Page data last changed: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
Endogenous opioid with high preference for kappa-opioid receptors.
Also known as: Dynorphin A
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Dynorphin is a family of endogenous opioid peptides (dynorphin A is 17 residues) derived from prodynorphin. It preferentially activates kappa-opioid receptors and is studied in stress and mood neurobiology.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Central nervous system; derived from prodynorphin
Primary research or clinical context: Neuroscience research
Kappa-opioid preference
Unlike endorphins, dynorphins act mainly at kappa-opioid receptors and are associated in research with dysphoric and stress-related signaling — a contrast that illustrates how opioid peptide subtypes differ in function.
Prodynorphin family
Prodynorphin is cleaved into several related peptides, including dynorphin A, dynorphin B, and the neoendorphins. This precursor biology is a common theme in opioid-peptide education.
Sequence of the selected reference form
Sequence backbone for the reference form: Human dynorphin A(1-17), defined L stereochemistry and C-terminal free acid. Termini, stereochemistry and modifications are described below.
YGGFLRRIRPKLKWDNQ
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
Select human dynorphin A(1-17), not the broader dynorphin family. The reviewed human processed chain and molecular graph agree. Choose the CID with all 16 stereocentres defined rather than the chemically underspecified legacy record.
- Molecular form
- Human dynorphin A(1-17), defined L stereochemistry and C-terminal free acid
- Species
- Homo sapiens
- Termini (N / C)
- Free alpha-amino group of L-tyrosine / Free L-glutamine carboxylic acid (-COOH)
Average reference mass · Molecular identity assessment: 2026-10-05
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- PubChem PUG molecular properties and explicit molecular graph · 2026-10-05
- PubChem PUG stereochemistry and normalized structure identity · 2026-10-05
- Reviewed UniProt molecular sequence and processed-chain annotations · 2026-10-05
- Isolation and structural organization of the human preproenkephalin B gene. · 2026-10-05
- Molecular formula
- C99H155N31O23
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 2,147.5
- Backbone
- Human dynorphin A(1-17), defined L stereochemistry and C-terminal free acid
- C-terminus
- Free L-glutamine carboxylic acid (-COOH)
- PubChem CID: 16133805
Chemistry values: curated profile, PubChem.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 6 registered studies with “Dynorphin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-10-01). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07404358 | Dalargin for Prevention of Organ Disfunction in High-Risk Abdominal Surgery | Phase 3 | completed | 2026-09-23 |
| NCT07139106 | Understanding the Role of the Kappa Opioid Receptor in Ketamine's Attenuation of Suicidal Thoughts | Phase 4 | not yet recruiting | 2026-08-03 |
| NCT07583160 | YS247 (Neoantigen-Pulsed DC Vaccine) for Metastatic Prostate Cancer | Phase 1 | enrolling by invitation | 2026-05-13 |
| NCT04108546 | Massage and Electroacupuncture in Chronic Lumbar Pain | Not applicable | completed | 2025-03-28 |
| NCT00000244 | Effects of Dynorphin 1-13 on Heroin Addiction - 1 | Phase 2 | completed | 2015-05-27 |
| NCT02092805 | rTMS as a Treatment of Visceral Pain Secondary to Malignancy | Not applicable | completed | 2014-03-20 |
Dynorphin — reconstitution calculator
Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.
Reference form: Human dynorphin A(1-17), defined L stereochemistry and C-terminal free acidAverage reference mass: 2,147.5 Da
Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.
Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.
FAQ about Dynorphin
What is Dynorphin?+
Dynorphin is a family of endogenous opioid peptides (dynorphin A is 17 residues) derived from prodynorphin. It preferentially activates kappa-opioid receptors and is studied in stress and mood neurobiology.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Dynorphin?+
Canadian product status for Dynorphin has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the length of the selected reference form for Dynorphin?+
The selected reference form (Human dynorphin A(1-17), defined L stereochemistry and C-terminal free acid) has 17 residues or residue-derived units in its backbone. Other forms in this family may have a different length.
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Vanderah et al. (1996). Single intrathecal injections of dynorphin A or des-Tyr-dynorphins produce long-lasting allodynia in rats: blockade by MK-801 but not naloxone. Pain
- 2.Dai et al. (2025). Dynorphin A Impairs Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Osteosarcoma Cells by Increasing SP-1. J Biochem Mol Toxicol
- 3.Hall et al. (2016). Dynorphin A analogs for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. Future Med Chem
- 4.Brugos et al. (2004). Metabolism of dynorphin A(1-13). Pharmazie
- 5.Lee et al. (2016). Cyclic non-opioid dynorphin A analogues for the bradykinin receptors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett
- 6.Marinelli et al. (2006). A microdialysis profile of dynorphin A(1-8) release in the rat nucleus accumbens following alcohol administration. Alcohol Clin Exp Res
- 7.LaVigne et al. (2023). Pain-related behavioral and electrophysiological actions of dynorphin A (1-17). Mol Pain
- 8.Friedman et al. (1981). Dynorphin: a possible modulatory peptide on morphine or beta-endorphin analgesia in mouse. Eur J Pharmacol
- 9.PubChem — compound summary for Dynorphin A (CID 16129685)
- 10.Wikipedia — Dynorphin