mProX™ Human CNR2 Stable Cell Line

Brandes F, et al. "Extracellular Vesicles and Endocannabinoid Signaling in Patients with COVID-19.." Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2023.
In COVID-19, the role and regulation of endocannabinoid signaling is uncertain. These substances have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and require transport through the body's intercellular space and bloodstream to exert their biological effects. It is currently unclear how lipophilic endocannabinoids are transported in the vascular system and across cell membranes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), small membrane-covered particles released by various cell types, contain signaling molecules such as RNA, lipids, and proteins. They play a critical role in intercellular communication and may serve as an ideal transport method for lipophilic endocannabinoids in COVID-19. In order to investigate this, the authors measured endocannabinoid levels in EVs and plasma, as well as RNA sequencing of microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from EVs and mRNA transcripts from blood cells. The results showed higher levels of endocannabinoids (except anandamide) in EVs compared to plasma, and these levels increased with disease severity. Additionally, EV-miRNAs were found to regulate the expression of mRNA transcripts related to endocannabinoid signaling in immune cells. These findings suggest that EVs may play a significant role in regulating the effects of endocannabinoids in the immune system during COVID-19.
Pubmed: 37713293   DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0040

Pacheco-Sanchez B, et al. "Sex-Dependent Altered Expression of Cannabinoid Signaling in Hippocampal ." International journal of molecular sciences, 2023.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. In AD, neuroinflammation involving astrocytes is a key factor, evident in both patients and animal models. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), a neurolipid signaling system with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, has been implicated in AD. In this study, researchers aimed to examine the cannabinoid signaling machinery in hippocampal astrocytes of 3xTg-AD mice and its potential involvement in the neurodegenerative process. Primary cultures of astrocytes were obtained from the hippocampus of 3xTg-AD and non-Tg offspring. Gene expression of astrogliosis markers, ECS components, and Ca(2+) signaling were analyzed. The results showed lower levels of inflammatory activity (Il1b, Il6, and Gls) and Ca(2+) flow (P2rx5 and Mcu) in 3xTg-AD hippocampal astrocytes, accompanied by reduced cannabinoid signaling (Cnr1 and Cnr2). These differences were more pronounced in female mice. These findings support the involvement of astrocytes in AD pathology, and suggest that cannabinoid signaling may play a crucial role. Furthermore, the study also revealed sex differences in 3xTg-AD mouse model from its early developmental stages, emphasizing the need to consider gender in understanding the pathogenesis of AD.
Pubmed: 37628778   DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612598