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OPRM1

Opioid receptor mu 1

Gene Number: 4988

Location: 6q25.2

Key Functions: Pain perception, opioid response, reward system regulation, addiction susceptibility


OPRM1 encodes opioid receptor mu 1, the main receptor for endogenous opioids and opioid analgesic drugs such as morphine, fentanyl, and endorphins. It regulates pain relief, mood, and reinforcement of rewarding behaviors through the central nervous system.


Genetic variants in OPRM1 influence pain sensitivity, opioid effectiveness, and susceptibility to addiction. One of the most studied variants, A118G (rs1799971), alters receptor binding and downstream signaling, affecting individual differences in opioid response and dependence risk.

SNP ID
Your Genotype
Alternative Alleles
Interpretation
rs1799971
No matching variant or no valid DNA data
G
No interpretation available
rs9479757
No matching variant or no valid DNA data
A
No interpretation available
rs1799971 (A118G)
  • AA – Normal risk; baseline for pain sensitivity and addiction phenotypes (R).

  • AG – ~2.5× stronger cravings for alcohol; among alcohol-dependent individuals, naltrexone is ~2× more effective (R).

  • GG – Higher pain sensitivity (e.g., need more morphine post-surgery) and higher social rejection sensitivity (R).

Functional effect: The G allele (Asp40) may reduce MOR-1 expression and glycosylation, alter β-endorphin affinity, and influence opioid response and addiction behaviors.


Learn more about what you can do to mitigate risks, and other factors involved by becoming a member of GenesUnveiled today!

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