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Maccarrone M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Grether U, Howlett AC, Hua T, Makriyannis A, Piomelli D, Ueda N, van der Stelt M. Goods and Bads of the Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target: Lessons Learned after 30 Years. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:885-958. [PMID: 37164640 PMCID: PMC10441647 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabis derivative marijuana is the most widely used recreational drug in the Western world and is consumed by an estimated 83 million individuals (∼3% of the world population). In recent years, there has been a marked transformation in society regarding the risk perception of cannabis, driven by its legalization and medical use in many states in the United States and worldwide. Compelling research evidence and the Food and Drug Administration cannabis-derived cannabidiol approval for severe childhood epilepsy have confirmed the large therapeutic potential of cannabidiol itself, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other plant-derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids). Of note, our body has a complex endocannabinoid system (ECS)-made of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters-that is also regulated by phytocannabinoids. The first endocannabinoid to be discovered 30 years ago was anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine); since then, distinct elements of the ECS have been the target of drug design programs aimed at curing (or at least slowing down) a number of human diseases, both in the central nervous system and at the periphery. Here a critical review of our knowledge of the goods and bads of the ECS as a therapeutic target is presented to define the benefits of ECS-active phytocannabinoids and ECS-oriented synthetic drugs for human health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The endocannabinoid system plays important roles virtually everywhere in our body and is either involved in mediating key processes of central and peripheral diseases or represents a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of the components of this complex system, and in particular of key receptors (like cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2) and metabolic enzymes (like fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase), will advance our understanding of endocannabinoid signaling and activity at molecular, cellular, and system levels, providing new opportunities to treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Uwe Grether
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Tian Hua
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Alexandros Makriyannis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Natsuo Ueda
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy (M.M.); European Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy (M.M.); Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, University of Laval, Quebec, Canada (V.D.); Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (J.G.); Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (U.G.); Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (A.C.H.); iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China (T.H.); Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (A.M.); Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California (D.P.); Department of Biochemistry, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Miki, Kagawa, Japan (N.U.); Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands (M.S.)
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Scheyer A, Yasmin F, Naskar S, Patel S. Endocannabinoids at the synapse and beyond: implications for neuropsychiatric disease pathophysiology and treatment. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:37-53. [PMID: 36100658 PMCID: PMC9700791 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid neuromodulators that suppress neurotransmitter release, reduce postsynaptic excitability, activate astrocyte signaling, and control cellular respiration. Here, we describe canonical and emerging eCB signaling modes and aim to link adaptations in these signaling systems to pathological states. Adaptations in eCB signaling systems have been identified in a variety of biobehavioral and physiological process relevant to neuropsychiatric disease states including stress-related disorders, epilepsy, developmental disorders, obesity, and substance use disorders. These insights have enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders and are contributing to the ongoing development of eCB-targeting therapeutics. We suggest future studies aimed at illuminating how adaptations in canonical as well as emerging cellular and synaptic modes of eCB signaling contribute to disease pathophysiology or resilience could further advance these novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhana Yasmin
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Saptarnab Naskar
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Sachin Patel
- Northwestern Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Reynoso-Moreno I, Rau M, Chicca A, Nicolussi S, Gertsch J. Assay of Endocannabinoid Uptake. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2576:329-348. [PMID: 36152200 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2728-0_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids at nanomolar physiological concentrations cross cellular membranes by facilitated diffusion, a process that can be studied by measuring transport kinetics and endocannabinoid trafficking employing radioligands and mass spectrometry. Here, we describe radiosubstrate-based assays using arachidonoyl[1-3H]ethanolamine and 2-arachidonoyl[1,2,3-3H]glycerol to measure cellular endocannabinoid uptake in a three-phase assay with human U937 cells. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS)-based lipidomics was used to interrogate the roles of serum and albumin for endocannabinoid trafficking in U937 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Reynoso-Moreno
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mark Rau
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simon Nicolussi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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On the Biomedical Properties of Endocannabinoid Degradation and Reuptake Inhibitors: Pre-clinical and Clinical Evidence. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:2072-2097. [PMID: 34741755 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00424-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of endogenous cannabinoids; components involved in their synthesis, transport, and degradation; and an expansive variety of cannabinoid receptors. Hypofunction or deregulation of the ECS is related to pathological conditions. Consequently, endogenous enhancement of endocannabinoid levels and/or regulation of their metabolism represent promising therapeutic approaches. Several major strategies have been suggested for the modulation of the ECS: (1) blocking endocannabinoids degradation, (2) inhibition of endocannabinoid cellular uptake, and (3) pharmacological modulation of cannabinoid receptors as potential therapeutic targets. Here, we focused in this review on degradation/reuptake inhibitors over cannabinoid receptor modulators in order to provide an updated synopsis of contemporary evidence advancing mechanisms of endocannabinoids as pharmacological tools with therapeutic properties for the treatment of several disorders. For this purpose, we revisited the available literature and reported the latest advances regarding the biomedical properties of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors in pre-clinical and clinical studies. We also highlighted anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol reuptake inhibitors with promising results in pre-clinical studies using in vitro and animal models as an outlook for future research in clinical trials.
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Kaczocha M, Haj-Dahmane S. Mechanisms of endocannabinoid transport in the brain. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:4300-4310. [PMID: 33786823 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide are among the best studied lipid messengers in the brain. By activating cannabinoid receptors in the CNS, endocannabinoids tune synaptic function, thereby influencing a variety of physiological and behavioural processes. Extensive research conducted over the last few decades has considerably enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and physiological functions of the endocannabinoid system. It is now well-established that endocannabinoids are synthesized by postsynaptic neurons and serve as retrograde messengers that suppress neurotransmitter release at central synapses. While the detailed mechanisms by which endocannabinoids gate synaptic function and behavioural processes are relatively well characterized, the mechanisms governing endocannabinoid transport at central synapses remain ill defined. Recently, several studies have begun to unravel the mechanisms governing intracellular and intercellular endocannabinoid transport. In this review, we will focus on new advances in the mechanisms of intracellular and synaptic endocannabinoid transport in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Samir Haj-Dahmane
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.,Neuroscience Program, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Proksch E, Soeberdt M, Neumann C, Kilic A, Abels C. Modulators of the endocannabinoid system influence skin barrier repair, epidermal proliferation, differentiation and inflammation in a mouse model. Exp Dermatol 2020; 28:1058-1065. [PMID: 31350927 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (ECs) are important regulators of cell signalling. Cannabinoid receptors are involved in keratinocyte proliferation/differentiation. Elevation of the endogenous cannabinoid tone leads to strong anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we explored the influence of endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulators on skin permeability barrier repair, epidermal proliferation, differentiation and inflammation in hairless mice. We used WOBE440, a selective fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, WOL067-531, an inhibitor of endocannabinoid reuptake with no relevant FAAH activity, which both signal via cannabinoid receptor-1 and cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB-1R and CB-2R) and compared them to WOBE15 which signals via CB-2R. Barrier disruption and skin irritation were induced by tape stripping or by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) patch testing. Immediately after barrier disruption, 30 μL of 0.5% WOBE440, WOL067-531 and WOBE15 solutions or the vehicle was applied topically. Barrier repair was monitored by transepidermal water loss at 1.5, 3, 5 and 7 hours. We found that barrier repair was significantly delayed by WOL067-531. A tendency for a delay was noticed for WOBE440, whereas for WOBE15, no effect was observed. Immunohistology showed that the tape-stripping-induced increase in epidermal proliferation and filaggrin expression was significantly reduced by topical applications of WOL067-531 and WOBE440, but not by WOBE15. Also, the SDS-induced inflammation, as determined by the number of inflammatory cells, was reduced by WOL067-531 and WOBE440. In summary, we showed that WOL067-531 exhibits a significant effect on skin barrier repair, epidermal proliferation/differentiation and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia Neumann
- Department of Dermatology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ana Kilic
- Dr. August Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany
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Gado F, Arena C, Fauci CL, Reynoso-Moreno I, Bertini S, Digiacomo M, Meini S, Poli G, Macchia M, Tuccinardi T, Gertsch J, Chicca A, Manera C. Modification on the 1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-pyridine-3-carboxamide core to obtain multi-target modulators of endocannabinoid system. Bioorg Chem 2020; 94:103353. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Bartholomäus R, Nicolussi S, Baumann A, Rau M, Simão AC, Gertsch J, Altmann K. Total Synthesis of the Endocannabinoid Uptake Inhibitor Guineensine and SAR Studies. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:1590-1596. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Bartholomäus
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH Zürich, HCI H405 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Simon Nicolussi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Bern Bühlstrasse 28 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Alice Baumann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH Zürich, HCI H405 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Mark Rau
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Bern Bühlstrasse 28 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Ana Catarina Simão
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH Zürich, HCI H405 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Bern Bühlstrasse 28 3012 Bern Switzerland
| | - Karl‐Heinz Altmann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH Zürich, HCI H405 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 8093 Zürich Switzerland
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Abstract
Extracts from Cannabis species have aided the discovery of the endocannabinoid signaling system (ECSS) and phytocannabinoids that possess broad therapeutic potential. Whereas the reinforcing effects of C. sativa are largely attributed to CB1 receptor agonism by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the observed medicinal effects of Cannabis arise from the combined actions of various compounds. In addition to compounds bearing a classical cannabinoid structure, naturally occurring fatty acid amides and esters resembling anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol isolated from non- Cannabis species are also valuable tools for studying ECSS function. This review highlights the potential of plant-based secondary metabolites from Cannabis and unrelated species as ECSS modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Concordia University Wisconsin , Mequon , Wisconsin 53097 , United States
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Li-Zhulanov NS, Il’ina IV, Chicca A, Schenker P, Patrusheva OS, Nazimova EV, Korchagina DV, Krasavin M, Volcho KP, Salakhutdinov NF. Effect of chiral polyhydrochromenes on cannabinoid system. Med Chem Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-019-02294-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Iakovenko RO, Chicca A, Nieri D, Reynoso-Moreno I, Gertsch J, Krasavin M, Vasilyev AV. Synthesis of various arylated trifluoromethyl substituted indanes and indenes, and study of their biological activity. Tetrahedron 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2018.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Chicca A, Arena C, Bertini S, Gado F, Ciaglia E, Abate M, Digiacomo M, Lapillo M, Poli G, Bifulco M, Macchia M, Tuccinardi T, Gertsch J, Manera C. Polypharmacological profile of 1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-pyridine-3-carboxamides in the endocannabinoid system. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 154:155-171. [PMID: 29793210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) represents one of the major neuromodulatory systems involved in different physiological and pathological processes. Multi-target compounds exert their activities by acting via multiple mechanisms of action and represent a promising pharmacological modulation of the ECS. In this work we report 4-substituted and 4,5-disubstituted 1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-pyridine-3-carboxamide derivatives with a broad spectrum of affinity and functional activity towards both cannabinoid receptors and additional effects on the main components of the ECS. In particular compound B3 showed high affinity for CB1R (Ki = 23.1 nM, partial agonist) and CB2R (Ki = 6.9 nM, inverse agonist) and also significant inhibitory activity (IC50 = 70 nM) on FAAH with moderate inhibition of ABHD12 (IC50 = 2.5 μΜ). Compounds B4, B5 and B6 that act as full agonists at CB1R and as partial agonists (B5 and B6) or antagonist (B4) at CB2R, exhibited an additional multi-target property by inhibiting anandamide uptake with sub-micromolar IC50 values (0.28-0.62 μΜ). The best derivatives showed cytotoxic activity on U937 lymphoblastoid cells. Finally, molecular docking analysis carried out on the three-dimensional structures of CB1R and CB2R and of FAAH allowed to rationalize the structure-activity relationships of this series of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Arena
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Bertini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Gado
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Ciaglia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Abate
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Digiacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Poli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53019, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
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14
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Zákány N, Oláh A, Markovics A, Takács E, Aranyász A, Nicolussi S, Piscitelli F, Allarà M, Pór Á, Kovács I, Zouboulis CC, Gertsch J, Di Marzo V, Bíró T, Szabó T. Endocannabinoid Tone Regulates Human Sebocyte Biology. J Invest Dermatol 2018; 138:1699-1706. [PMID: 29501385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that endocannabinoids (eCBs) (e.g., anandamide) are involved in the maintenance of homeostatic sebaceous lipid production in human sebaceous glands and that eCB treatment dramatically increases sebaceous lipid production. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression of the major eCB synthesizing and degrading enzymes and to study the effects of eCB uptake inhibitors on human SZ95 sebocytes, thus exploring the role of the putative eCB membrane transporter, which has been hypothesized to facilitate the cellular uptake and subsequent degradation of eCBs. We found that the major eCB synthesizing (N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D, and diacylglycerol lipase-α and -β) and degrading (fatty acid amide hydrolase, monoacylglycerol lipase) enzymes are expressed in SZ95 sebocytes and also in sebaceous glands (except for diacylglycerol lipase-α, the staining of which was dubious in histological preparations). eCB uptake-inhibition with VDM11 induced a moderate increase in sebaceous lipid production and also elevated the levels of various eCBs and related acylethanolamides. Finally, we found that VDM11 was able to interfere with the proinflammatory action of the TLR4 activator lipopolysaccharide. Collectively, our data suggest that inhibition of eCB uptake exerts anti-inflammatory actions and elevates both sebaceous lipid production and eCB levels; thus, these inhibitors might be beneficial in cutaneous inflammatory conditions accompanied by dry skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nóra Zákány
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Arnold Markovics
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Erika Takács
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrea Aranyász
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Simon Nicolussi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Centre of Competence in Research TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Marco Allarà
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Ágnes Pór
- Department of Pathology, Gyula Kenézy University Hospital, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ilona Kovács
- Department of Pathology, Gyula Kenézy University Hospital, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Christos C Zouboulis
- Departments of Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology and Immunology, Dessau Medical Center, Brandenburg Medical School Theodore Fontane, Dessau, Germany
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Centre of Competence in Research TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Tamás Bíró
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Tamás Szabó
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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15
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Chicca A, Berg R, Jessen HJ, Marck N, Schmid F, Burch P, Gertsch J, Gademann K. Biological evaluation of pyridone alkaloids on the endocannabinoid system. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6102-6114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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16
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Bertini S, Chicca A, Gado F, Arena C, Nieri D, Digiacomo M, Saccomanni G, Zhao P, Abood ME, Macchia M, Gertsch J, Manera C. Novel analogs of PSNCBAM-1 as allosteric modulators of cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6427-6434. [PMID: 29079014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we explored the molecular framework of the known CB1R allosteric modulator PSNCBAM-1 with the aim to generate new bioactive analogs and to deepen the structure-activity relationships of this type of compounds. In particular, the introduction of a NH group between the pyridine ring and the phenyl nucleus generated the amino-phenyl-urea derivative SN15b that behaved as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM), increasing the CB1R binding affinity of the orthosteric ligand CP55,940. The functional activity was evaluated using serum response element (SRE) assay, which assesses the CB1R-dependent activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. SN15b and the biphenyl-urea analog SC4a significantly inhibited the response produced by CP55,940 in the low µM range, thus behaving as negative allosteric modulators (NAMs). The new derivatives presented here provide further insights about the modulation of CB1R binding and functional activity by allosteric ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bertini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Gado
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Arena
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Nieri
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Digiacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Pingwei Zhao
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Mary E Abood
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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17
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Soderstrom K, Soliman E, Van Dross R. Cannabinoids Modulate Neuronal Activity and Cancer by CB1 and CB2 Receptor-Independent Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:720. [PMID: 29066974 PMCID: PMC5641363 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids include the active constituents of Cannabis or are molecules that mimic the structure and/or function of these Cannabis-derived molecules. Cannabinoids produce many of their cellular and organ system effects by interacting with the well-characterized CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, it has become clear that not all effects of cannabinoid drugs are attributable to their interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Evidence now demonstrates that cannabinoid agents produce effects by modulating activity of the entire array of cellular macromolecules targeted by other drug classes, including: other receptor types; ion channels; transporters; enzymes, and protein- and non-protein cellular structures. This review summarizes evidence for these interactions in the CNS and in cancer, and is organized according to the cellular targets involved. The CNS represents a well-studied area and cancer is emerging in terms of understanding mechanisms by which cannabinoids modulate their activity. Considering the CNS and cancer together allow identification of non-cannabinoid receptor targets that are shared and divergent in both systems. This comparative approach allows the identified targets to be compared and contrasted, suggesting potential new areas of investigation. It also provides insight into the diverse sources of efficacy employed by this interesting class of drugs. Obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the diverse mechanisms of cannabinoid action may lead to the design and development of therapeutic agents with greater efficacy and specificity for their cellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Soderstrom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Eman Soliman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Rukiyah Van Dross
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
- Center for Health Disparities, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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18
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Chemical probes to potently and selectively inhibit endocannabinoid cellular reuptake. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E5006-E5015. [PMID: 28584105 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1704065114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular effects of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol are terminated by enzymatic hydrolysis after crossing cellular membranes by facilitated diffusion. The lack of potent and selective inhibitors for endocannabinoid transport has prevented the molecular characterization of this process, thus hindering its biochemical investigation and pharmacological exploitation. Here, we report the design, chemical synthesis, and biological profiling of natural product-derived N-substituted 2,4-dodecadienamides as a selective endocannabinoid uptake inhibitor. The highly potent (IC50 = 10 nM) inhibitor N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl amide (WOBE437) exerted pronounced cannabinoid receptor-dependent anxiolytic, antiinflammatory, and analgesic effects in mice by increasing endocannabinoid levels. A tailored WOBE437-derived diazirine-containing photoaffinity probe (RX-055) irreversibly blocked membrane transport of both endocannabinoids, providing mechanistic insights into this complex process. Moreover, RX-055 exerted site-specific anxiolytic effects on in situ photoactivation in the brain. This study describes suitable inhibitors to target endocannabinoid membrane trafficking and uncovers an alternative endocannabinoid pharmacology.
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19
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Cui HJ, Liu S, Yang R, Fu GH, Lu Y. N-stearoyltyrosine protects primary cortical neurons against oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis through inhibiting anandamide inactivation system. Neurosci Res 2017; 123:8-18. [PMID: 28499834 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
N-stearoylthrosine (NST), a synthesized anandamide (AEA) analogue, plays a neuroprotective role in neurodegenerative diseases and cerebrovascular diseases. Several studies have demonstrated that the endocannabinoids systems (ECS) are involved in the neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemic injury. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced neuronal injury elevated the levels of endocannabinoids and activated ECS. This research was conducted to investigate the neuroprotective effect of NST against OGD-induced neuronal injury in cultured primary cortical neurons and the potential mechanism involved. Cortical neurons were treated with NST at indicate concentrations for 30min prior to injury and OGD injured neurons were incubated with normal conditions for 0-24h. The best neuroprotective effect of NST against OGD-induced injury occurred at 10μM. All data indicated that the neuroprotective effect of NST against OGD-induced injury resulted from blocking anandamide membrane transporter (AMT) (IC50=11.74nM) and inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase activity (FAAH) (IC50=16.54nM). Our findings demonstrated that NST has an important role in cerebral ischemic injury pathological progression through activating cannabinoid receptors by inhibiting AEA inactivation system. These data suggested a potential role for NST in the therapeutic consideration of cerebral ischemic injury. However, inhibition of AEA inactivation system may provide a neuroprotective effect during cerebral ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Jing Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, RuiJin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Sha Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Guo-Hui Fu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China.
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20
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Soethoudt M, Grether U, Fingerle J, Grim TW, Fezza F, de Petrocellis L, Ullmer C, Rothenhäusler B, Perret C, van Gils N, Finlay D, MacDonald C, Chicca A, Gens MD, Stuart J, de Vries H, Mastrangelo N, Xia L, Alachouzos G, Baggelaar MP, Martella A, Mock ED, Deng H, Heitman LH, Connor M, Di Marzo V, Gertsch J, Lichtman AH, Maccarrone M, Pacher P, Glass M, van der Stelt M. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptor ligand profiling reveals biased signalling and off-target activity. Nat Commun 2017; 8:13958. [PMID: 28045021 PMCID: PMC5216056 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid CB2 receptor (CB2R) represents a promising therapeutic target for various forms of tissue injury and inflammatory diseases. Although numerous compounds have been developed and widely used to target CB2R, their selectivity, molecular mode of action and pharmacokinetic properties have been poorly characterized. Here we report the most extensive characterization of the molecular pharmacology of the most widely used CB2R ligands to date. In a collaborative effort between multiple academic and industry laboratories, we identify marked differences in the ability of certain agonists to activate distinct signalling pathways and to cause off-target effects. We reach a consensus that HU910, HU308 and JWH133 are the recommended selective CB2R agonists to study the role of CB2R in biological and disease processes. We believe that our unique approach would be highly suitable for the characterization of other therapeutic targets in drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein Soethoudt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Fingerle
- Department of Biochemistry, NMI, University Tübingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, Reutlingen 72770, Germany
| | - Travis W. Grim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 1220 East Broad Street, PO Box 980613, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0613, USA
| | - Filomena Fezza
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, via del Fosso del Fiorano 65, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Luciano de Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, C.N.R., Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Benno Rothenhäusler
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Camille Perret
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Grenzachterstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Noortje van Gils
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - David Finlay
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Christa MacDonald
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Marianela Dalghi Gens
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Jordyn Stuart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Henk de Vries
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolina Mastrangelo
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Lizi Xia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Georgios Alachouzos
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Marc P. Baggelaar
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Martella
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Elliot D. Mock
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Hui Deng
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Connor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, C.N.R., Via Campi Flegrei 34, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Aron H. Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 1220 East Broad Street, PO Box 980613, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0613, USA
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, via del Fosso del Fiorano 65, Rome 00143, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Pal Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute of Health/NIAAA, 5625 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA
| | - Michelle Glass
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Mario van der Stelt
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
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21
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Ligresti A, De Petrocellis L, Di Marzo V. From Phytocannabinoids to Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids: Pleiotropic Physiological and Pathological Roles Through Complex Pharmacology. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1593-659. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from having been used and misused for at least four millennia for, among others, recreational and medicinal purposes, the cannabis plant and its most peculiar chemical components, the plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), have the merit to have led humanity to discover one of the most intriguing and pleiotropic endogenous signaling systems, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This review article aims to describe and critically discuss, in the most comprehensive possible manner, the multifaceted aspects of 1) the pharmacology and potential impact on mammalian physiology of all major phytocannabinoids, and not only of the most famous one Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and 2) the adaptive pro-homeostatic physiological, or maladaptive pathological, roles of the ECS in mammalian cells, tissues, and organs. In doing so, we have respected the chronological order of the milestones of the millennial route from medicinal/recreational cannabis to the ECS and beyond, as it is now clear that some of the early steps in this long path, which were originally neglected, are becoming important again. The emerging picture is rather complex, but still supports the belief that more important discoveries on human physiology, and new therapies, might come in the future from new knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
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22
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Köfalvi A, Lemos C, Martín-Moreno AM, Pinheiro BS, García-García L, Pozo MA, Valério-Fernandes Â, Beleza RO, Agostinho P, Rodrigues RJ, Pasquaré SJ, Cunha RA, de Ceballos ML. Stimulation of brain glucose uptake by cannabinoid CB2 receptors and its therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology 2016; 110:519-529. [PMID: 26976670 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2Rs) are emerging as important therapeutic targets in brain disorders that typically involve neurometabolic alterations. We here addressed the possible role of CB2Rs in the regulation of glucose uptake in the mouse brain. To that aim, we have undertaken 1) measurement of (3)H-deoxyglucose uptake in cultured cortical astrocytes and neurons and in acute hippocampal slices; 2) real-time visualization of fluorescently labeled deoxyglucose uptake in superfused hippocampal slices; and 3) in vivo PET imaging of cerebral (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. We now show that both selective (JWH133 and GP1a) as well as non-selective (WIN55212-2) CB2R agonists, but not the CB1R-selective agonist, ACEA, stimulate glucose uptake, in a manner that is sensitive to the CB2R-selective antagonist, AM630. Glucose uptake is stimulated in astrocytes and neurons in culture, in acute hippocampal slices, in different brain areas of young adult male C57Bl/6j and CD-1 mice, as well as in middle-aged C57Bl/6j mice. Among the endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes, the selective inhibition of COX-2, rather than that of FAAH, MAGL or α,βDH6/12, also stimulates the uptake of glucose in hippocampal slices of middle-aged mice, an effect that was again prevented by AM630. However, we found the levels of the endocannabinoid, anandamide reduced in the hippocampus of TgAPP-2576 mice (a model of β-amyloidosis), and likely as a consequence, COX-2 inhibition failed to stimulate glucose uptake in these mice. Together, these results reveal a novel general glucoregulatory role for CB2Rs in the brain, raising therapeutic interest in CB2R agonists as nootropic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Köfalvi
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Lemos
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana M Martín-Moreno
- Neurodegeneration Group, Department of Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Doctor Arce, 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED; Centre for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Spain
| | - Bárbara S Pinheiro
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luis García-García
- CAI de Cartografía Cerebral, Instituto Pluridisciplinar, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Pozo
- CAI de Cartografía Cerebral, Instituto Pluridisciplinar, UCM, Madrid, Spain; PET Technology Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ângela Valério-Fernandes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui O Beleza
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J Rodrigues
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Susana J Pasquaré
- Neurodegeneration Group, Department of Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Doctor Arce, 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), CONICET-Bahía Blanca and Universidad Nacional del Sur, Edificio E1, Camino La Carrindanga km 7, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - María L de Ceballos
- Neurodegeneration Group, Department of Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Doctor Arce, 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED; Centre for Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Spain.
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23
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Abstract
Endocannabinoids at physiological concentrations are crossing cellular membranes by facilitated diffusion, a process that can be studied by measuring transport kinetics. Here, we describe a radiosubstrate-based assay using arachidonoyl[1-(3)H]ethanolamine or arachidonoyl[1,2,3-(3)H]glycerol to measure the cellular endocannabinoid uptake in a three-phase assay with human U937 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Rau
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simon Nicolussi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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24
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Sharma C, Sadek B, Goyal SN, Sinha S, Kamal MA, Ojha S. Small Molecules from Nature Targeting G-Protein Coupled Cannabinoid Receptors: Potential Leads for Drug Discovery and Development. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:238482. [PMID: 26664449 PMCID: PMC4664820 DOI: 10.1155/2015/238482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid molecules are derived from Cannabis sativa plant which acts on the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) which have been explored as potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery and development. Currently, there are numerous cannabinoid based synthetic drugs used in clinical practice like the popular ones such as nabilone, dronabinol, and Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol mediates its action through CB1/CB2 receptors. However, these synthetic based Cannabis derived compounds are known to exert adverse psychiatric effect and have also been exploited for drug abuse. This encourages us to find out an alternative and safe drug with the least psychiatric adverse effects. In recent years, many phytocannabinoids have been isolated from plants other than Cannabis. Several studies have shown that these phytocannabinoids show affinity, potency, selectivity, and efficacy towards cannabinoid receptors and inhibit endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes, thus reducing hyperactivity of endocannabinoid systems. Also, these naturally derived molecules possess the least adverse effects opposed to the synthetically derived cannabinoids. Therefore, the plant based cannabinoid molecules proved to be promising and emerging therapeutic alternative. The present review provides an overview of therapeutic potential of ligands and plants modulating cannabinoid receptors that may be of interest to pharmaceutical industry in search of new and safer drug discovery and development for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Shirpur, Mahrastra 425405, India
| | - Satyesh Sinha
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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25
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Hillard CJ. The Endocannabinoid Signaling System in the CNS: A Primer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2015; 125:1-47. [PMID: 26638763 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an introduction to the mechanisms for the regulation of endocannabinoid signaling through CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system. The processes involved in the synthesis and degradation of the two most well-studied endocannabinoids, 2-arachidonoylglycerol and N-arachidonylethanolamine are outlined along with information regarding the regulation of the proteins involved. Signaling mechanisms and pharmacology of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor are outlined, as is the paradigm of endocannabinoid/CB1 receptor regulation of neurotransmitter release. The reader is encouraged to appreciate the importance of the endocannabinoid/CB1 receptor signaling system in the regulation of synaptic activity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center, and Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
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26
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Nicolussi S, Gertsch J. Endocannabinoid transport revisited. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2015; 98:441-85. [PMID: 25817877 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2014.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are arachidonic acid-derived endogenous lipids that activate the endocannabinoid system which plays a major role in health and disease. The primary endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA, N-arachidonoylethanolamine) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. While their biosynthesis and metabolism have been studied in detail, it remains unclear how endocannabinoids are transported across the cell membrane. In this review, we critically discuss the different models of endocannabinoid trafficking, focusing on AEA cellular uptake which is best studied. The evolution of the current knowledge obtained with different AEA transport inhibitors is reviewed and the confusions caused by the lack of their specificity discussed. A comparative summary of the most important AEA uptake inhibitors and the studies involving their use is provided. Based on a comprehensive literature analysis, we propose a model of facilitated AEA membrane transport followed by intracellular shuttling and sequestration. We conclude that novel and more specific probes will be essential to identify the missing targets involved in endocannabinoid membrane transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Nicolussi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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