EUKARYOTIC PEPTIDE UPTAKE SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTATION OF ENKEPHALINS

摘要

An oligopeptide transporter in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae mediates the uptake of tetra- and pentapeptides, including the endogenous opioids leucine enkephalin (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu) and methionine enkephalin (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met). The transporter is encoded by the gene OPT1. The system is specific for tetra- and pentapeptides and can be inhibited by the opioid receptor antagonists naloxone and naltrexone. Vectors allowing expression of OPT1 and methods of use are disclosed. Treatment of OPT1p with toxic enkephalins as an antifungal method is also disclosed.