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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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Martinez Ramirez CE, Ruiz-Pérez G, Stollenwerk TM, Behlke C, Doherty A, Hillard CJ. Endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system. Glia 2023; 71:5-35. [PMID: 36308424 PMCID: PMC10167744 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is hard to overestimate the influence of the endocannabinoid signaling (ECS) system on central nervous system (CNS) function. In the 40 years since cannabinoids were found to trigger specific cell signaling cascades, studies of the ECS system continue to cause amazement, surprise, and confusion! CB1 cannabinoid receptors are expressed widely in the CNS and regulate cell-cell communication via effects on the release of both neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters. CB2 cannabinoid receptors are difficult to detect in the CNS but seem to "punch above their weight" as compounds targeting these receptors have significant effects on inflammatory state and behavior. Positive and negative allosteric modulators for both receptors have been identified and examined in preclinical studies. Concentrations of the endocannabinoid ligands, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are regulated by a combination of enzymatic synthesis and degradation and inhibitors of these processes are available and making their way into clinical trials. Importantly, ECS regulates many essential brain functions, including regulation of reward, anxiety, inflammation, motor control, and cellular development. While the field is on the cusp of preclinical discoveries providing impactful clinical and therapeutic insights into many CNS disorders, there is still much to be learned about this remarkable and versatile modulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- César E Martinez Ramirez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gonzalo Ruiz-Pérez
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Todd M Stollenwerk
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christina Behlke
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ashley Doherty
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Neuroscience Research Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Gagestein B, Stevens AF, Fazio D, Florea BI, van der Wel T, Bakker AT, Fezza F, Dulk HD, Overkleeft HS, Maccarrone M, van der Stelt M. Chemical Proteomics Reveals Off-Targets of the Anandamide Reuptake Inhibitor WOBE437. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1174-1183. [PMID: 35482948 PMCID: PMC9127799 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Anandamide or N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) is a signaling lipid that modulates neurotransmitter release via activation of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) in the brain. Termination of anandamide signaling is thought to be mediated via a facilitated cellular reuptake process that utilizes a purported transporter protein. Recently, WOBE437 has been reported as a novel, natural product-based inhibitor of AEA reuptake that is active in cellular and in vivo models. To profile its target interaction landscape, we synthesized pac-WOBE, a photoactivatable probe derivative of WOBE437, and performed chemical proteomics in mouse neuroblastoma Neuro-2a cells. Surprisingly WOBE437, unlike the widely used selective inhibitor of AEA uptake OMDM-1, was found to increase AEA uptake in Neuro-2a cells. In line with this, WOBE437 reduced the cellular levels of AEA and related N-acylethanolamines (NAEs). Using pac-WOBE, we identified saccharopine dehydrogenase-like oxidoreductase (SCCPDH), vesicle amine transport 1 (VAT1), and ferrochelatase (FECH) as WOBE437-interacting proteins in Neuro-2a cells. Further genetic studies indicated that SCCPDH and VAT1 were not responsible for the WOBE437-induced reduction in NAE levels. Regardless of the precise mechanism of action of WOB437 in AEA transport, we have identified SSCPHD, VAT1, and FECH as unprecedented off-targets of this molecule which should be taken into account when interpreting its cellular and in vivo effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berend Gagestein
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Anna F. Stevens
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Domenico Fazio
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy
| | - Bogdan I. Florea
- Bio-Organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Tom van der Wel
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander T. Bakker
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Filomena Fezza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00121, Italy
| | - Hans den Dulk
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Herman S. Overkleeft
- Bio-Organic Synthesis, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden 2333 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Rome 00143, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - 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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Bhandari S, Bisht KS, Merkler DJ. The Biosynthesis and Metabolism of the N-Acylated Aromatic Amino Acids: N-Acylphenylalanine, N-Acyltyrosine, N-Acyltryptophan, and N-Acylhistidine. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:801749. [PMID: 35047560 PMCID: PMC8762209 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.801749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The fatty acid amides are a family of lipids composed of two chemical moieties, a fatty acid and a biogenic amine linked together in an amide bond. This lipid family is structurally related to the endocannabinoid anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine) and, thus, is frequently referred to as a family of endocannabinoid-related lipids. The fatty acid amide family is divided into different classes based on the conjugate amine; anandamide being a member of the N-acylethanolamine class (NAE). Another class within the fatty acid amide family is the N-acyl amino acids (NA-AAs). The focus of this review is a sub-class of the NA-AAs, the N-acyl aromatic amino acids (NA-ArAAs). The NA-ArAAs are not broadly recognized, even by those interested in the endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-related lipids. Herein, the NA-ArAAs that have been identified from a biological source will be highlighted and pathways for their biosynthesis, degradation, enzymatic modification, and transport will be presented. Also, information about the cellular functions of the NA-ArAAs will be placed in context with the data regarding the identification and metabolism of these N-acylated amino acids. A review of the current state-of-knowledge about the NA-ArAAs is to stimulate future research about this underappreciated sub-class of the fatty acid amide family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzeeta Bhandari
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Kirpal S Bisht
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - David J Merkler
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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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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Miller S, Daily L, Dharla V, Gertsch J, Malamas MS, Ojima I, Kaczocha M, Ogasawara D, Straiker A. Endocannabinoid metabolism and transport as targets to regulate intraocular pressure. Exp Eye Res 2020; 201:108266. [PMID: 32979397 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoids are part of an endogenous signaling system found throughout the body, including the eye. Hepler and Frank showed in the early 1970s that plant cannabinoids can lower intraocular pressure (IOP), an effect since shown to occur via cannabinoid CB1 and GPR18 receptors. Endocannabinoids are synthesized and metabolized enzymatically. Enzymes implicated in endocannabinoids breakdown include monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), but also ABHD12, NAAA, and COX-2. Inhibition of MAGL activity raises levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol and substantially lowers IOP. Blocking other cannabinoid metabolizing enzymes or cannabinoid transporters may similarly contribute to lowering IOP and so serve as therapeutic targets for treating glaucoma. We have tested blockers for several cannabinoid-metabolizing enzymes and transporters (FABP5 and membrane reuptake) for their ability to alter ocular pressure in a murine model of IOP. Of FAAH, ABHD12, NAAA, and COX2, only FAAH was seen to play a role in regulation of IOP. Only the FAAH blocker URB597 lowered IOP, but in a temporally, diurnally, and sex-specific manner. We also tested two blockers of cannabinoid transport (SBFI-26 and WOBE437), finding that each lowered IOP in a CB1-dependent manner. Though we see a modest, limited role for FAAH, our results suggest that MAGL is the primary cannabinoid-metabolizing enzyme in regulating ocular pressure, thus pointing towards a role of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol. Interestingly, inhibition of cannabinoid transport mechanisms independent of hydrolysis may prove to be an alternative strategy to lower ocular pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Miller
- The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Laura Daily
- The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Vijai Dharla
- The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Juerg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael S Malamas
- Center for Drug Discovery and Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Iwao Ojima
- Department of Chemistry, USA; Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, USA
| | - Martin Kaczocha
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Daisuke Ogasawara
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Alex Straiker
- The Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
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Scherma M, Masia P, Satta V, Fratta W, Fadda P, Tanda G. Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:309-323. [PMID: 30050084 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anandamide is a lipid mediator that acts as an endogenous ligand of CB1 receptors. These receptors are also the primary molecular target responsible for the pharmacological effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient in Cannabis sativa. Several studies demonstrate that anandamide exerts an overall modulatory effect on the brain reward circuitry. Several reports suggest its involvement in the addiction-producing actions of other abused drugs, and it can also act as a behavioral reinforcer in animal models of drug abuse. Importantly, all these effects of anandamide appear to be potentiated by pharmacological inhibition of its metabolic degradation. Enhanced brain levels of anandamide after treatment with inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase, the main enzyme responsible for its degradation, seem to affect the rewarding and reinforcing actions of many drugs of abuse. In this review, we will provide an overview from a preclinical perspective of the current state of knowledge regarding the behavioral pharmacology of anandamide, with a particular emphasis on its motivational/reinforcing properties. We will also discuss how modulation of anandamide levels through inhibition of enzymatic metabolic pathways could provide a basis for developing new pharmaco-therapeutic tools for the treatment of substance use disorders.
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Sonti S, Tolia M, Duclos RI, Loring RH, Gatley SJ. Metabolic studies of synaptamide in an immortalized dopaminergic cell line. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2019; 141:25-33. [PMID: 30763677 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Synaptamide, the N-acylethanolamine of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is structurally similar to the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoylethanolamine, anandamide. It is an endogenous ligand at the orphan G-protein coupled receptor 110 (GPR110; ADGRF1), and induces neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis in hippocampal and cortical neurons, as well as neuronal differentiation in neural stem cells. PURPOSE Our goal was to characterize the metabolic fate (synthesis and metabolism) of synaptamide in a dopaminergic cell line using immortalized fetal mesencephalic cells (N27 cells). Both undifferentiated and differentiating N27 cells were used in this study in an effort to understand synaptamide synthesis and metabolism in developing and adult cells. METHODS Radiotracer uptake and hydrolysis assays were conducted in N27 cells incubated with [1-14C]DHA or with one of two radioisotopomers of synaptamide: [α,β-14C2]synaptamide and [1-14C-DHA]synaptamide. RESULTS Neither differentiated nor undifferentiated N27 cells synthesized synaptamide from radioactive DHA, but both rapidly incorporated radioactivity from exogenous synaptamide into membrane phospholipids, regardless of which isotopomer was used. Pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) reduced formation of labeled phospholipids in undifferentiated but not differentiated cells. CONCLUSIONS In undifferentiated cells, synaptamide uptake and metabolism is driven by its enzymatic hydrolysis (fatty acid amide hydrolase; FAAH), but in differentiating cells, the process seems to be FAAH independent. We conclude that differentiated and undifferentiated N27 cells utilize synaptamide via different mechanisms. This observation could be extrapolated to how different mechanisms may be in place for synaptamide uptake and metabolism in developing and adult dopaminergic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Sonti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Mansi Tolia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Richard I Duclos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Ralph H Loring
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Samuel J Gatley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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9
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Moreira-Silva D, Carrettiero DC, Oliveira ASA, Rodrigues S, Dos Santos-Lopes J, Canas PM, Cunha RA, Almeida MC, Ferreira TL. Anandamide Effects in a Streptozotocin-Induced Alzheimer's Disease-Like Sporadic Dementia in Rats. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:653. [PMID: 30333717 PMCID: PMC6176656 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by multiple cognitive deficits including memory and sensorimotor gating impairments as a result of neuronal and synaptic loss. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in these deficits but little is known about its influence on the molecular mechanism regarding phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein accumulation - one of the hallmarks of AD -, and on the density of synaptic proteins. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA) on multiple cognitive deficits and on the levels of synaptic proteins (syntaxin 1, synaptophysin and synaptosomal-associated protein, SNAP-25), cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and molecules related to p-tau degradation machinery (heat shock protein 70, HSP70), and Bcl2-associated athanogene (BAG2) in an AD-like sporadic dementia model in rats using intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Our hypothesis is that AEA could interact with HSP70, modulating the level of p-tau and synaptic proteins, preventing STZ-induced cognitive impairments. Thirty days after receiving bilateral icv injections of AEA or STZ or both, the cognitive performance of adult male Wistar rats was evaluated in the object recognition test, by the escape latency in the elevated plus maze (EPM), by the tone and context fear conditioning as well as in prepulse inhibition tests. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized and their brains were removed for histological analysis or for protein quantification by Western Blotting. The behavioral results showed that STZ impaired recognition, plus maze and tone fear memories but did not affect contextual fear memory and prepulse inhibition. Moreover, AEA prevented recognition and non-associative emotional memory impairments induced by STZ, but did not influence tone fear conditioning. STZ increased the brain ventricular area and this enlargement was prevented by AEA. Additionally, STZ reduced the levels of p-tau (Ser199/202) and increased p-tau (Ser396), although AEA did not affect these alterations. HSP70 was found diminished only by STZ, while BAG2 levels were decreased by STZ and AEA. Synaptophysin, syntaxin and CB1 receptor levels were reduced by STZ, but only syntaxin was recovered by AEA. Altogether, albeit AEA failed to modify some AD-like neurochemical alterations, it partially prevented STZ-induced cognitive impairments, changes in synaptic markers and ventricle enlargement. This study showed, for the first time, that the administration of an endocannabinoid can prevent AD-like effects induced by STZ, boosting further investigations about the modulation of endocannabinoid levels as a therapeutic approach for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Moreira-Silva
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Carrettiero
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Adriele S A Oliveira
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Samanta Rodrigues
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Joyce Dos Santos-Lopes
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Paula M Canas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria C Almeida
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Tatiana L Ferreira
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
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10
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Di Scala C, Fantini J, Yahi N, Barrantes FJ, Chahinian H. Anandamide Revisited: How Cholesterol and Ceramides Control Receptor-Dependent and Receptor-Independent Signal Transmission Pathways of a Lipid Neurotransmitter. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8020031. [PMID: 29789479 PMCID: PMC6022874 DOI: 10.3390/biom8020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anandamide is a lipid neurotransmitter derived from arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. The chemical differences between anandamide and arachidonic acid result in a slightly enhanced solubility in water and absence of an ionisable group for the neurotransmitter compared with the fatty acid. In this review, we first analyze the conformational flexibility of anandamide in aqueous and membrane phases. We next study the interaction of the neurotransmitter with membrane lipids and discuss the molecular basis of the unexpected selectivity of anandamide for cholesterol and ceramide from among other membrane lipids. We show that cholesterol behaves as a binding partner for anandamide, and that following an initial interaction mediated by the establishment of a hydrogen bond, anandamide is attracted towards the membrane interior, where it forms a molecular complex with cholesterol after a functional conformation adaptation to the apolar membrane milieu. The complex is then directed to the anandamide cannabinoid receptor (CB1) which displays a high affinity binding pocket for anandamide. We propose that cholesterol may regulate the entry and exit of anandamide in and out of CB1 by interacting with low affinity cholesterol recognition sites (CARC and CRAC) located in transmembrane helices. The mirror topology of cholesterol binding sites in the seventh transmembrane domain is consistent with the delivery, extraction and flip-flop of anandamide through a coordinated cholesterol-dependent mechanism. The binding of anandamide to ceramide illustrates another key function of membrane lipids which may occur independently of protein receptors. Interestingly, ceramide forms a tight complex with anandamide which blocks the degradation pathway of both lipids and could be exploited for anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Di Scala
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, BP13 13273 Marseille CEDEX 09, France.
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015 Marseille, France.
| | - Nouara Yahi
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015 Marseille, France.
| | - Francisco J Barrantes
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), UCA⁻CONICET, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, C1107AFF Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Henri Chahinian
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015 Marseille, France.
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11
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Elmes MW, Volpe AD, d'Oelsnitz S, Sweeney JM, Kaczocha M. Lipocalin-Type Prostaglandin D Synthase Is a Novel Phytocannabinoid-Binding Protein. Lipids 2018; 53:353-360. [PMID: 29668081 DOI: 10.1002/lipd.12035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS; EC:5.3.99.2) is an enzyme with dual functional roles as a prostaglandin D2 -synthesizing enzyme and as an extracellular transporter for diverse lipophilic compounds in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Transport of hydrophobic endocannabinoids is mediated by serum albumin in the blood and intracellularly by the fatty acid binding proteins, but no analogous transport mechanism has yet been described in CSF. L-PGDS has been reported to promiscuously bind a wide variety of lipophilic ligands and is among the most abundant proteins found in the CSF. Here, we examine the binding of several classes of endogenous and synthetic ligands to L-PGDS. Endocannabinoids exhibited low affinity toward L-PGDS, while cannabinoid metabolites and synthetic cannabinoids displayed higher affinities for L-PGDS. These results indicate that L-PGDS is unlikely to function as a carrier for endocannabinoids in the CSF, but it may bind and transport a subset of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Elmes
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.,Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Anthony D Volpe
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Simon d'Oelsnitz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Joseph M Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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12
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Peng X, Studholme K, Kanjiya MP, Luk J, Bogdan D, Elmes MW, Carbonetti G, Tong S, Gary Teng YH, Rizzo RC, Li H, Deutsch DG, Ojima I, Rebecchi MJ, Puopolo M, Kaczocha M. Fatty-acid-binding protein inhibition produces analgesic effects through peripheral and central mechanisms. Mol Pain 2017; 13:1744806917697007. [PMID: 28326944 PMCID: PMC5407663 DOI: 10.1177/1744806917697007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are intracellular carriers for endocannabinoids, N-acylethanolamines, and related lipids. Previous work indicates that systemically administered FABP5 inhibitors produce analgesia in models of inflammatory pain. It is currently not known whether FABP inhibitors exert their effects through peripheral or central mechanisms. Here, we examined FABP5 distribution in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord and examined the analgesic effects of peripherally and centrally administered FABP5 inhibitors. Results Immunofluorescence revealed robust expression of FABP5 in lumbar dorsal root ganglia. FABP5 was distributed in peptidergic calcitonin gene-related peptide-expressing dorsal root ganglia and non-peptidergic isolectin B4-expressing dorsal root ganglia. In addition, the majority of dorsal root ganglia expressing FABP5 also expressed transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and peripherin, a marker of nociceptive fibers. Intraplantar administration of FABP5 inhibitors reduced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in the complete Freund’s adjuvant model of chronic inflammatory pain. In contrast to its robust expression in dorsal root ganglia, FABP5 was sparsely distributed in the lumbar spinal cord and intrathecal administration of FABP inhibitor did not confer analgesic effects. Administration of FABP inhibitor via the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) route reduced thermal hyperalgesia. Antagonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha blocked the analgesic effects of peripherally and i.c.v. administered FABP inhibitor while antagonism of cannabinoid receptor 1 blocked the effects of peripheral FABP inhibition and a TRPV1 antagonist blocked the effects of i.c.v. administered inhibitor. Although FABP5 and TRPV1 were co-expressed in the periaqueductal gray region of the brain, which is known to modulate pain, knockdown of FABP5 in the periaqueductal gray using adeno-associated viruses and pharmacological FABP5 inhibition did not produce analgesic effects. Conclusions This study demonstrates that FABP5 is highly expressed in nociceptive dorsal root ganglia neurons and FABP inhibitors exert peripheral and supraspinal analgesic effects. This indicates that peripherally restricted FABP inhibitors may serve as a new class of analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Peng
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Keith Studholme
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Martha P Kanjiya
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Luk
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Diane Bogdan
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Matthew W Elmes
- 2 Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Gregory Carbonetti
- 2 Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Simon Tong
- 3 Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,4 Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Yu-Han Gary Teng
- 3 Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,4 Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Robert C Rizzo
- 4 Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,5 Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Huilin Li
- 2 Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,4 Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Dale G Deutsch
- 2 Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,4 Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Iwao Ojima
- 3 Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,4 Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Mario J Rebecchi
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Michelino Puopolo
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Martin Kaczocha
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,2 Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,4 Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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13
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Grabiec U, Dehghani F. N-Arachidonoyl Dopamine: A Novel Endocannabinoid and Endovanilloid with Widespread Physiological and Pharmacological Activities. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2017; 2:183-196. [PMID: 29082315 PMCID: PMC5627668 DOI: 10.1089/can.2017.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
N-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA) is a member of the family of endocannabinoids to which several other N-acyldopamines belong as well. Their activity is mediated through various targets that include cannabinoid receptors or transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV)1. Synthesis and degradation of NADA are not yet fully understood. Nonetheless, there is evidence that NADA plays an important role in nociception and inflammation in the central and peripheral nervous system. The TRPV1 receptor, for which NADA is a potent agonist, was shown to be an endogenous transducer of noxious heat. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that NADA exerts protective and antioxidative properties in microglial cell cultures, cortical neurons, and organotypical hippocampal slice cultures. NADA is present in very low concentrations in the brain and is seemingly not involved in activation of the classical pathways. We believe that treatment with exogenous NADA during and after injury might be beneficial. This review summarizes the recent findings on biochemical properties of NADA and other N-acyldopamines and their role in physiological and pathological processes. These findings provide strong evidence that NADA is an effective agent to manage neuroinflammatory diseases or pain and can be useful in designing novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Grabiec
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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14
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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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15
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Deutsch DG. A Personal Retrospective: Elevating Anandamide (AEA) by Targeting Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) and the Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (FABPs). Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:370. [PMID: 27790143 PMCID: PMC5062061 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This perspective was adapted from a Career Achievement Award talk given at the International Cannabinoid Research Society Symposium in Bukovina, Poland on June 27, 2016. As a biochemist working in the neurosciences, I was always fascinated with neurotransmitter inactivation. In 1993 we identified an enzyme activity that breaks down anandamide. We called the enzyme anandamide amidase, now called FAAH. We and other laboratories developed FAAH inhibitors that were useful reagents that also proved to have beneficial physiological effects and until recently, new generations of inhibitors were in clinical trials. Nearly all neurotransmitters are water soluble and as such, require a transmembrane protein transporter to pass through the lipid membrane for inactivation inside the cell. However, using model systems, we and others have shown that this is unnecessary for anandamide, an uncharged hydrophobic molecule that readily diffuses across the cellular membrane. Interestingly, its uptake is driven by the concentration gradient resulting from its breakdown mainly by FAAH localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. We identified the FABPs as intracellular carriers that "solubilize" anandamide, transporting anandamide to FAAH. Compounds that bind to FABPs block AEA breakdown, raising its level. The cannabinoids (THC and CBD) also were discovered to bind FABPs and this may be one of the mechanisms by which CBD works in childhood epilepsy, raising anandamide levels. Targeting FABPs may be advantageous since they have some tissue specificity and do not require reactive serine hydrolase inhibitors, as does FAAH, with potential for off-target reactions. At the International Cannabis Research Society Symposium in 1992, Raphe Mechoulam revealed that his laboratory isolated an endogenous lipid molecule that binds to the CB1 receptor (cannabinoid receptor type 1) and this became the milestone paper published in December of that year describing anandamide (AEA, Devane et al., 1992). As to be expected, this discovery raised the issues of AEA's synthesis and breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale G Deutsch
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY, USA
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16
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Huang H, McIntosh AL, Martin GG, Landrock D, Chung S, Landrock KK, Dangott LJ, Li S, Kier AB, Schroeder F. FABP1: A Novel Hepatic Endocannabinoid and Cannabinoid Binding Protein. Biochemistry 2016; 55:5243-55. [PMID: 27552286 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (ECs) and cannabinoids are very lipophilic molecules requiring the presence of cytosolic binding proteins that chaperone these molecules to intracellular targets. While three different fatty acid binding proteins (FABP3, -5, and -7) serve this function in brain, relatively little is known about how such hydrophobic ECs and cannabinoids are transported within the liver. The most prominent hepatic FABP, liver fatty acid binding protein (FABP1 or L-FABP), has high affinity for arachidonic acid (ARA) and ARA-CoA, suggesting that FABP1 may also bind ARA-derived ECs (AEA and 2-AG). Indeed, FABP1 bound ECs with high affinity as shown by displacement of FABP1-bound fluorescent ligands and by quenching of FABP1 intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence. FABP1 also had high affinity for most non-ARA-containing ECs, FABP1 inhibitors, EC uptake/hydrolysis inhibitors, and phytocannabinoids and less so for synthetic cannabinoid receptor (CBR) agonists and antagonists. The physiological impact was examined with liver from wild-type (WT) versus FABP1 gene-ablated (LKO) male mice. As shown by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, FABP1 gene ablation significantly increased hepatic levels of AEA, 2-AG, and 2-OG. These increases were not due to increased protein levels of EC synthetic enzymes (NAPEPLD and DAGL) or a decreased level of EC degradative enzyme (FAAH) but correlated with complete loss of FABP1, a decreased level of SCP2 (8-fold less prevalent than FABP1, but also binds ECs), and a decreased level of degradative enzymes (NAAA and MAGL). These data indicated that FABP1 not only is the most prominent endocannabinoid and cannabinoid binding protein but also impacts hepatic endocannabinoid levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shengrong Li
- Avanti Polar Lipids , 700 Industrial Park Drive, Alabaster, Alabama 35007-9105, United States
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17
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Thanos PK, Clavin BH, Hamilton J, O'Rourke JR, Maher T, Koumas C, Miao E, Lankop J, Elhage A, Haj-Dahmane S, Deutsch D, Kaczocha M. Examination of the Addictive and Behavioral Properties of Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Inhibitor SBFI26. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:54. [PMID: 27092087 PMCID: PMC4820685 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic properties of cannabinoids have been well demonstrated but are overshadowed by such adverse effects as cognitive and motor dysfunction, as well as their potential for addiction. Recent research on the natural lipid ligands of cannabinoid receptors, also known as endocannabinoids, has shed light on the mechanisms of intracellular transport of the endocannabinoid anandamide by fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) and subsequent catabolism by fatty acid amide hydrolase. These findings facilitated the recent development of SBFI26, a pharmacological inhibitor of epidermal- and brain-specific FABP5 and FABP7, which effectively increases anandamide signaling. The goal of this study was to examine this compound for any possible rewarding and addictive properties as well as effects on locomotor activity, working/recognition memory, and propensity for sociability and preference for social novelty (SN) given its recently reported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Male C57BL mice were split into four treatment groups and conditioned with 5.0, 20.0, 40.0 mg/kg SBFI26, or vehicle during a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Following CPP, mice underwent a battery of behavioral tests [open field, novel object recognition (NOR), social interaction (SI), and SN] paired with acute SBFI26 administration. Results showed that SBFI26 did not produce CPP or conditioned place aversion regardless of dose and did not induce any differences in locomotor and exploratory activity during CPP- or SBFI26-paired open field activity. We also observed no differences between treatment groups in NOR, SI, and SN. In conclusion, as SBFI26 was shown previously by our group to have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, here we show that it does not pose a risk of dependence or motor and cognitive impairment under the conditions tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Brendan H Clavin
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - John Hamilton
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Joseph R O'Rourke
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Thomas Maher
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Christopher Koumas
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Erick Miao
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Jessenia Lankop
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Aya Elhage
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Samir Haj-Dahmane
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo , Buffalo, NY , USA
| | - Dale Deutsch
- Department of Biochemistry, Stony Brook University , Stony Brook, NY , USA
| | - Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University , Stony Brook, NY , USA
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18
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Kaczocha M, Glaser ST, Maher T, Clavin B, Hamilton J, O'Rourke J, Rebecchi M, Puopolo M, Owada Y, Thanos PK. Fatty acid binding protein deletion suppresses inflammatory pain through endocannabinoid/N-acylethanolamine-dependent mechanisms. Mol Pain 2015; 11:52. [PMID: 26311517 PMCID: PMC4551694 DOI: 10.1186/s12990-015-0056-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) serve as intracellular carriers that deliver endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines to their catabolic enzymes. Inhibition of FABPs reduces endocannabinoid transport and catabolism in cells and FABP inhibitors produce antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice. Potential analgesic effects in mice lacking FABPs, however, have not been tested. Findings Mice lacking FABP5 and FABP7, which exhibit highest affinities for endocannabinoids, possessed elevated levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide and the related N-acylethanolamines palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide. There were no compensatory changes in the expression of other FABPs or in endocannabinoid-related proteins in the brains of FABP5/7 knockout mice. These mice exhibited reduced nociception in the carrageenan, formalin, and acetic acid tests of inflammatory and visceral pain. The antinociceptive effects in FABP5/7 knockout mice were reversed by pretreatment with cannabinoid receptor 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor antagonists in a modality specific manner. Lastly, the knockout mice did not possess motor impairments. Conclusions This study demonstrates that mice lacking FABPs possess elevated levels of N-acylethanolamines, consistent with the idea that FABPs regulate the endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamine tone in vivo. The antinociceptive effects observed in the knockout mice support a role for FABPs in regulating nociception and suggest that these proteins should serve as targets for the development of future analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 117940, USA.
| | - Sherrye T Glaser
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn, NY, 11235, USA.
| | - Thomas Maher
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Brendan Clavin
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - John Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Joseph O'Rourke
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Mario Rebecchi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 117940, USA.
| | - Michelino Puopolo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 117940, USA.
| | - Yuji Owada
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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19
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Abu Ghazaleh H, Lalies MD, Nutt DJ, Hudson AL. Harmane: An atypical neurotransmitter? Neurosci Lett 2015; 590:1-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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20
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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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21
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Nicolussi S, Chicca A, Rau M, Rihs S, Soeberdt M, Abels C, Gertsch J. Correlating FAAH and anandamide cellular uptake inhibition using N-alkylcarbamate inhibitors: From ultrapotent to hyperpotent. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 92:669-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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22
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Hu SSJ, Ho YC, Chiou LC. No more pain upon Gq-protein-coupled receptor activation: role of endocannabinoids. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 39:467-84. [PMID: 24494686 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Marijuana has been used to relieve pain for centuries. The analgesic mechanism of its constituents, the cannabinoids, was only revealed after the discovery of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) two decades ago. The subsequent identification of the endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and their biosynthetic and degradation enzymes discloses the therapeutic potential of compounds targeting the endocannabinoid system for pain control. Inhibitors of the anandamide and 2-AG degradation enzymes, fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase, respectively, may be superior to direct cannabinoid receptor ligands as endocannabinoids are synthesized on demand and rapidly degraded, focusing action at generating sites. Recently, a promising strategy for pain relief was revealed in the periaqueductal gray (PAG). It is initiated by Gq-protein-coupled receptor (Gq PCR) activation of the phospholipase C-diacylglycerol lipase enzymatic cascade, generating 2-AG that produces inhibition of GABAergic transmission (disinhibition) in the PAG, thereby leading to analgesia. Here, we introduce the antinociceptive properties of exogenous cannabinoids and endocannabinoids, involving their biosynthesis and degradation processes, particularly in the PAG. We also review recent studies disclosing the Gq PCR-phospholipase C-diacylglycerol lipase-2-AG retrograde disinhibition mechanism in the PAG, induced by activating several Gq PCRs, including metabotropic glutamatergic (type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor), muscarinic acetylcholine (M1/M3), and orexin 1 receptors. Disinhibition mediated by type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor can be initiated by glutamate transporter inhibitors or indirectly by substance P, neurotensin, cholecystokinin and capsaicin. Finally, the putative role of 2-AG generated after activating the above neurotransmitter receptors in stress-induced analgesia is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Shu-Jung Hu
- Department of Psychology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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23
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Chiou LC, Hu SSJ, Ho YC. Targeting the cannabinoid system for pain relief? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 51:161-70. [PMID: 24529672 DOI: 10.1016/j.aat.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana has been used to relieve pain for centuries, but its analgesic mechanism has only been understood during the past two decades. It is mainly mediated by its constituents, cannabinoids, through activating central cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors, as well as peripheral CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB2-selective agonists have the benefit of lacking CB1 receptor-mediated CNS side effects. Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are two intensively studied endogenous lipid ligands of cannabinoid receptors, termed endocannabinoids, which are synthesized on demand and rapidly degraded. Thus, inhibitors of their degradation enzymes, fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), respectively, may be superior to direct cannabinoid receptor ligands as a promising strategy for pain relief. In addition to the antinociceptive properties of exogenous cannabinoids and endocannabinoids, involving their biosynthesis and degradation processes, we also review recent studies that revealed a novel analgesic mechanism, involving 2-AG in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a midbrain region for initiating descending pain inhibition. It is initiated by Gq-protein-coupled receptor (GqPCR) activation of the phospholipase C (PLC)-diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) enzymatic cascade, generating 2-AG that produces inhibition of GABAergic transmission (disinhibition) in the PAG, thereby leading to analgesia. This GqPCR-PLC-DAGL-2-AG retrograde disinhibition mechanism in the PAG can be initiated by activating type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR5), muscarinic acetylcholine (M1/M3), and orexin (OX1) receptors. mGluR5-mediated disinhibition can be initiated by glutamate transporter inhibitors, or indirectly by substance P, neurotensin, cholecystokinin, capsaicin, and AM404, the bioactive metabolite of acetaminophen in the brain. The putative role of 2-AG generated after activating the above neurotransmitter receptors in stress-induced analgesia is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lih-Chu Chiou
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Sherry Shu-Jung Hu
- Department of Psychology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Ho
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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24
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Role of FAAH-like anandamide transporter in anandamide inactivation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79355. [PMID: 24223930 PMCID: PMC3817039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system modulates numerous physiological processes including nociception and reproduction. Anandamide (AEA) is an endocannabinoid that is inactivated by cellular uptake followed by intracellular hydrolysis by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Recently, FAAH-like anandamide transporter (FLAT), a truncated and catalytically-inactive variant of FAAH, was proposed to function as an intracellular AEA carrier and mediate its delivery to FAAH for hydrolysis. Pharmacological inhibition of FLAT potentiated AEA signaling and produced antinociceptive effects. Given that endocannabinoids produce analgesia through central and peripheral mechanisms, the goal of the current work was to examine the expression of FLAT in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In contrast to the original report characterizing FLAT, expression of FLAT was not observed in any of the tissues examined. To investigate the role of FLAT as a putative AEA binding protein, FLAT was generated from FAAH using polymerase chain reaction and further analyzed. Despite its low cellular expression, FLAT displayed residual catalytic activity that was sensitive to FAAH inhibitors and abolished following mutation of its catalytic serine. Overexpression of FLAT potentiated AEA cellular uptake and this appeared to be dependent upon its catalytic activity. Immunofluorescence revealed that FLAT localizes primarily to intracellular membranes and does not contact the plasma membrane, suggesting that its capability to potentiate AEA uptake may stem from its enzymatic rather than transport activity. Collectively, our data demonstrate that FLAT does not serve as a global intracellular AEA carrier, although a role in mediating localized AEA inactivation in mammalian tissues cannot be ruled out.
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Abstract
Insufficient pharmacokinetic properties and poor cellular uptake are the main hurdles for successful therapeutic development of oligonucleotide agents. The covalent attachment of various ligands designed to influence the biodistribution and cellular uptake or for targeting specific tissues is an attractive possibility to advance therapeutic applications and to expand development options. In contrast to advanced formulations, which often consist of multiple reagents and are sensitive to a variety of preparation conditions, oligonucleotide conjugates are defined molecules, enabling structure-based analytics and quality control techniques. This review gives an overview of current developments of oligonucleotide conjugates for therapeutic applications. Attached ligands comprise peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, aptamers and small molecules, including cholesterol, tocopherol and folic acid. Important linkage types and conjugation methods are summarized. The distinct ligands directly influence biochemical parameters, uptake mechanisms and pharmacokinetic properties.
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26
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Michler T, Storr M, Kramer J, Ochs S, Malo A, Reu S, Göke B, Schäfer C. Activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 reduces inflammation in acute experimental pancreatitis via intra-acinar activation of p38 and MK2-dependent mechanisms. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2013; 304:G181-92. [PMID: 23139224 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00133.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been shown to mediate beneficial effects on gastrointestinal inflammation via cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB(1)) and 2 (CB(2)). These receptors have also been reported to activate the MAP kinases p38 and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), which are involved in early acinar events leading to acute pancreatitis and induction of proinflammatory cytokines. Our aim was to examine the role of cannabinoid receptor activation in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis and the potential involvement of MAP kinases. Cerulein pancreatitis was induced in wild-type, CB(1)-/-, and MK2-/- mice pretreated with selective cannabinoid receptor agonists or antagonists. Severity of pancreatitis was determined by serum amylase and IL-6 levels, intracellular activation of pancreatic trypsinogen, lung myeloperoxidase activity, pancreatic edema, and histological examinations. Pancreatic lysates were investigated by Western blotting using phospho-specific antibodies against p38 and JNK. Quantitative PCR data, Western blotting experiments, and immunohistochemistry clearly show that CB(1) and CB(2) are expressed in mouse pancreatic acini. During acute pancreatitis, an upregulation especially of CB(2) on apoptotic cells occurred. The unselective CB(1)/CB(2) agonist HU210 ameliorated pancreatitis in wild-type and CB(1)-/- mice, indicating that this effect is mediated by CB(2). Furthermore, blockade of CB(2), not CB(1), with selective antagonists engraved pathology. Stimulation with a selective CB(2) agonist attenuated acute pancreatitis and an increased activation of p38 was observed in the acini. With use of MK2-/- mice, it could be demonstrated that this attenuation is dependent on MK2. Hence, using the MK2-/- mouse model we reveal a novel CB(2)-activated and MAP kinase-dependent pathway that modulates cytokine expression and reduces pancreatic injury and affiliated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Michler
- Department of Medicine II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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27
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Schicho R, Storr M. Targeting the endocannabinoid system for gastrointestinal diseases: future therapeutic strategies. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2012; 3:193-207. [PMID: 22111567 DOI: 10.1586/ecp.09.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids extracted from the marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa) and synthetic cannabinoids have numerous effects on gastrointestinal (GI) functions. Recent experimental data support an important role for cannabinoids in GI diseases. Genetic studies in humans have proven that defects in endocannabinoid metabolism underlie functional GI disorders. Mammalian cells have machinery, the so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS), to produce and metabolize their own cannabinoids in order to control homeostasis of the gut in a rapidly adapting manner. Pharmacological manipulation of the ECS by cannabinoids, or by drugs that raise the levels of endogenous cannabinoids, have shown beneficial effects on GI pathophysiology. This review gives an introduction into the functions of the ECS in the GI tract, highlights the role of the ECS in GI diseases and addresses its potential pharmacological exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Schicho
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, 6D25, TRW Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary T2N 4N1, AB, Canada.
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28
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Click-modified anandamide siRNA enables delivery and gene silencing in neuronal and immune cells. J Am Chem Soc 2012; 134:12330-3. [PMID: 22812910 DOI: 10.1021/ja303251f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Click chemistry of alkyne-modified RNA with different receptor ligand azides was used to prepare 3'-folate, 3'-cholesterol, and, as a new entity, 3'-anandamide-modified RNA in high yields and excellent purity. The anandamide-modified RNA shows surprisingly high transfection properties and enables the delivery of siRNA even into difficult-to-transfect RBL-2H3 cells which model neuronal uptake. Furthermore, the system was employed in human immune cells (BJAB), demonstrating silencing effects similar to those of a cationic, benchmark transfection reagent. In addition, the anandamide conjugates were found to be nontoxic. The reported chemistry and the described properties of the anandamide siRNA extend the possibilities of using siRNA-based gene silencing in neuronal and immune cells.
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29
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Abalo R, Vera G, López-Pérez AE, Martínez-Villaluenga M, Martín-Fontelles MI. The Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Cannabinoids: Focus on Motility. Pharmacology 2012; 90:1-10. [DOI: 10.1159/000339072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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30
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Wiskerke J, Irimia C, Cravatt BF, De Vries TJ, Schoffelmeer ANM, Pattij T, Parsons LH. Characterization of the effects of reuptake and hydrolysis inhibition on interstitial endocannabinoid levels in the brain: an in vivo microdialysis study. ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:407-17. [PMID: 22860210 DOI: 10.1021/cn300036b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The present experiments employed in vivo microdialysis to characterize the effects of commonly used endocannabinoid clearance inhibitors on basal and depolarization-induced alterations in interstitial endocannabinoid levels in the nucleus accumbens of rat brain. Compounds targeting the putative endocannabinoid transporter and hydrolytic enzymes (FAAH and MAGL) were compared. The transporter inhibitor AM404 modestly enhanced depolarization-induced increases in 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) levels but did not alter levels of N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamide (anandamide, AEA). The transport inhibitor UCM707 did not alter dialysate levels of either endocannabinoid. The FAAH inhibitors URB597 and PF-3845 robustly increased AEA levels during depolarization without altering 2-AG levels. The MAGL inhibitor URB602 significantly enhanced depolarization-induced increases in 2-AG, but did not alter AEA levels. In contrast, the MAGL inhibitor JZL184 did not alter 2-AG or AEA levels under any condition tested. Finally, the dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitor JZL195 significantly enhanced depolarization-induced increases in both AEA and 2-AG levels. In contrast to the present observations in rats, prior work in mice has demonstrated a robust JZL184-induced enhancement of depolarization-induced increases in dialysate 2-AG. Thus, to further investigate species differences, additional tests with JZL184, PF-3845, and JZL195 were performed in mice. Consistent with prior reports, JZL184 significantly enhanced depolarization-induced increases in 2-AG without altering AEA levels. PF-3845 and JZL195 produced profiles in mouse dialysates comparable to those observed in rats. These findings confirm that interstitial endocannabinoid levels in the brain can be selectively manipulated by endocannabinoid clearance inhibitors. While PF-3845 and JZL195 produce similar effects in both rats and mice, substantial species differences in JZL184 efficacy are evident, which is consistent with previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Wiskerke
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, SP30-2120, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina Irimia
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, SP30-2120, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology and Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Taco J. De Vries
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anton N. M. Schoffelmeer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tommy Pattij
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Loren H. Parsons
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, SP30-2120, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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Kaczocha M, Lin Q, Nelson LD, McKinney MK, Cravatt BF, London E, Deutsch DG. Anandamide externally added to lipid vesicles containing trapped fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is readily hydrolyzed in a sterol-modulated fashion. ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:364-8. [PMID: 22860204 DOI: 10.1021/cn300001w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We show that anandamide (AEA) externally added to model membrane vesicles containing trapped fatty acid amide hydrolyase (FAAH) can be readily hydrolyzed, demonstrating facile, rapid anandamide movement across the lipid bilayer. The rate of hydrolysis is significantly facilitated by cholesterol and coprostanol, but not by cholesterol sulfate. The effects of sterol upon hydrolysis by FAAH bound to the outer surface of the bilayer were much smaller, although they followed the same pattern. We propose the facilitation of hydrolysis is a combination of the effects of sterol on accessibility of membrane-inserted endocannabinoids to surface protein, and on the rate of endocannabinod transport across the membrane bilayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Biochemistry and
Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Qingqing Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and
Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Lindsay D. Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry and
Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Michelle K. McKinney
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
92037, United States
| | - Benjamin F. Cravatt
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California
92037, United States
| | - Erwin London
- Department of Biochemistry and
Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
| | - Dale G. Deutsch
- Department of Biochemistry and
Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony
Brook, New York 11794, United States
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, NeuroCentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, Endocannabinoids and Neuroadaptation, U862, Bordeaux, France.
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Kaczocha M, Vivieca S, Sun J, Glaser ST, Deutsch DG. Fatty acid-binding proteins transport N-acylethanolamines to nuclear receptors and are targets of endocannabinoid transport inhibitors. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:3415-24. [PMID: 22170058 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.304907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) are bioactive lipids that engage diverse receptor systems. Recently, we identified fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) as intracellular NAE carriers. Here, we provide two new functions for FABPs in NAE signaling. We demonstrate that FABPs mediate the nuclear translocation of the NAE oleoylethanolamide, an agonist of nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). Antagonism of FABP function through chemical inhibition, dominant-negative approaches, or shRNA-mediated knockdown reduced PPARα activation, confirming a requisite role for FABPs in this process. In addition, we show that NAE analogs, traditionally employed as inhibitors of the putative endocannabinoid transmembrane transporter, target FABPs. Support for the existence of the putative membrane transporter stems primarily from pharmacological inhibition of endocannabinoid uptake by such transport inhibitors, which are widely employed in endocannabinoid research despite lacking a known cellular target(s). Our approach adapted FABP-mediated PPARα signaling and employed in vitro binding, arachidonoyl-[1-(14)C]ethanolamide ([(14)C]AEA) uptake, and FABP knockdown to demonstrate that transport inhibitors exert their effects through inhibition of FABPs, thereby providing a molecular rationale for the underlying physiological effects of these compounds. Identification of FABPs as targets of transport inhibitors undermines the central pharmacological support for the existence of an endocannabinoid transmembrane transporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794-5215, USA.
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34
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Zoerner AA, Gutzki FM, Batkai S, May M, Rakers C, Engeli S, Jordan J, Tsikas D. Quantification of endocannabinoids in biological systems by chromatography and mass spectrometry: A comprehensive review from an analytical and biological perspective. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2011; 1811:706-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Revised: 08/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Barboni B, Bernabò N, Palestini P, Botto L, Pistilli MG, Charini M, Tettamanti E, Battista N, Maccarrone M, Mattioli M. Type-1 cannabinoid receptors reduce membrane fluidity of capacitated boar sperm by impairing their activation by bicarbonate. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23038. [PMID: 21829686 PMCID: PMC3150387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian spermatozoa acquire their full fertilizing ability (so called capacitation) within the female genital tract, where they are progressively exposed to inverse gradients of inhibiting and stimulating molecules. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In the present research, the effect on this process of anandamide, an endocannabinoid that can either activate or inhibit cannabinoid receptors depending on its concentration, and bicarbonate, an oviductal activatory molecule, was assessed, in order to study the role exerted by the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) in the process of lipid membrane remodeling crucial to complete capacitation. To this aim, boar sperm were incubated in vitro under capacitating conditions (stimulated by bicarbonate) in the presence or in the absence of methanandamide (Met-AEA), a non-hydrolysable analogue of anandamide. The CB1R involvement was studied by using the specific inhibitor (SR141716) or mimicking its activation by adding a permeable cAMP analogue (8Br-cAMP). By an immunocytochemistry approach it was shown that the Met-AEA inhibits the bicarbonate-dependent translocation of CB1R from the post-equatorial to equatorial region of sperm head. In addition it was found that Met-AEA is able to prevent the bicarbonate-induced increase in membrane disorder and the cholesterol extraction, both preliminary to capacitation, acting through a CB1R-cAMP mediated pathway, as indicated by MC540 and filipin staining, EPR spectroscopy and biochemical analysis on whole membranes (CB1R activity) and on membrane enriched fraction (C/P content and anisotropy). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Altogether, these data demonstrate that the endocannabinoid system strongly inhibits the process of sperm capacitation, acting as membrane stabilizing agent, thus increasing the basic knowledge on capacitation-related signaling and potentially opening new perspectives in diagnostics and therapeutics of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Barboni
- Department of Biomedical Comparative Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
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Howard RJ, Slesinger PA, Davies DL, Das J, Trudell JR, Harris RA. Alcohol-binding sites in distinct brain proteins: the quest for atomic level resolution. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:1561-73. [PMID: 21676006 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Defining the sites of action of ethanol on brain proteins is a major prerequisite to understanding the molecular pharmacology of this drug. The main barrier to reaching an atomic-level understanding of alcohol action is the low potency of alcohols, ethanol in particular, which is a reflection of transient, low-affinity interactions with their targets. These mechanisms are difficult or impossible to study with traditional techniques such as radioligand binding or spectroscopy. However, there has been considerable recent progress in combining X-ray crystallography, structural modeling, and site-directed mutagenesis to define the sites and mechanisms of action of ethanol and related alcohols on key brain proteins. We review such insights for several diverse classes of proteins including inwardly rectifying potassium, transient receptor potential, and neurotransmitter-gated ion channels, as well as protein kinase C epsilon. Some common themes are beginning to emerge from these proteins, including hydrogen bonding of the hydroxyl group and van der Waals interactions of the methylene groups of ethanol with specific amino acid residues. The resulting binding energy is proposed to facilitate or stabilize low-energy state transitions in the bound proteins, allowing ethanol to act as a "molecular lubricant" for protein function. We discuss evidence for characteristic, discrete alcohol-binding sites on protein targets, as well as evidence that binding to some proteins is better characterized by an interaction region that can accommodate multiple molecules of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Howard
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas 77812, USA.
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Aberturas MR, Hernán Pérez de la Ossa D, Gil ME, Ligresti A, Ligresti L, De Petrocellis L, Torres AI, Di Marzo V, Molpeceres J. Anandamide-loaded nanoparticles: preparation and characterization. J Microencapsul 2011; 28:200-10. [PMID: 21425945 DOI: 10.3109/02652048.2010.546436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preparation and characterization of anandamide (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine, AEA) loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles (PCL NP) as a research tool to clarify the presence of an AEA transporter in cell membranes and to avoid AEA plastic adsorption and instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS High performance liquid chromatography and light scattering were used to determine encapsulation efficiency, particle size, drug release, permeability and stability. RESULTS A high encapsulation efficiency 96.05 ± 1.77% and a particle size of 83.52 ± 21.38 nm were obtained. Nearly 40% of AEA remained in the NP after a 99.9% dilution and only 50% was released after 24 h at 37 °C with a 99% dilution. PCL NP prevented the adsorption of the drug to polypropylene or polystyrene, but not to acrylic multiwell plates. Drug permeability through artificial membranes was low (10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁸ cm/s) and was affected by the presence of NP. NP increased AEA stability in suspension (drug half-life 431 h vs. 12 h) and freeze-dried with 5% sucrose. CONCLUSION This article presents the first study where stable AEA-loaded NP with high encapsulation efficiencies have been obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Aberturas
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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38
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Bari M, Bonifacino T, Milanese M, Spagnuolo P, Zappettini S, Battista N, Giribaldi F, Usai C, Bonanno G, Maccarrone M. The endocannabinoid system in rat gliosomes and its role in the modulation of glutamate release. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:833-45. [PMID: 20711816 PMCID: PMC11114970 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0494-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system and endocannabinoid receptor-driven modulation of glutamate release were studied in rat brain cortex astroglial gliosomes. These preparations contained the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, as well their major biosynthetic (N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamines-hydrolyzing-phospholipase D and diacylglycerol-lipase) and catabolic (fatty acid amide-hydrolase and monoacylglycerol-lipase) enzymes. Gliosomes expressed type-1 (CB1R), type-2 (CB2R) cannabinoid, and type-1 vanilloid (TRPV1) receptors, as ascertained by Western blotting and confocal microscopy. Methanandamide, a stable analogue of anandamide acting as CB1R, CB2R, and TRPV1 agonist, stimulated or inhibited the depolarization-evoked gliosomal [(3)H]D: -aspartate release, at lower and higher concentrations, respectively. Experiments with ACEA (arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide), JWH133 ((6aR,10aR)-3-(1,1-dimethylbutyl)-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-6H-dibenzo[b,d]-pyran) and capsaicin, selective agonists at CB1R, CB2R and TRPV1, respectively, demonstrated that potentiation of [(3)H]D: -aspartate release was due to CB1R while inhibition to CB2R and TRPV1 engagement. These findings were confirmed by using selective receptor antagonists. Furthermore, CB1R activation caused increase of intracellular IP3 and Ca(2+) concentration, suggesting an involvement of phospholipase C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Bari
- Centro Europeo per la Ricerca sul Cervello/Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.
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Huang L, Quinn MA, Frampton GA, Golden LE, DeMorrow S. Recent advances in the understanding of the role of the endocannabinoid system in liver diseases. Dig Liver Dis 2011; 43:188-93. [PMID: 20934397 PMCID: PMC3033442 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2010.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are ubiquitous signalling molecules that exert their effects through a number of specific cannabinoid receptors. Recent studies have indicated that this endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathophysiological processes associated with both acute and chronic liver diseases as well as in the complications that arise from these diseases such as hepatic encephalopathy and cardiac problems. Targeting this signalling system has been useful in ameliorating some of the symptoms and consequences in experimental models of these liver diseases. This review summarises the recent advances into our knowledge and understanding of endocannabinoids in liver diseases and highlights potential novel therapeutic strategies that may prove useful to treat these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple Texas, Digestive Disease Research Center, Scott & White Hospital, Temple Texas, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Matthew A. Quinn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple Texas, Digestive Disease Research Center, Scott & White Hospital, Temple Texas
| | - Gabriel A. Frampton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple Texas
| | - L. Eric. Golden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple Texas
| | - Sharon DeMorrow
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple Texas, Digestive Disease Research Center, Scott & White Hospital, Temple Texas
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Barbonetti A, Vassallo MRC, Fortunato D, Francavilla S, Maccarrone M, Francavilla F. Energetic metabolism and human sperm motility: impact of CB₁ receptor activation. Endocrinology 2010; 151:5882-92. [PMID: 20962050 PMCID: PMC2999496 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It has been reported that the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) exerts an adverse effect on human sperm motility, which has been ascribed to inhibition of mitochondrial activity. This seems to be at variance with evidence suggesting a major role of glycolysis in supplying ATP for sperm motility; furthermore, the role of AEA-binding receptors in mediating mitochondrial inhibition has not yet been explored. In this study, human sperm exposure to Met-AEA (methanandamide, nonhydrolyzable analog of AEA) in the micromolar range significantly decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm), similarly to rotenone, mitochondrial complex I inhibitor. The effect of Met-AEA (1 μm) was prevented by SR141716, CB(1) cannabinoid receptor antagonist, but not by SR144528, CB(2) antagonist, nor by iodoresiniferatoxin, vanilloid receptor antagonist. The effect of Met-AEA did not involve activation of caspase-9 or caspase-3 and was reverted by washing. In the presence of glucose, sperm exposure either to Met-AEA up to 1 μm or to rotenone for up to 18 h did not affect sperm motility. At higher doses Met-AEA produced a CB(1)-independent poisoning of spermatozoa, reducing their viability. Under glycolysis blockage, 1 μm Met-AEA, similarly to rotenone, dramatically abolished sperm motility, an effect that was prevented by SR1 and reverted by washing. In conclusion, CB(1) activation induced a nonapoptotic decrease of ΔΨm, the detrimental reflection on sperm motility of which could be revealed only under glycolysis blockage, unless very high doses of Met-AEA, producing CB(1)-independent sperm toxicity, were used. The effects of CB(1) activation reported here contribute to elucidate the relationship between energetic metabolism and human sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Barbonetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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41
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Leonelli M, Martins DO, Britto LRG. TRPV1 receptors are involved in protein nitration and Müller cell reaction in the acutely axotomized rat retina. Exp Eye Res 2010; 91:755-68. [PMID: 20826152 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2010.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 08/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We report here the protein expression of TRPV1 receptor in axotomized rat retinas and its possible participation in mechanisms involved in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Adult rats were subjected to unilateral, intraorbital axotomy of the optic nerve, and the retinal tissue was removed for further processing. TRPV1 total protein expression decreased progressively after optic nerve transection, reaching 66.2% of control values 21 days after axotomy. The number of cells labeled for TRPV1 in the remnant GCL decreased after 21 days post-lesion (to 63%). Fluoro-Jade B staining demonstrated that the activation of TRPV1 in acutely-lesioned eyes elicited more intense neuronal degeneration in the GCL and in the inner nuclear layer than in sham-operated retinas. A single intraocular injection of capsazepine (100 μM), a TRPV1 antagonist, 5 days after optic nerve lesion, decreased the number of GFAP-expressing Müller cells (72.5% of control values) and also decreased protein nitration in the retinal vitreal margin (75.7% of control values), but did not affect lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, retinal explants were treated with capsaicin (100 μM), and remarkable protein nitration was then present, which was reduced by blockers of the constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthases (7-NI and aminoguanidine, respectively). TRPV1 activation also increased GFAP expression, which was reverted by both TRPV1 antagonism with capsazepine and by 7-NI and aminoguanidine. Given that Müller cells do not express TRPV1, we suppose that the increased GFAP expression in these cells might be elicited by TRPV1 activation and by its indirect effect upon nitric oxide overproduction and peroxynitrite formation. We incubated Fluorogold pre-labeled retinal explants in the presence of capsazepine (1 μM) during 48 h. The numbers of surviving RGCs stained with fluorogold and the numbers of apoptotic cells in the GCL detected with TUNEL were similar in lesioned and control retinas. We conclude that TRPV1 receptor expression decreased after optic nerve injury due to death of TRPV1-containing cells. Furthermore, these data indicate that TRPV1 might be involved in intrinsic protein nitration and Müller cell reaction observed after optic nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Leonelli
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil.
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Oddi S, Fezza F, Catanzaro G, De Simone C, Pucci M, Piomelli D, Finazzi-Agrò A, Maccarrone M. Pitfalls and solutions in assaying anandamide transport in cells. J Lipid Res 2010; 51:2435-44. [PMID: 20447929 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.d004176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonspecific binding of anandamide to plastic exhibits many features that could be mistaken as biological processes, thereby representing an important source of conflicting data on the uptake and release of this lipophilic substance. Herein, we propose an improved method to assay anandamide transport, by using glass slides (i.e., coverslips) as physical support to grow cells. Although the results obtained using plastic do not differ significantly from those obtained using glass, the new procedure has the advantage of being faster, simpler, and more accurate. In fact, the lack of aspecific adsorption of anandamide to the glass surface yields a lower background and a higher precision and accuracy in determining transport kinetics, especially for the export process. Remarkably, the kinetic parameters of anandamide uptake obtained with the old and the new procedures may be similar or different depending on the cell type, thus demonstrating the complexity of the interference of plastic on the transport process. In addition, the novel procedure is particularly suitable for visualization and measurement of anandamide transport in intact cells by using a biotinylated derivative in confocal fluorescence microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Oddi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Saito VM, Wotjak CT, Moreira FA. Exploração farmacológica do sistema endocanabinoide: novas perspectivas para o tratamento de transtornos de ansiedade e depressão? BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s1516-44462010000500004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJETIVO: Este artigo revisa o sistema endocanabinoide e as respectivas estratégias de intervenções farmacológicas. MÉTODO: Realizou-se uma revisão da literatura sobre o sistema endocanabinoide e a sua farmacologia, considerando-se artigos originais ou de revisão escritos em inglês. DISCUSSÃO: Canabinoides são um grupo de compostos presentes na Cannabis Sativa (maconha), a exemplo do Δ9-tetraidrocanabinol e seus análogos sintéticos. Estudos sobre o seu perfil farmacológico levaram à descoberta do sistema endocanabinoide do cérebro de mamíferos. Este sistema é composto por pelo menos dois receptores acoplados a uma proteína G, CB1 e CB2, pelos seus ligantes endógenos (endocanabinoides; a exemplo da anandamida e do 2-araquidonoil glicerol) e pelas enzimas responsáveis por sintetizá-los e metabolizá-los. Os endocanabinoides representam uma classe de mensageiros neurais que são sintetizados sob demanda e liberados de neurônios pós-sinápticos para restringir a liberação de neurotransmissores clássicos de terminais pré-sinápticos. Esta sinalização retrógrada modula uma diversidade de funções cerebrais, incluindo ansiedade, medo e humor, em que a ativação de receptores CB1 pode exercer efeitos dos tipos ansiolítico e antidepressivo em estudos préclínicos. CONCLUSÃO: Experimentos com modelos animais sugerem que drogas que facilitam a ação dos endocanabinoides podem representar uma nova estratégia para o tratamento de transtornos de ansiedade e depressão.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabrício A. Moreira
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasil; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasil
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Simon GM, Cravatt BF. Characterization of mice lacking candidate N-acyl ethanolamine biosynthetic enzymes provides evidence for multiple pathways that contribute to endocannabinoid production in vivo. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2010; 6:1411-8. [PMID: 20393650 DOI: 10.1039/c000237b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) and related N-acyl ethanolamine (NAE) lipids is complex and appears to involve multiple pathways, including: (1) direct release of NAEs from N-acyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (NAPE) precursors by the phosphodiesterase NAPE-PLD, and (2) double O-deacylation of NAPEs followed by phosphodiester bond hydrolysis of the resulting glycero-phospho (GP)-NAEs. We recently identified GDE1 as a GP-NAE phosphodiesterase that may be involved in the second pathway. Here, we report the generation and characterization of GDE1(-/-) mice, which are viable and overtly normal in their cage behavior. Brain homogenates from GDE1(-/-) mice exhibit a near-complete loss of detectable GP-NAE phosphodiesterase activity; however, bulk brain levels of AEA and other NAEs were unaltered in these animals. To address the possibility of compensatory pathways, we generated GDE1(-/-)/NAPE-PLD(-/-) mice. Conversion of NAPE to NAE was virtually undetectable in brain homogenates from these animals as measured under standard assay conditions, but again, bulk changes in brain NAEs were not observed. Interestingly, significant reductions in the accumulation of brain NAEs, including anandamide, were detected in GDE1(-/-)/NAPE-PLD(-/-) mice treated with a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor that blocks NAE degradation. Finally, we determined that primary neurons from GDE1(-/-)/NAPE-PLD(-/-) mice can convert NAPEs to NAEs by a pathway that is not preserved following cell homogenization. In summary, combined inactivation of GDE1 and NAPE-PLD results in partial disruption of NAE biosynthesis, while also pointing to the existence of an additional enzymatic pathway(s) that converts NAPEs to NAEs. Characterization of this pathway should provide clarity on the multifaceted nature of NAE biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel M Simon
- The Department of Chemical Physiology and The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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45
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Fattore L, Melis M, Fadda P, Pistis M, Fratta W. The endocannabinoid system and nondrug rewarding behaviours. Exp Neurol 2010; 224:23-36. [PMID: 20353776 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Rewarding behaviours such as sexual activity, eating, nursing, parenting, social interactions, and play activity are conserved strongly in evolution, and they are essential for development and survival. All of these behaviours are enjoyable and represent pleasant experiences with a high reward value. Remarkably, rewarding behaviours activate the same brain circuits that mediate the positive reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse and of other forms of addiction, such as gambling and food addiction. Given the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in a variety of physiological functions of the nervous system, it is not surprising that it takes part in the complex machinery that regulates gratification and perception of pleasure. In this review, we focus first on the role of the endocannabinoid system in the modulation of neural activity and synaptic functions in brain regions that are involved in natural and nonnatural rewards (namely, the ventral tegmental area, striatum, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex). Then, we examine the role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating behaviours that directly or indirectly activate these brain reward pathways. More specifically, current knowledge of the effects of the pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid system on natural (eating, sexual behaviour, parenting, and social play) and pathological (gambling) rewarding behaviours is summarised and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- CNR Neuroscience Institute - Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Italy
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46
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Snider NT, Walker VJ, Hollenberg PF. Oxidation of the endogenous cannabinoid arachidonoyl ethanolamide by the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases: physiological and pharmacological implications. Pharmacol Rev 2010; 62:136-54. [PMID: 20133390 DOI: 10.1124/pr.109.001081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide) is an endogenous amide of arachidonic acid and an important signaling mediator of the endocannabinoid system. Given its numerous roles in maintaining normal physiological function and modulating pathophysiological responses throughout the body, the endocannabinoid system is an important pharmacological target amenable to manipulation directly by cannabinoid receptor ligands or indirectly by drugs that alter endocannabinoid synthesis and inactivation. The latter approach has the possible advantage of more selectivity, thus there is the potential for fewer untoward effects like those that are traditionally associated with cannabinoid receptor ligands. In that regard, inhibitors of the principal inactivating enzyme for anandamide, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), are currently in development for the treatment of pain and inflammation. However, several pathways involved in anandamide synthesis, metabolism, and inactivation all need to be taken into account when evaluating the effects of FAAH inhibitors and similar agents in preclinical models and assessing their clinical potential. Anandamide undergoes oxidation by several human cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes, including CYP3A4, CYP4F2, CYP4X1, and the highly polymorphic CYP2D6, forming numerous structurally diverse lipids, which are likely to have important physiological roles, as evidenced by the demonstration that a P450-derived epoxide of anandamide is a potent agonist for the cannabinoid receptor 2. The focus of this review is to emphasize the need for a better understanding of the P450-mediated pathways of the metabolism of anandamide, because these are likely to be important in mediating endocannabinoid signaling as well as the pharmacological responses to endocannabinoid-targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha T Snider
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 7720 Medical Science II, 1301 E. Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5622, USA.
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Izzo AA, Sharkey KA. Cannabinoids and the gut: new developments and emerging concepts. Pharmacol Ther 2010; 126:21-38. [PMID: 20117132 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis has been used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) conditions that range from enteric infections and inflammatory conditions to disorders of motility, emesis and abdominal pain. The mechanistic basis of these treatments emerged after the discovery of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol as the major constituent of Cannabis. Further progress was made when the receptors for Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol were identified as part of an endocannabinoid system, that consists of specific cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands and their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. Anatomical, physiological and pharmacological studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system is widely distributed throughout the gut, with regional variation and organ-specific actions. It is involved in the regulation of food intake, nausea and emesis, gastric secretion and gastroprotection, GI motility, ion transport, visceral sensation, intestinal inflammation and cell proliferation in the gut. Cellular targets have been defined that include the enteric nervous system, epithelial and immune cells. Molecular targets of the endocannabinoid system include, in addition to the cannabinoid receptors, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha receptors and the orphan G-protein coupled receptors, GPR55 and GPR119. Pharmacological agents that act on these targets have been shown in preclinical models to have therapeutic potential. Here, we discuss cannabinoid receptors and their localization in the gut, the proteins involved in endocannabinoid synthesis and degradation and the presence of endocannabinoids in the gut in health and disease. We focus on the pharmacological actions of cannabinoids in relation to GI disorders, highlighting recent data on genetic mutations in the endocannabinoid system in GI disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo A Izzo
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II and Endocannabinoid Research Group, Naples, Italy.
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Guindon J, Hohmann AG. The endocannabinoid system and pain. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2009; 8:403-21. [PMID: 19839937 DOI: 10.2174/187152709789824660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2009] [Accepted: 06/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids has been the topic of extensive investigation following the discovery of cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands. Cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands are present at supraspinal, spinal and peripheral levels. Cannabinoids suppress behavioral responses to noxious stimulation and suppress nociceptive processing through activation of cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptor subtypes. Endocannabinoids, the brain's own cannabis-like substances, share the same molecular target as Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component in cannabis. Endocannabinoids serve as synaptic circuit breakers and regulate multiple physiological and pathological conditions, e.g. regulation of food intake, immunomodulation, inflammation, analgesia, cancer, addictive behavior, epilepsy and others. This review will focus on uncovering the roles of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, the two best characterized endocannabinoids identified to date, in controlling nociceptive responding. The roles of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, released under physiological conditions, in modulating nociceptive responding at different levels of the neuraxis will be emphasized in this review. Effects of modulation of endocannabinoid levels through inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis and uptake is also compared with effects of exogenous administration of synthetic endocannabinoids in acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Finally, the therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid signaling system is discussed in the context of identifying novel pharmacotherapies for the treatment of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josée Guindon
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-3013, USA
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Abstract
The lung, like many other organs, is innervated by a variety of sensory nerves and by nerves of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems that regulate the function of cells within the respiratory tract. Activation of sensory nerves by both mechanical and chemical stimuli elicits a number of defensive reflexes, including cough, altered breathing pattern, and altered autonomic drive, which are important for normal lung homeostasis. However, diseases that afflict the lung are associated with altered reflexes, resulting in a variety of symptoms, including increased cough, dyspnea, airways obstruction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning the physiological role of different sensory nerve subtypes that innervate the lung, the factors which lead to their activation, and pharmacological approaches that have been used to interrogate the function of these nerves. This information may potentially facilitate the identification of novel drug targets for the treatment of respiratory disorders such as cough, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Francavilla F, Battista N, Barbonetti A, Vassallo MRC, Rapino C, Antonangelo C, Pasquariello N, Catanzaro G, Barboni B, Maccarrone M. Characterization of the endocannabinoid system in human spermatozoa and involvement of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor in their fertilizing ability. Endocrinology 2009; 150:4692-700. [PMID: 19608651 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Human spermatozoa express type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1), whose activation by anandamide (AEA) affects motility and acrosome reaction (AR). In this study, we extended the characterization of the AEA-related endocannabinoid system in human spermatozoa, and we focused on the involvement of the AEA-binding vanilloid receptor (TRPV1) in their fertilizing ability. Protein expression was revealed for CB1 ( approximately 56 kDa), TRPV1 ( approximately 95 kDa), AEA-synthesizing phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) ( approximately 46 kDa), and AEA-hydrolyzing enzyme [fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), approximately 66 kDa]. Both AEA-binding receptors (CB1 and TRPV1) exhibited a functional binding activity; enzymatic activity was demonstrated for NAPE-PLD, FAAH, and the purported endocannabinoid membrane transporter (EMT). Immunoreactivity for CB1, NAPE-PLD, and FAAH was localized in the postacrosomal region and in the midpiece, whereas for TRPV1, it was restricted to the postacrosomal region. Capsazepine (CPZ), a selective antagonist of TRPV1, inhibited progesterone (P)-enhanced sperm/oocyte fusion, as evaluated by the hamster egg penetration test. This inhibition was due to a reduction of the P-induced AR rate above the spontaneous AR rate, which was instead increased. The sperm exposure to OMDM-1, a specific inhibitor of EMT, prevented the promoting effect of CPZ on spontaneous AR rate and restored the sperm responsiveness to P. No significant effects could be observed on sperm motility. In conclusion, this study provides unprecedented evidence that human spermatozoa exhibit a completely functional endocannabinoid system related to AEA and that the AEA-binding TRPV1 receptor could be involved in the sperm fertilizing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Francavilla
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of L'Aquila, I-67100 Coppito, l'Aquila, Italy.
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