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μ-Opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) polymorphism in patients with breast cancer
Anna Cieślińska1, Edyta Sienkiewicz-Szłapka, Elżbieta Kostyra
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 1A Street, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
Abstract:
Structure-dependent μ-opioid receptor (MOR) activity is an important element in cancer opioid analgesic effectiveness. It is widely accepted that guanine (G) substitution for adenine (A) at OPRM1 gene sequence position 118 changes receptor glycosylation pattern. This is associated with decreased binding ability in both exogenous and endogenous opioids, resulting in increased human pain resistance. The endogenous opioid system's function in body homeostasis maintenance is considered mainly regulatory, so its participation in breast tumor formation and progression is identified herein. We examine the association of the most frequent MOR (A118G) gene polymorphism on breast cancer risk in a Northeastern Polish population by PCR-RFLP comparison of A and G allele frequency at OPRM1 gene A118G polymorphic site in breast cancer-diagnosed patients with healthy control group frequencies. Our results highlight a strong association between G allele presence at μ-opioid receptor A118G and increased breast cancer incidence (OR = 3.3, 95 % CI 2.2-5.0, p < 0.0001) and female gender (OR = 2.0, 95 % CI 1.4-2.9, p = 0.0004). Consequently, OPRM1 G allele presence at that site is a highly significant risk factor in breast cancer development.
Insights
The OPRM1 G allele at the A118G site is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. This genetic variation in the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) may influence cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mu-opioid receptor (MOR) activity influences cancer pain management.
- The OPRM1 A118G gene polymorphism affects receptor glycosylation and opioid binding.
- The endogenous opioid system's role in homeostasis suggests potential involvement in breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the OPRM1 A118G polymorphism and breast cancer risk in a Northeastern Polish population.
- To determine if the G allele at OPRM1 A118G is a risk factor for breast cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used.
- Allele frequencies of OPRM1 A118G were compared between breast cancer patients and a healthy control group.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the G allele at OPRM1 A118G and increased breast cancer incidence (OR = 3.3).
- The G allele was also associated with female gender (OR = 2.0).
- Presence of the OPRM1 G allele is a significant risk factor for breast cancer.
Conclusions:
- The OPRM1 G allele at the A118G site is a significant risk factor for breast cancer development.
- This genetic polymorphism may play a role in breast cancer etiology.
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