Human CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors Research Articles

The conserved endocannabinoid anandamide modulates olfactory sensitivity to induce hedonic feeding in C. elegans

The ability of cannabis to increase food consumption has been known for centuries. In addition to producing hyperphagia, cannabinoids can amplify existing preferences for calorically dense, palatable food sources, a phenomenon called hedonic amplification of feeding. These effects result from the action of plant-derived cannabinoids that mimic endogenous ligands called endocannabinoids. The high degree of conservation of cannabinoid signaling at the molecular level across the animal kingdom suggests hedonic feeding may also be widely conserved. Here, we show that exposure of Caenorhabditis elegans to anandamide, an endocannabinoid common to nematodes and mammals, shifts both appetitive and consummatory responses toward nutritionally superior food, an effect analogous to hedonic feeding. We find that anandamide's effect on feeding requires the C.elegans cannabinoid receptor NPR-19 but can also be mediated by the human CB1 cannabinoid receptor, indicating functional conservation between the nematode and mammalian endocannabinoid systems for the regulation of food preferences. Furthermore, anandamide has reciprocal effects on appetitive and consummatory responses to food, increasing and decreasing responses to inferior and superior foods, respectively. Anandamide's behavioral effects require the AWC chemosensory neurons, and anandamide renders these neurons more sensitive to superior foods and less sensitive to inferior foods, mirroring the reciprocal effects seen at the behavioral level. Our findings reveal a surprising degree of functional conservation in the effects of endocannabinoids on hedonic feeding across species and establish a new system to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of endocannabinoid system function in the regulation of food choice.

A fluorescent sensor for spatiotemporally resolved imaging of endocannabinoid dynamics in vivo.

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are retrograde neuromodulators with important functions in a wide range of physiological processes, but their in vivo dynamics remain largely uncharacterized. Here we developed a genetically encoded eCB sensor called GRABeCB2.0. GRABeCB2.0 consists of a circular-permutated EGFP and the human CB1 cannabinoid receptor, providing cell membrane trafficking, second-resolution kinetics with high specificity for eCBs, and shows a robust fluorescence response at physiological eCB concentrations. Using GRABeCB2.0, we monitored evoked and spontaneous changes in eCB dynamics in cultured neurons and acute brain slices. We observed spontaneous compartmentalized eCB transients in cultured neurons and eCB transients from single axonal boutons in acute brain slices, suggesting constrained, localized eCB signaling. When GRABeCB2.0 was expressed in the mouse brain, we observed foot shock-elicited and running-triggered eCB signaling in the basolateral amygdala and hippocampus, respectively. In a mouse model of epilepsy, we observed a spreading wave of eCB release that followed a Ca2+ wave through the hippocampus. GRABeCB2.0 is a robust probe for eCB release in vivo.

Genetic Manipulation of sn-1-Diacylglycerol Lipase and CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Gain-of-Function Uncover Neuronal 2-Linoleoyl Glycerol Signaling in Drosophila melanogaster.

Introduction: In mammals, sn-1-diacylglycerol lipases (DAGL) generate 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) that, as the major endocannabinoid, modulates synaptic neurotransmission by acting on CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R). Even though the insect genome codes for inaE, which is a DAGL ortholog (dDAGL), its products and their functions remain unknown particularly because insects lack chordate-type cannabinoid receptors. Materials and Methods: Gain-of-function and loss-of-function genetic manipulations were carried out in Drosophila melanogaster, including the generation of both dDAGL-deficient and mammalian CB1R-overexpressing flies. Neuroanatomy, dietary manipulations coupled with targeted mass spectrometry determination of arachidonic acid and 2-linoleoyl glycerol (2-LG) production, behavioral assays, and signal transduction profiling for Akt and Erk kinases were employed. Findings from Drosophilae were validated by a CB1R-binding assay for 2-LG in mammalian cortical homogenates with functionality confirmed in neurons using high-throughput real-time imaging in vitro. Results: In this study, we show that dDAGL is primarily expressed in the brain and nerve cord of Drosophila during larval development and in adult with 2-LG being its chief product as defined by dietary precursor availability. Overexpression of the human CB1R in the ventral nerve cord compromised the mobility of adult Drosophilae. The causality of 2-LG signaling to CB1R-induced behavioral impairments was shown by inaE inactivation normalizing defunct motor coordination. The 2-LG-induced activation of transgenic CB1Rs affected both Akt and Erk kinase cascades by paradoxical signaling. Data from Drosophila models were substantiated by showing 2-LG-mediated displacement of [3H]CP 55,940 in mouse cortical homogenates and reduced neurite extension and growth cone collapsing responses in cultured mouse neurons. Conclusions: Overall, these results suggest that 2-LG is an endocannabinoid-like signal lipid produced by dDAGL in Drosophila.

Harvesting Benefits from Cannabinoids

With the ongoing liberalization of cannabis laws in many parts of the United States that are decriminalizing its recreational and/or medical use, there is much discussion about the benefits of cannabinoids and how to mitigate potential negative societal repercussions of increased access to them. At risk of being overshadowed amidst this debate is the fascinating biology coming to light about how cannabinoids mediate their effects, including the crystal structures of human CB1 cannabinoid receptors (Hua et al., 2016; Shao et al., 2016), and surprising insights about where in the cell they act (Herbert-Chatelain et al., 2016; Younts et al., 2016).

High-resolution crystal structure of the human CB1 cannabinoid receptor.

The human cannabinoid G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) CB1 and CB2 mediate the functional responses to the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG), as well as the widely consumed plant (phyto)cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)1. The cannabinoid receptors have been the targets of intensive drug discovery efforts due to the therapeutic potential of modulators for controlling pain2, epilepsy3, obesity4, and other maladies. While much progress has recently been made in understanding the biophysical properties of GPCRs, investigations of the molecular mechanisms of the cannabinoids and their receptors have lacked high-resolution structural data. We used GPCR engineering and lipidic cubic phase (LCP) crystallization to determine the structure of the human CB1 receptor bound to the inhibitor taranabant at 2.6 Å resolution. CB1's extracellular surface, including the highly conserved membrane-proximal amino-terminal (N-terminal) region, is distinct from other lipid-activated GPCRs and forms a critical part of the ligand binding pocket. Docking studies further demonstrate how this same pocket may accommodate the cannabinoid agonist THC. Our CB1 structure provides an atomic framework for studying cannabinoid receptor function, and will aid the design and optimization of cannabinoid system modulators for therapeutic ends.

Molecular Modeling and Interaction Analysis of Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein CRIP1b

The Human Cannabinoid receptor interacting protein (CRIP1b), a novel protein, is encoded by Cnrip gene loacted on chromosome number 2. CRIP1b is involved in modulation of CB1 cannabinoid receptor's cellular localization and signal transduction but its structure and function remains uncharacterized. The present study has been aimed at investigating three dimensional structure in an effort to provide clues to CRIP1b function. An ab initio modeling approach for prediction of CRIP1a structure has been applied since CRIP1b protein does not share any significant sequence homology to other proteins. The best model obtained from modelling studies for CRIP1b has a compact structure of beta sheets along with a small helix and loops, which is supported by zDOPE score, secondary structure data, Ramachandram plot, and other validation methods. Since CRIP1b protein interacts with the last nine amino acids of the C-terminus of the human CB1 Cannabinoid receptor, the interactions between CRIP1b and a CB1 distal C-terminus nine-mer peptide were studied by performing molecular docking. The best model obtained was docked with CB1 C-terminal peptide, followed by molecular dynamics simulations to investigate binding and relative stability between CB1 and CRIP1a. Molecular docking revealed the involvements of a few hydrogen bonds in binding pocket of CRIP1b. Further the entire complex was optimized by 20 ns MD simulation with Gromacs4.5.5 and the rearrangements of hydrogen bonds leading to structural changes. The relationship between Cannabinoid receptor isoform one (CB1) and CRIP1b have potential to play significant roles in pain management, addiction, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Human orexin/hypocretin receptors form constitutive homo- and heteromeric complexes with each other and with human CB1 cannabinoid receptors

Human OX1 orexin receptors have been shown to homodimerize and they have also been suggested to heterodimerize with CB1 cannabinoid receptors. The latter has been suggested to be important for orexin receptor responses and trafficking. In this study, we wanted to assess the ability of the other combinations of receptors to also form similar complexes. Vectors for expression of human OX1, OX2 and CB1 receptors, C-terminally fused with either Renilla luciferase or GFP2 green fluorescent protein variant, were generated. The constructs were transiently expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and constitutive dimerization between the receptors was assessed by bioluminescence energy transfer (BRET). Orexin receptor subtypes readily formed homo- and hetero(di)mers, as suggested by significant BRET signals. CB1 receptors formed homodimers, and they also heterodimerized with both orexin receptors. Interestingly, BRET efficiency was higher for homodimers than for almost all heterodimers. This is likely to be due to the geometry of the interaction; the putatively symmetric dimers may place the C-termini in a more suitable orientation in homomers. Fusion of luciferase to an orexin receptor and GFP2 to CB1 produced more effective BRET than the opposite fusions, also suggesting differences in geometry. Similar was seen for the OX1–OX2 interaction. In conclusion, orexin receptors have a significant propensity to make homo- and heterodi-/oligomeric complexes. However, it is unclear whether this affects their signaling. As orexin receptors efficiently signal via endocannabinoid production to CB1 receptors, dimerization could be an effective way of forming signal complexes with optimal cannabinoid concentrations available for cannabinoid receptors.

Retraction: The Dietary Polyphenols trans-Resveratrol and Curcumin Selectively Bind Human CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors with Nanomolar Affinities and Function as Antagonists/Inverse Agonists

The dietary polyphenols trans-resveratrol [5-[(1E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]-1,3-benzenediol; found in red wine] and curcumin [1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1E,6E-heptadiene-3,5-dione] (found in curry powders) exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects via poorly defined mechanisms. It is interesting that cannabinoids, derived from the marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa), produce similar protective effects via CB1 and CB2 receptors. We examined whether trans-resveratrol, curcumin, and ASC-J9 [1,7-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-hydroxy-1E,4E,6E-heptatriene-3-one] (a curcumin analog) act as ligands at cannabinoid receptors. All three bind to human (h) CB1 and mouse CB1 receptors with nanomolar affinities, displaying only micromolar affinities for hCB2 receptors. Characteristic of inverse agonists, the polyphenols inhibit basal G-protein activity in membranes prepared from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-hCB1 cells or mouse brain that is reversed by a neutral CB1 antagonist. Furthermore, they competitively antagonize G-protein activation produced by a CB1 agonist. In intact CHO-hCB1 cells, the polyphenols act as neutral antagonists, producing no effect when tested alone, whereas competitively antagonizing CB1 agonist mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity. Confirming their neutral antagonist profile in cells, the polyphenols similarly attenuate stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity produced by a CB1 inverse agonist. In mice, the polyphenols dose-dependently reverse acute hypothermia produced by a CB1 agonist. Upon repeated administration, the polyphenols also reduce body weight in mice similar to that produced by a CB1 antagonist/inverse agonist. Finally, trans-resveratrol and curcumin share common structural motifs with other known cannabinoid receptor ligands. Collectively, we suggest that trans-resveratrol and curcumin act as antagonists/inverse agonists at CB1 receptors at dietary relevant concentrations. Therefore, these polyphenols and their derivatives might be developed as novel, nontoxic CB1 therapeutics for obesity and/or drug dependence.

Substituted 5,5‘-Diphenyl-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one as CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands: Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation

A set of 30 substituted 5,5'-diphenyl-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one (thiohydantoins) derivatives was synthesized, and their affinity for the human CB(1) cannabinoid receptor has been evaluated. These compounds are derived from the previously described cannabinoid ligands 5,5'-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (hydantoins). The replacement of the oxygen by a sulfur leads to an increase of the affinity while the function-i.e., inverse agonism-determined by [(35)S]GTPgammaS experiments remains unaffected. Finally, to evaluate the molecular parameters that could influence the affinity of the thiohydantoins, molecular electrostatic potential as well as lipophilicity calculations were undertaken on representative thiohydantoins and hydantoins derivatives. In conclusion, 5,5'-bis-(4-iodophenyl)-3-butyl-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one (31) and 3-allyl-5,5'-bis(4-bromophenyl)-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one (32) possess the highest affinity for the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor described to date for the hydantoin and thiohydantoins series when compared in a same bioassay.

Expression and characterization of human CB1 cannabinoid receptor in methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris

For the purpose of purification and structural characterization, the CB1 cannabinoid receptors are expressed in methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. The expression plasmid was constructed in which the CB1 gene is under the control of the highly inducible promoter of P. pastoris alcohol oxidase I gene. To facilitate easy detection and purification, a FLAG tag was introduced at the N-terminal, a c-myc epitope and a hexahistidine tag were introduced at the C-terminal of the CB1. In membrane preparations of CB1 gene transformed yeast cells, Western blot analysis detected the expression of CB1 proteins. Radioligand binding assays demonstrated that the tagged CB1 receptors expressed in P. pastoris have a pharmacological profile similar to that of the untagged CB1 receptors expressed in mammalian systems. Furthermore, the tagged CB1 receptors were purified by anti-FLAG M2 affinity chromatography and the identity of the purified CB1 receptor proteins was confirmed by Western blot analysis. MALDI/TOF mass spectrometry analysis of the peptides extracted from tryptic digestions of purified CB1 preparations detected 17 peptide fragments derived from the CB1, thus further confirming the identity of the purified receptor. In conclusion, these data demonstrated for the first time that epitope tagged, functional CB1 cannabinoid receptors can be expressed in P. pastoris for purification and mass spectrometry characterization.

Endocannabinoids Modulate N-Type Calcium Channels and G-Protein-Coupled Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels via CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors Heterologously Expressed in Mammalian Neurons

Endocannabinoids may serve as retrograde messengers to inhibit neurotransmitter release during depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI) or excitation (DSE). We therefore tested whether endocannabinoids inhibit N-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels by activating G(i/o)-protein-coupled CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R)--a possible mechanism underlying DSI/DSE. Three putative endocannabinoids [2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), 2-arachidonyl glycerol ether (2-AGE), and anandamide (AEA)] and the cannabimimetic aminoalkylindole WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) inhibited whole-cell Ca2+ currents in rat sympathetic neurons previously injected with cDNA encoding a human CB1R. Agonist-mediated Ca2+ current inhibition was blocked by a selective CB1R antagonist [SR141716A, N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboximide hydrochloride] and pertussis toxin (PTX) pretreatment. The rank order of potency was WIN (IC50=2 nM)>2-AGE (350 nM) approximately 2-AG (480 nM)>AEA (approximately 3 microM), with each agonist displaying similar efficacy (approximately 50% maximal inhibition). Increasing CB1R expression level significantly enhanced AEA potency. AEA (10 microM) also inhibited Ca2+ channels in a voltage-independent, CB1R-independent, and PTX-insensitive manner, whereas 2-AG and 2-AGE were devoid of this activity. All three endocannabinoids activated G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels, GIRK1/4, heterologously expressed in sympathetic neurons. These results suggest a mechanism by which endocannibinoids might influence presynaptic function.

Effects of cannabinoids on endogenous K+ and Ca2+ currents in HEK293 cells.

Effects of cannabinoids on endogenous potassium and calcium currents in HEK293 cells were studied using the whole-cell variant of the patch-clamp technique. The cannabinoid agonists WIN 55,212-2, methanandamide, and anandamide (1 microM) decreased the calcium current by 53.1 +/- 2.6, 47.5 +/- 1.2, and 38.8 +/- 3.1%, respectively, after transfection of human CB1 cannabinoid receptor (hCB1) cDNA into HEK293 cells. The delayed rectifier-like current was not changed after application of these agonists, but the inward rectifier was increased by 94.0 +/- 3.6, 83.7 +/- 5.1, and 63.0 +/- 2.5% after application of WIN 55,212-2, methanandamide, and anandamide, respectively. The effects of the cannabinoid antagonists (AM251, AM281, and AM630) on the inward rectifier and calcium currents were the opposite of those seen with cannabinoid agonists; thus, these compounds act as inverse agonists in this preparation. These results suggest that endogenous inward rectifier and calcium currents are modulated by cannabinoids in HEK293 cells, and that some expressed receptors may be constitutively active.

The proximal and distal C-terminal tail domains of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor mediate G protein coupling

The human CB1 cannabinoid receptor couples to G i/o proteins and inhibits neuronal voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels. The role of the C-terminal tail of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in G i/o protein coupling was examined using the superior cervical ganglion neuronal expression system. Deletion of the distal intracellular C-terminal tail (amino acids 418–472) slowed the kinetics and reduced the magnitude of Ca 2+ channel inhibition. Deletion of the entire intracellular C-terminal tail (amino acids 401–472) abolished Ca 2+ channel inhibition demonstrating the critical role of the proximal amino acids 401–417 of the C-terminal tail in G protein signaling. Expression of the C-terminal truncated receptors on the cell surface was examined using an N-terminal CB1 antibody. Both the C-terminal truncated receptors were expressed on the cell surface and were no different from wild type CB1 cannabinoid receptors. This study establishes that the proximal CB1 cannabinoid receptor intracellular C-terminal tail domain (amino acids 401–417) is critical for G i/o protein coupling and that the distal C-terminal tail domain (amino acids 418–472) profoundly modulates both the magnitude and kinetics of signal transduction. Thus, the C-terminal tail of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor has a wider role in G protein coupling than was previously thought.

Localization of CB1-cannabinoid receptor immunoreactivity in the porcine enteric nervous system.

Cannabis has been used for centuries in the medicinal treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Endogenous cannabinimimetic substances such as 2-arachidonylglycerol have been isolated from gut homogenates and CB1-cannabinoid binding sites have been identified in small intestine. In this study, CB1-cannabinoid receptors (CB1-R) were immunohistochemically localized within the enteric nervous system of the pig, an omnivorous species whose digestive tract is functionally similar to humans. Two anti-CB1-R antisera, raised against N-terminal epitopes in the human CB1-R, were employed to localize receptor immunoreactivity by secondary immunofluorescence. CB1-R immunoreactivity was observed in the myenteric and submucosal ganglionated plexuses of porcine ileum and colon. In the ileum, all CB1-R-immunoreactive neurons coexpressed immunoreactivity to the cholinergic marker, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). CB1-R/ChAT-immunoreactive neurons appeared to be in close apposition to ileal Peyer's patches, submucosal blood vessels, and intestinal crypts. In the distal colon, CB1-R-immunoreactive neurons also expressed immunoreactivity to ChAT, albeit less frequently than in ileum. Immunoreactivity to vasoactive intestinal peptide or nitric oxide synthase was not colocalized in ileal or colonic CB1-R-immunoreactive neurons. These studies indicate that CB1-R are present in cholinergic neurons in the porcine enteric nervous system. The potential roles of these receptors in intestinal motility and epithelial transport, host defense and visceral pain transmission are discussed.

The CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Can Sequester G-Proteins, Making Them Unavailable to Couple to Other Receptors

We tested the hypothesis that human CB1 cannabinoid receptors (hCB1) can sequester G(i/o)-proteins from a common pool and prevent other receptors from signaling. Human CB1 cannabinoid receptors were expressed in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons by microinjection of hCB1 cDNA. Expression of hCB1 cannabinoid receptors abolished the Ca(2+) current inhibition by endogenous pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i/o)-coupled receptors for norepinephrine (NE) and somatostatin (SOM) but not by endogenous pertussis toxin-insensitive G(s)-coupled receptors for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Signaling by NE was rescued by expression of Galpha(oB), Gbeta(1), and Ggamma(3). Expression of mGluR2 metabotropic glutamate receptors, another pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein-coupled receptor, had no effect on the signaling by NE or SOM. Some hCB1 receptors were constitutively active because the cannabinoid receptor inverse agonist SR 141617A enhanced the Ca(2+) current. Some hCB1 receptors also appear to be precoupled to G(i/o)-proteins because the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 decreased the Ca(2+) current at a time when no G-proteins were available to couple to alpha(2)-adrenergic and somatostatin receptors. In SCG neurons microinjected with a lower concentration of hCB1 cDNA, the effect of SR 141716A was reduced, and the response to NE and SOM was partially restored. Subsequent to the application of SR 141716A, the Ca(2+) current inhibition by NE and SOM was abolished. These results suggest that both the active and inactive states of the hCB1 receptor can sequester G(i/o)-proteins from a common pool. Cannabinoid receptors thus have the potential to prevent other G(i/o)-coupled receptors from transducing their biological signals.

Effects of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A on the behavior of pigeons and rats

SR141716A (Sanofi Recherche), a pyrazole derivative with high affinity for rat and human CB1 cannabinoid receptors, has recently been reported to reverse biochemical, physiological and behavioral effects induced by cannabinoid agonists. The present experiments characterized the activity of SR141716A (SR) in behavioral procedures designed to assess its antagonistic and intrinsic effects on unconditioned behavior and on complex learned behaviors. Six adult male pigeons were trained to discriminate injections of 0.56 mg/kg delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) from vehicle under a two-key, fixed-ratio schedule of food reinforcement. SR (IM) produced a nearly complete blockade of THC-appropriate responding occasioned by the training dose without inducing significant changes in session response rates, but also produced partial substitution for delta 9-THC when administered alone. In another group of pigeons trained under a multiple schedule of signaled and unsignaled fixed consecutive number (FCN) responding, SR had little effect on accuracy, but delta 9-THC produced dose-related decreases in accuracy under both schedule components. SR was also evaluated in acoustic startle procedures in rats. SR produced little effect either on startle amplitude or prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. In contrast, the potent cannabinomimetic CP-55, 940 produced large decreases in startle responses elicited by 120 dB [A] broad-band noise. These decreases were completely reversed by SR (10 mg/kg, IP). In concurrent measures, SR blocked the hypothermic effect CP-55,940. These results suggest that SR is an effective antagonist of the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids.