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Met-Enkephalin is a five-residue endogenous opioid peptide with the sequence Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met. It is generated from proenkephalin and represents one of the smallest naturally occurring peptide ligands capable of activating classical opioid receptors.
Its compact sequence makes Met-Enkephalin a foundational model for opioid pharmacophore research, enzymatic degradation studies and comparison with longer endorphin and neoendorphin peptides.
Product Information
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Met-Enkephalin |
| Catalog No. | AS2708 |
| CAS No. | 58569-55-4 |
| Sequence | Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met |
| One-Letter Sequence | YGGFM |
| Peptide Length | 5 residues |
| Molecular Formula | C27H35N5O7S |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 573.67 Da |
| Precursor | Proenkephalin / PENK |
| Principal Receptor Context | δ and μ opioid receptors |
A Minimal Endogenous Opioid Pharmacophore
The N-terminal Tyr is a central feature of classical opioid-peptide recognition. Gly2-Gly3 provides conformational flexibility, while Phe4 and Met5 contribute hydrophobic side-chain interactions.
This five-residue architecture is embedded within several larger endogenous opioid peptides, including β-Endorphin.
δ- and μ-Opioid Receptor Signaling
Met-Enkephalin is recognized as an endogenous agonist at δ- and μ-opioid receptors. Activity at κ receptors has also been measured, but it is substantially weaker in many receptor systems.
For quantitative pharmacology, we recommend specifying receptor subtype, species and assay because apparent affinity can differ substantially across experimental platforms.
Rapid Peptide Metabolism
Native enkephalins are susceptible to extracellular and membrane-associated peptidases. This rapid degradation is an important part of their biology and also motivates the use of D-amino-acid and terminally modified analogs in structure–activity research.
Analytical Considerations
Met5 can oxidize to methionine sulfoxide, producing a defined mass shift and potentially changing experimental behavior. LC-MS monitoring is useful for stability-sensitive studies.
Our Peptide Quality Control capabilities can support HPLC and MS characterization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sequence of Met-Enkephalin?
Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met, abbreviated YGGFM.
Is Met-Enkephalin δ-selective?
It is an endogenous agonist at both δ and μ opioid receptors and should not be described as absolutely subtype-selective.