hDOR, also known as the Human Delta Opioid Receptor, is a key member of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family. It plays an essential role in modulating analgesia, mood regulation, and neuroprotection. hDOR is implicated in various conditions, including chronic pain, depression, and neurodegenerative disorders, making it an important therapeutic target. Traditional methods for studying GPCRs may not fully capture the broad spectrum of signaling mechanisms that occur through specific receptors like hDOR.

The Screen Quest™ Live Cell Opioid-Like Receptor hDOR cAMP Assay Service Pack is designed for real-time, high-throughput monitoring of intracellular cAMP changes associated with hDOR activation using transfected cell lines and Calbryte™ 520 wash-free calcium fluorescence detection methods. Unlike conventional assays that require cell lysis, this assay preserves cellular integrity, enabling both temporal and spatial resolution of specific signaling events associated with hDOR. This assay employs cell lines transfected to express hDOR alongside a promiscuous G-protein Gα16. The co-expression of Gα16 enables hDOR, which normally signals via Gi/o-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and reduction in intracellular cAMP, to also couple to Gq signaling, leading to calcium flux. Activation of hDOR by specific ligands, such as enkephalins or DADLE, can be detected using calcium-sensitive dyes such as Calbryte™ 520 AM, Cal-520® AM, Fluo-8® AM, Fluo-4™ AM, or other corresponding no-wash calcium kits.

This service pack provides all necessary components for precise measurement of hDOR-mediated cAMP changes using FLIPR, FDSS, or equivalent fluorescence microplate readers. It enables researchers to explore hDOR signaling pathways and evaluate potential therapeutic compounds targeting this receptor, particularly in the context of pain management, mood regulation, and neuroprotection.