Name: Mu opioid receptor mRNA and protein localization across the rat and mouse habenula
Published: 2026

Mu opioid receptor mRNA and protein localization across the rat and mouse habenula

[ DOI: https://doi.org/10.35077/g.1205 ]

Dataset Citation:

Popat, Aashka K., Simon, Rhiana C., Aoyama, Beatriz B., Wokhlu, Ahana, Ehrlich, Aliza T., Harwell, Corey C., Margolis, Elyssa B.. (2026). Mu opioid receptor mRNA and protein localization across the rat and mouse habenula. [ Collection / Dataset ]. Brain Image Library. https://doi.org/10.35077/g.1205

Abstract:

This data collection includes a series of experiments aimed at characterizing the distribution of mu opioid receptor (MOR) protein and mRNA across the rodent habenular complex. Here, we used immunocytochemistry to label MOR protein and RNAscope in situ hybridization to label Oprm1 mRNA in both female and male rats and mice. We also amplified endogenous MOR-Venus signal via immunocytochemistry using an anti-GFP antibody in male and female Oprm1-Venus/Venus mice. The datasets in this collection are comprised of coronal images of the habenula across its anterior-posterior axis, showing the resulting MOR, Oprm1, and MOR-Venus signal from each respective experiment. Across methods and species, MOR protein and mRNA is expressed in both the medial and lateral habenula.

Funding:

National Institutes of Health 1-R01-NS134981-01 Direct lateral habenula projection to a critical pain transmission circuit;
National Institutes of Health 1-R01-DA042025-01 The role of the VTA-lateral habenula circuit in opioid mediated behaviors;
National Institutes of Health 5-R01-DA059388-03 The impact of early life opioid exposure on the molecular and functional trajectories of septal cell types;
National Institutes of Health 5-R37-MH119156-06 Temporal Specification of Basal Forebrain Circuitry;
National Institutes of Health 1-K01-MH123757-01 Neuronal Gαi-GPCR targeting to primary cilia and impact on cAMP mediated transcription;
A.P. Giannini Foundation NA Defining a novel role for opioids in driving microglia-guided neurodevelopment of the limbic brain;
Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior 88887.878571/2023-00 NA

Contributors:

Popat, Aashka K. (ProjectMember) [ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3764-7131 ] University of California, San Francisco
Simon, Rhiana C. (ProjectMember) [ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6672-3816 ] University of California, San Francisco
Aoyama, Beatriz B. (ProjectMember) [ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1458-5516 ] University of California, San Francisco
Wokhlu, Ahana (ProjectMember) [ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5133-1289 ] University of California, San Francisco
Ehrlich, Aliza T. (ProjectMember) [ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7507-1100 ] University of California, San Francisco
Harwell, Corey C. (ProjectLeader) [ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8043-5869 ] University of California, San Francisco
Margolis, Elyssa B. (ProjectLeader) [ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8777-302X ] University of California, San Francisco

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