cDNA and genomic clones encoding human mu opiate receptor and the purified gene product

A human .mu. opiate receptor cDNA has been identified from a cerebral cortical CDNA library using sequences from the rat .mu. opiate receptor CDNA. The human .mu. opiate receptor (h.mu.OR1) shares 95% amino acid identity with the rat sequence. The expressed .mu.OR1 recognizes tested opiate drugs and opioid peptides in a sodium- and GTP-sensitive fashion with affinities virtually identical to those displayed by the rat .mu. opiate receptor. Effects on cyclic AMP are similar to those noted for the rat .mu. opiate receptor. Overlapping genomic clones spanning 50 kilobasepairs and hybridizing with the h.mu.OR1 cDNA contains exon sequences encoding the entire open reading frame of the human A opiate receptor are described. Analysis of hybridization to DNA prepared from human rodent hybrid cell lines and chromosomal in situ hybridization studies indicate localization to 6q24-25. An MspI polymorphism, producing a 3.7 kb band, is being used to assess this gene’s involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders involving opiatergic systems. Claim: 1. A purified protein having the biochemical properties of a human ? opiate receptor and having an amino acid sequence comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.