primate genetic test data sheet
PCR
detection of Mu opioid receptor polymorphisms in macaques
Test code:
GP002
The mu-opioid
receptor is an important component of neurobiological systems,
most notably those associated with sensory response to pain,
pleasure, stress, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)
axis. The receptor is a G-protein coupled receptor and is
located primarily in neurons. It is the target binding receptor
for many opiate drugs, and is associated with the addictive
processes of cocaine, alcohol and nicotine.
Recent
behavioral studies in rhesus macaques have shown that genetic
variations in the mu-opioid receptor can affect the attachment
behavior of monkeys (Barr et al., 2008). A DNA polymorphism,
C77G, is especially associated with such behavior. The
polymorphism causes a greater binding affinity for
beta-endorphin, which is an endogenous opioid peptide
neurotransmitter found in the neurons of both central and
peripheral nervous systems. Since abnormal levels of
beta-endorphin may be related to psychological disorders,
intense effort has been devoted to designing drugs that could
effectively target this mu-opioid receptor.
Macaques
are widely used as models for behavioral and drug research;
prescreening for this polymorphism is important in qualifying
the monkeys for preclinical trials. Molecular detection of this
polymorphism is a rapid and accurate way to identify the
genotype of the monkeys.
Utilities:
-
Help confirm macaque genotype
-
Prequalify monkeys for preclinical trials
References:
Barr, C.S., Schwandt, M.L., Lindell, S.G., Dee Higley, J.,
Maestripieri, D., Goldman, D., Suomi, S. J. and Heiling, M.
(2008) Variation at the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1)
influences attachment behavior in infant primates. Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. 105: 5277-5281.
Specimen requirement:
0.2 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) tube, or buccal swab, or 0.2 ml fresh
or frozen tissue.
Contact Zoologix if advice is needed to determine an appropriate specimen type for a specific diagnostic application. For specimen types not listed here, please contact Zoologix to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.
For all
specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during
very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship
with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are
specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain
frozen in transit. See shipping
instructions for more information.
Turnaround time:
3 business days
Methodology:
PCR
|