Nociceptin-induced internalization of the ORL1 receptor in human neuroblastoma cells

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NC) has been proposed as endogenous ligand of the opioid receptor-like 1 (ORL1) receptor. We investigated NC-induced internalization and recycling of the ORL1 receptor in SK-N-BE human neuroblastoma cells. Internalization was proven by receptor binding assay on viable cells. NC promotes a time- and concentration-dependent internalization of the ORL1 receptor (57% of cell surface receptors are lost after 30 min exposure to 1 microM NC) in a clathrin- and ATP- dependent manner. After 30 min exposure to NC, ORL1 receptor internalization is partially reversible and recycling is dependent on acid phosphatases. Over-expression of beta-arrestin 2 increases NC-promoted internalization of the ORL1 receptor. These events contribute to NC signaling in neuronal cells through sequestration and recycling of the ORL1 receptor.