The endocannabinoid system is the signaling network in the brain hijacked by the active component of marijuana, delta-9 tetrahydrocannibinol (THC), which elicits its effects primarily through activation of the central cannabinoid receptor (CB1) in the brain. The endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA) are the endogenous ligands of CB1 and are thought to modulate a diverse array of physiological processes including appetite, pain, emotions, cognition and addiction. Endocannabinoid levels in vivo are tightly regulated by enzymatic biosynthesis and degradation and, as such, these enzymes are principle regulators of EC signaling and tone. Degradation of AEA by the integral membrane protein fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has been well-characterized in vivo through the use of FAAH knockout mice and FAAH selective inhibitors. In contrast, the enzymes responsible for 2-AG termination have not been fully characterized. Using a functional proteomics approach, we identified three enzymes which collectively perform >98% of the 2-AG hydrolase activity in mouse brain proteomes: monoacylglyceride lipase (MAGL), and the uncharacterized alpha/beta hydrolases 6 and 12 (ABHD6 and ABHD12). We propose to biochemically characterize the substrate selectivity, kinetic parameters and cellular/subcellular localization of recombinant preparations of MAGL, ABHD6 and ABHD12 and generate mouse models bearing targeted disruptions of these enzymes using genetic and pharmacological means. The results of these studies should allow the elucidation of the relative roles of these enzymes in endocannabinoid signaling and might also identify promising drug targets for therapeutics that elicit some of the medicinal benefits of THC without the psychoactive side-effects. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is a lipid neurotransmitter thought to mediate many (patho)physiological processes including obesity, pain, anxiety, depression and addiction. The goal of the proposed research is to elucidate the mechanisms by which 2-AG mediated signaling is terminated. The results of this study will increase the basic understanding of the endocannabinoid system and may also identify promising drug targets for the treatment of human diseases regulated by the endocannabinoid system.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31DA026261-03
Application #
8004083
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F03B-D (20))
Program Officer
Avila, Albert
Project Start
2008-12-01
Project End
2012-11-30
Budget Start
2010-12-01
Budget End
2011-11-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$32,220
Indirect Cost
Name
Scripps Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
781613492
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92037
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Nomura, Daniel K; Morrison, Bradley E; Blankman, Jacqueline L et al. (2011) Endocannabinoid hydrolysis generates brain prostaglandins that promote neuroinflammation. Science 334:809-13
Schlosburg, Joel E; Blankman, Jacqueline L; Long, Jonathan Z et al. (2010) Chronic monoacylglycerol lipase blockade causes functional antagonism of the endocannabinoid system. Nat Neurosci 13:1113-9