports a signal from one...
involved with chemical signal transduction and cell communication. The gene for prodynorphin is expressed in the endometrium
Endometrium
-Function:The endometrium is the innermost glandular layer and functions as a lining for the uterus, preventing adhesions between the opposed walls of the myometrium, thereby maintaining the patency of the uterine cavity. During the menstrual cycle or estrous cycle, the endometrium grows to a...
and the striatum
Striatum
The striatum, also known as the neostriatum or striate nucleus, is a subcortical part of the forebrain. It is the major input station of the basal ganglia system. The striatum, in turn, gets input from the cerebral cortex...
, and its gene map locus is 20pter-p12. Prodynorphin is a basic building-block of endorphin
Endorphin
Endorphins are endogenous opioid peptides that function as neurotransmitters. They are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during exercise, excitement, pain, consumption of spicy food, love and orgasm, and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce...
s, the chemical messengers in the brain that appear most heavily involved in the anticipation and experience of pain and the formation of deep emotional bonds, and that are also critical in learning and memory.
The gene is thought to influence perception, as well as susceptibility to drug dependence, and is expressed more readily in human beings than in other primates.
Evolutionary implications
Most AsiaAsia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
n populations of Homo sapiens have two copies of the gene sequence for prodynorphin, whereas East Africa
East Africa
East Africa or Eastern Africa is the easterly region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. In the UN scheme of geographic regions, 19 territories constitute Eastern Africa:...
s, Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
erners, and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
ans tend to have three repetitions. Most humans have multiple copies of the regulatory gene sequence for prodynorphin, which is virtually identical among all primates, whereas other primate
Primate
A primate is a mammal of the order Primates , which contains prosimians and simians. Primates arose from ancestors that lived in the trees of tropical forests; many primate characteristics represent adaptations to life in this challenging three-dimensional environment...
s have only a single copy.
The extent of regulatory gene disparities for prodynorphin, between human and primates, has gained the attention of scientists. There are very few genes known to be directly related to mankind's speciation
Speciation
Speciation is the evolutionary process by which new biological species arise. The biologist Orator F. Cook seems to have been the first to coin the term 'speciation' for the splitting of lineages or 'cladogenesis,' as opposed to 'anagenesis' or 'phyletic evolution' occurring within lineages...
from other great apes. According to computational biologist researcher Matthew W. Hahn of Indiana University, "This is the first documented instance of a neural gene that has had its regulation shaped by natural selection during human origins
Human evolution
Human evolution refers to the evolutionary history of the genus Homo, including the emergence of Homo sapiens as a distinct species and as a unique category of hominids and mammals...
."
The prodynorphin polypeptide is identical in humans and chimps, but the regulatory promoter sequences have been shown to exhibit marked differences. "Humans have the ability to turn on this gene more easily and more intensely than other primates. Given its function, we believe regulation of this gene was likely important in the evolution of modern humans' mental capacity," said Hahn.
External links
- Scienceagogo.com - 'Drug Gene Link To Human Evolution' (November 15, 2005)