Dynorphin a Induces Membrane Permeabilization by Formation of Proteolipidic Pores

Abstract

Dynorphins are endogenous opioid neuropeptides that function as ligands for the κ-opioid receptor. In addition to opioid actions, dynorphins can induce several pathological effects that are not mediated through the opioid receptors, such as neurological dysfunctions and cell death, probably related to direct membrane interactions. In particular, previous studies have suggested that Dynorphin a (DynA) - one of the dynorphin actin peptides - mediates some pathogenic actions through formation of transient pores in lipid domains of the plasma membrane.