This gene encodes an opioid receptor, which is a member of the 7 transmembrane-spanning G protein-coupled receptor family. It functions as a receptor for endogenous ligands, as well as a receptor for various synthetic opioids. Ligand binding results in inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity and neurotransmitter release. This opioid receptor plays a role in the perception of pain and mediating the hypolocomotor, analgesic and aversive actions of synthetic opioids. Variations in this gene have also been associated with alcohol dependence and opiate addiction. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. A recent study provided evidence for translational readthrough in this gene and expression of an additional C-terminally extended isoform via the use of an alternative in-frame translation termination codon.