dynorphin

Dynorphin is a family of endogenous opioid peptides produced in the body from the precursor protein prodynorphin. These neuropeptides are primarily known for their potent activity as agonists at the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), where they modulate pain perception, stress responses, emotional processing, and addiction-related behaviors. Dynorphins are distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord and play complex roles in both analgesia and dysphoria. In addition to activating KORs, certain forms of dynorphin can interact with non-opioid targets such as bradykinin receptors and NMDA receptors—modulating neuronal excitability through multiple pathways. Dynorphins have been investigated for their potential therapeutic role in conditions like drug addiction (notably cocaine and heroin dependence), neuropathic pain, epilepsy (as natural anticonvulsants), anxiety disorders, depression, and other psychiatric or neurological diseases. There is ongoing research into gene therapy approaches using prodynorphin to suppress seizures in epilepsy models.