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Title: Morphine induces terminal micro-opioid receptor desensitization by sustained phosphorylation of serine-375. Author: Schulz S, Mayer D, Pfeiffer M, Stumm R, Koch T, Höllt V. Journal: EMBO J; 2004 Aug 18; 23(16):3282-9. PubMed ID: 15272312. Abstract: Morphine is a poor inducer of micro-opioid receptor (MOR) internalization, but a potent inducer of cellular tolerance. Here we show that, in contrast to full agonists such as [D-Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO), morphine stimulated a selective phosphorylation of the carboxy-terminal residue 375 (Ser(375)). Ser(375) phosphorylation was sufficient and required for morphine-induced desensitization of MOR. In the presence of full agonists, morphine revealed partial agonistic properties and potently inhibited MOR phosphorylation and internalization. Upon removal of the drug, DAMGO-desensitized receptors were rapidly dephosphorylated. In contrast, morphine-desensitized receptors remained at the plasma membrane in a Ser(375)-phosphorylated state for prolonged periods. Thus, morphine promotes terminal MOR desensitization by inducing a persistent modification of Ser(375).[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]