# Unlocking opioid neuropeptide dynamics with genetically encoded biosensors

*PRI Rank #7 · Topics and Trends in Most Cited Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology Papers, Class of 2026*

*Canonical URL: https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/neuropeptides-and-animal-physiology/2026/rank-7*

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Rank | #7 |
| 18m citations | 39 |
| Journal | Nature Neuroscience |
| Year | 2024 |
| DOI | 10.1038/s41593-024-01697-1 |
| Corresponding authors | Michael R. Bruchas, Matthew R. Banghart, Lin Tian |
| Institution | University of California Davis, United States |

**Ranking page:** [Topics and Trends in Most Cited Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology Papers, Class of 2026](https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/neuropeptides-and-animal-physiology/2026)

**Paper link:** [10.1038/s41593-024-01697-1](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-024-01697-1)

## Topics

opioid neuropeptides · Genetically encoded fluorescent sensors · κ-opioid receptor · δ-opioid receptor · μ-opioid receptor · κLight · δLight · µLight · dynorphin · volume transmission · fiber photometry · Optogenetic manipulation · brain slices · dissociated neurons · spatiotemporal dynamics · endogenous opioid release · fear conditioning · reward · Pain modulation · circuit-specific imaging

## Cite this ranking

```
Pepkio Research Index (PRI). Topics and Trends in Most Cited Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology Papers, Class of 2026. https://pri.pepkio.com/top-papers/neuropeptides-and-animal-physiology/2026. Accessed 2026-07-31.

Zheng Su, Tinsley Li, Thematic Shifts in Early-High-Impact Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics Research: A Bibliometric and Semantic Analysis. bioRxiv 2026.07.04.736459; doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.04.736459
```