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Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
Published on: July 9, 2015
Molecular basis of the therapeutic properties of hemorphins
Amanat Ali1, Seham Abdullah Rashed Alzeyoudi1, Shamma Abdulla Almutawa1
1Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
Hemorphins are endogenous peptides, 4-10 amino acids long, belonging to the family of atypical opioid peptides released during the sequential cleavage of hemoglobin protein. Hemorphins have been shown to exhibit diverse therapeutic effects in both human and animal models. However, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in such effects remain elusive. In this review, we summarize and propose potential mechanisms based on studies that investigated the biological activity of hemorphins of different lengths on multiple therapeutic targets. Special emphasis is given to molecular events related to renin-angiotensin system (RAS), opioid receptors and insulin-regulated aminopeptidase receptor (IRAP). This review provides a comprehensive coverage of the molecular mechanisms that underpin the therapeutic potential of hemorphins. Furthermore, it highlights the role of various hemorphin residues in pathological conditions, which could be explored further for therapeutic purposes.
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