PENK (Proenkephalin) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with PENK include Cannabis Dependence and Radiculopathy. Among its related pathways are GPCR Pathway and Peptide ligand-binding receptors. GO annotations related to this gene include neuropeptide hormone activity and opioid peptide activity. An important paralog of this gene is PDYN.This gene encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate multiple protein products. These products include the pentapeptide opioids Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin, which are stored in synaptic vesicles, then released into the synapse where they bind to mu- and delta-opioid receptors to modulate the perception of pain. Other non-opioid cleavage products may function in distinct biological activities.