The long term goal of this research project is to elucidate the basis for the actions of the cannabinoids (CBs) at the molecular level. To this end, we are developing the elements of an understanding of the relationships between cannabinoid ligand structure;cannabinoid receptor structure;and cannabinoid receptor activation at an atomic level of detail. The research plan includes two emphases: ligand-receptor recognition and ligand-induced receptor activation/inactivation and is based upon 3D computer models of the CB1 and CB2 receptors that we have developed and refined during the current grant period. Our recent microsecond timescale molecular dynamics simulations of the CB2 receptor in a POPC bilayer have yielded important insights concerning the differences between CB1 and CB2. We will use this information here to explore the interactions important for the maintenance of the CB2 receptor inactive state and those responsible for the generation of the CB2 activated state. A binding site model for CB2 inverse agonists/antagonists will be developed in order to identify those interactions necessary for the production of inverse agonism at CB2. Studies will also be undertaken to identify the interaction site(s) for novel CB1 allosteric modulators with the goal of designing more potent modulators. At each step, our work will be aided and supplemented by collaboration with experimental medicinal chemists, molecular biologists and pharmacologists. Collaborative studies will be used to test our models in an iterative fashion with the goal that these models represent the current state of knowledge in the cannabinoid field. The information about cannabinoid receptor structure and binding modes of ligands that will emerge from the collaborative studies proposed here will aid in fundamental structure-function studies of this important class of receptors and will also aid in the design of improved therapeutic agents based on the cannabinoids.

Public Health Relevance

The long term goal of this research project is to elucidate the basis for the actions of the cannabinoids (CBs) at the molecular level. To this end, we are developing the elements of an understanding of the relationships between cannabinoid ligand structure;cannabinoid receptor structure;and cannabinoid receptor activation at an atomic level of detail. The research plan includes two emphases: ligand-receptor recognition and ligand-induced receptor activation/inactivation and is based upon 3D computer models of the CB1 and CB2 receptors that we have developed and refined during the current grant period. Results of the studies proposed here have the potential for the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of inflammation and metabolic syndrome.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DA003934-25
Application #
8247040
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-C (02))
Program Officer
Hillery, Paul
Project Start
1985-07-01
Project End
2014-03-31
Budget Start
2012-04-01
Budget End
2013-03-31
Support Year
25
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$325,293
Indirect Cost
$56,377
Name
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
616152567
City
Greensboro
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27402
Morales, Paula; Isawi, Israa; Reggio, Patricia H (2018) Towards a better understanding of the cannabinoid-related orphan receptors GPR3, GPR6, and GPR12. Drug Metab Rev 50:74-93
Ragusa, Giulio; Bencivenni, Serena; Morales, Paula et al. (2018) Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation, and Docking Studies of Novel Pyridazinone-Based Cannabinoid Receptor Type?2 Ligands. ChemMedChem 13:1102-1114
Morales, Paula; Reggio, Patricia H; Jagerovic, Nadine (2017) An Overview on Medicinal Chemistry of Synthetic and Natural Derivatives of Cannabidiol. Front Pharmacol 8:422
Morales, Paula; Hurst, Dow P; Reggio, Patricia H (2017) Methods for the Development of In Silico GPCR Models. Methods Enzymol 593:405-448
Lynch, Diane L; Hurst, Dow P; Shore, Derek M et al. (2017) Molecular Dynamics Methodologies for Probing Cannabinoid Ligand/Receptor Interaction. Methods Enzymol 593:449-490
Morales, Paula; Hurst, Dow P; Reggio, Patricia H (2017) Molecular Targets of the Phytocannabinoids: A Complex Picture. Prog Chem Org Nat Prod 103:103-131
Seltzman, Herbert H; Maitra, Rangan; Bortoff, Katharine et al. (2017) Metabolic Profiling of CB1 Neutral Antagonists. Methods Enzymol 593:199-215
Carter, Patrick M; Cook, Lawrence J; Macy, Michelle L et al. (2017) Individual and Neighborhood Characteristics of Children Seeking Emergency Department Care for Firearm Injuries Within the PECARN Network. Acad Emerg Med 24:803-813
Laprairie, Robert B; Kulkarni, Abhijit R; Kulkarni, Pushkar M et al. (2016) Mapping Cannabinoid 1 Receptor Allosteric Site(s): Critical Molecular Determinant and Signaling Profile of GAT100, a Novel, Potent, and Irreversibly Binding Probe. ACS Chem Neurosci 7:776-98
Morales, Paula; Gómez-Cañas, María; Navarro, Gemma et al. (2016) Chromenopyrazole, a Versatile Cannabinoid Scaffold with in Vivo Activity in a Model of Multiple Sclerosis. J Med Chem 59:6753-6771

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