RESEARCH: CANNABINOID
FOLDING PROJECT #19004 PROFILE

Our project investigates how the body's natural chemicals (endocannabinoids) interact with specific receptors (CB1 and CB2). These receptors play a role in pain, appetite, and brain function. We're using computer simulations to study how anandamide, a type of endocannabinoid, binds to these receptors differently. This will help us understand how to develop new medicines that target these receptors more effectively.

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 cells throughout the body. They play a key role in regulating various physiological processes, including pain perception, mood, appetite, and sleep. There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mainly located in the immune system.

CB1

Cannabinoid Receptor 1

CB1 is a type of cannabinoid receptor found primarily in the brain and central nervous system. It binds to endocannabinoids like anandamide, influencing processes such as pain sensation, mood, appetite, and memory.

CB2

Cannabinoid Receptor 2

CB2 is a type of cannabinoid receptor mainly found in the immune system. It plays a role in inflammation and pain response.

Endocannabinoids

Naturally occurring molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors.

Endocannabinoids are chemicals produced by the body that act on cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are involved in regulating various functions like pain, mood, appetite, and sleep. Common endocannabinoids include anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

Anandamide

An endocannabinoid that binds to CB1 receptors.

Anandamide is a naturally occurring endocannabinoid known for its role in pain relief, mood regulation, and appetite control. It acts by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and other parts of the body.

2-AG

2-arachidonoylglycerol

2-AG is a potent endocannabinoid that binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It plays a role in various physiological processes, including pain sensation, inflammation, and appetite regulation.