PENK

This gene encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate multiple protein products. These products include the pentapeptide opioids Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin, which are stored in synaptic vesicles, then released into the synapse where they bind to mu- and delta-opioid receptors to modulate the perception of pain. Other non-opioid cleavage products may function in distinct biological activities.

Full Name

proenkephalin

Function

Met-enkephalin
Competes with and mimic the effects of opiate drugs. They play a role in a number of physiologic functions, including pain perception and responses to stress.
Leu-enkephalin
Competes with and mimic the effects of opiate drugs. They play a role in a number of physiologic functions, including pain perception and responses to stress.
PENK(114-133)
Increases glutamate release in the striatum and decreases GABA concentration in the striatum.
PENK(237-258)
Increases glutamate release in the striatum.

Biological Process

Aggressive behaviorIEA:Ensembl
AgingIEA:Ensembl
Behavioral fear responseIEA:Ensembl
Cellular response to cAMPIEA:Ensembl
Cellular response to oxidative stressIEA:Ensembl
Cellular response to transforming growth factor beta stimulusIEA:Ensembl
Cellular response to virusIEA:Ensembl
Cellular response to vitamin DIEA:Ensembl
Chemical synaptic transmissionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
General adaptation syndrome, behavioral processIEA:Ensembl
Glial cell proliferationIEA:Ensembl
Locomotory exploration behaviorIEA:Ensembl
Neuropeptide signaling pathwayManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Osteoblast differentiationIEA:Ensembl
Positive regulation of behavioral fear responseIEA:Ensembl
Response to calcium ionIEA:Ensembl
Response to epinephrineIEA:Ensembl
Response to estradiolIEA:Ensembl
Response to ethanolIEA:Ensembl
Response to hypoxiaIEA:Ensembl
Response to lipopolysaccharideIEA:Ensembl
Response to morphineIEA:Ensembl
Response to nicotineIEA:Ensembl
Response to radiationIEA:Ensembl
Response to toxic substanceIEA:Ensembl
Sensory perceptionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Sensory perception of painIEA:Ensembl
Signal transductionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ProtInc
Startle responseIEA:Ensembl
Synaptic signaling via neuropeptideIEA:Ensembl

Cellular Location

Cytoplasmic vesicle, secretory vesicle, chromaffin granule lumen
Secreted

PTM

The N-terminal domain contains 6 conserved cysteines thought to be involved in disulfide bonding and/or processing.
Proenkephalin-A is cleaved by CTSL to generate Met-enkephalin.