RESEARCH: CANNABINOID
FOLDING PROJECT #19002 PROFILE

The project relates to how our bodies naturally use chemicals called endocannabinoids to regulate things like pain and mood. These chemicals work with receptors, like CB1 and CB2. Scientists are using computer simulations to see how well different endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, hoping to design new medicines that are more effective and have fewer side effects.

Cannabinoid Receptors The endocannabinoid signaling system consists of receptors (Cannabinoid Receptors; CB1 and CB2), endogeneous molecules (Endocannabinoids; 2-AG, Anandamide), and enzymes.

Endocannabinoids are produced in postsynaptic neurons and bind to Cannabinoid Receptors to maintain homeostasis in neuron signaling and a plethora of physiological processes.

These receptors are targeted for pain, obesity, and other central nervous system disorders.

Endocannabinoids show more than 10-fold selectivity towards CB1 compared to CB2.

Therefore, a mechanistic understanding of endocannabinoid selectivity will help us design selective therapeutics.

In this project, we are running binding simulation of anandmide to CB1 and CB2 to decipher ligand selectivity.

Cannabinoid Receptors

Receptors that bind to endocannabinoids.

Cannabinoid receptors are proteins found on the surface of cells. They bind to molecules called endocannabinoids, which are produced naturally in the body. When endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, they trigger a variety of effects, including pain relief, appetite regulation, and mood modulation.

CB1

Cannabinoid Receptor 1

CB1 is a type of cannabinoid receptor primarily found in the brain and central nervous system. It plays a role in regulating mood, appetite, pain perception, and memory.

CB2

Cannabinoid Receptor 2

CB2 is a type of cannabinoid receptor primarily found in the immune system. It plays a role in regulating inflammation and immune responses.

Endocannabinoids

Naturally occurring molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors.

Endocannabinoids are lipid-based signaling molecules produced by the body. They act on cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, influencing various physiological processes.

Anandamide

An endocannabinoid with mood-boosting effects.

Anandamide is a naturally occurring endocannabinoid that has been shown to have various effects on the brain and body, including pain relief, appetite regulation, and mood enhancement.

2-AG

2-Arachidonoylglycerol

2-AG is an endocannabinoid that plays a role in various physiological processes, including pain perception, inflammation, and mood regulation.