Scientists capture opioid receptors in motion, revealing pathways for safer painkillers

Scientists have captured opioid receptors in motion, revealing how they activate and how antidotes like Narcan work. This breakthrough could lead to safer painkillers and improved overdose treatments. The research used cryo-electron microscopy to create a molecular "slow-motion movie" of the mu-opioid receptor's interaction with drugs and G proteins. This detailed view shows how different substances affect the receptor's signaling pathways. Understanding these precise molecular movements offers a roadmap for designing drugs that relieve pain without causing addiction or respiratory depression, potentially impacting treatments for various diseases.