Description

Dermorphin represents a naturally occurring heptapeptide originally isolated from the skin of South American frogs, demonstrating potent opioid agonist activity with high selectivity for mu-opioid receptors. The compound consists of seven amino acids in the sequence Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2, with the unusual presence of D-alanine at position 2 contributing to its resistance to enzymatic degradation and enhanced biological activity. Dermorphin demonstrates significantly higher potency than morphine at mu-opioid receptors and provides a valuable research tool for investigating opioid receptor pharmacology and pain mechanisms. The peptide functions through specific binding and activation of mu-opioid receptors, leading to typical opioid signaling cascades including inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and modulation of ion channel activity. Research applications include investigation of opioid receptor biology, pain pathway mechanisms, and the development of opioid pharmacological tools for neurological research. For research use only.