This is an application for a NIDA RSDA award. The primary focus of my research is to understand the mechanisms underlying the acute and chronic behavioral effects of cannabinoids (the principal psychoactive constituents of marijuana). My work is focused on the function and regulation of the neuronal cannabinoid receptor (CB1). Cannabinoids, acting at the CB1 receptor, are potent modulators of ion channel function. Specifically, they inhibit and Q-type voltage-dependent calcium channels and activate inwardly rectifying potassium channels. Consistent with these actions, cannabinoids decrease neuronal excitability and neurotransmission from CB1-expressing neurons. It is likely that these phenomena lead to the behavioral effects of cannabinoids. Over the next five years, we will continue our studies at the molecular and genetic level, emphasizing the following specific aims: * Is tolerance to cannabinoids in animals due to the phosphorylation and/or internalization of CB1 receptors? * Is the endogenous cannabinoid system necessary for the development of opiate tolerance? * What is the role of CB1 receptor dimerization in CB1 signaling and desensitization? * Are there CB1 and CB2 agonists that cause little or no desensitization of CB1 or CB2 receptor signaling? * Which domains of the potassium M current channel are important for its modulation by GPCR's? Accomplishing these goals will significantly advance our understanding of the cellular actions of cannabinoids. To accomplish these ambitious goals I have assembled a group of collaborators and consultants whose expertise complements that currently in place in my laboratory. Three facts underscore the importance of having a solid understanding of the CB1 receptor function at the molecular level: (1) Marijuana use is increasing and is a significant social issue. (2) Cannabinoids have therapeutic potential and we need a firm understanding of their cellular and chronic effects to understand the implications of their chronic use. (3) We know little about the physiological role of endogenous cannabinoids in healthy or diseased brain. Funding of this proposal will permit the investigator sufficient research time to accomplish the goal of elucidating the neuronal basis of cannabinoid action.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research (K02)
Project #
5K02DA000286-10
Application #
6913390
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Colvis, Christine
Project Start
1996-07-01
Project End
2006-06-30
Budget Start
2005-07-01
Budget End
2006-06-30
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$118,390
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Washington
Department
Anesthesiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
605799469
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98195
Matyas, Ferenc; Urban, Gabriella M; Watanabe, Masahiko et al. (2008) Identification of the sites of 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis and action imply retrograde endocannabinoid signaling at both GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses in the ventral tegmental area. Neuropharmacology 54:95-107
Daigle, Tanya L; Kearn, Christopher S; Mackie, Ken (2008) Rapid CB1 cannabinoid receptor desensitization defines the time course of ERK1/2 MAP kinase signaling. Neuropharmacology 54:36-44
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Agarwal, Nitin; Pacher, Pal; Tegeder, Irmgard et al. (2007) Cannabinoids mediate analgesia largely via peripheral type 1 cannabinoid receptors in nociceptors. Nat Neurosci 10:870-9
Fu, Jin; Astarita, Giuseppe; Gaetani, Silvana et al. (2007) Food intake regulates oleoylethanolamide formation and degradation in the proximal small intestine. J Biol Chem 282:1518-28
Mackie, Ken (2007) From active ingredients to the discovery of the targets: the cannabinoid receptors. Chem Biodivers 4:1693-706
Katona, Istvan; Urban, Gabriella M; Wallace, Matthew et al. (2006) Molecular composition of the endocannabinoid system at glutamatergic synapses. J Neurosci 26:5628-37
Tam, Joseph; Ofek, Orr; Fride, Ester et al. (2006) Involvement of neuronal cannabinoid receptor CB1 in regulation of bone mass and bone remodeling. Mol Pharmacol 70:786-92
Straiker, Alex; Mackie, Ken (2006) Cannabinoids, electrophysiology, and retrograde messengers: challenges for the next 5 years. AAPS J 8:E272-6
Monory, Krisztina; Massa, Federico; Egertova, Michaela et al. (2006) The endocannabinoid system controls key epileptogenic circuits in the hippocampus. Neuron 51:455-66

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