Cannabinoid receptor 1

Structural and Functional Aspects:

• CB1 receptor has 7 transmembrane domains and can form homodimers or heterodimers with other GPCR oligomers.
• It modulates neurotransmitter release through Gi/o proteins, inhibiting cAMP production and affecting ion channels.
• Encoded by the CNR1 gene on chromosome 6, CB1 receptors are expressed pre-synaptically in various brain regions, influencing memory, movement, and synaptic plasticity.

Brain and Neurological Functions:

• CB1 receptors are densely expressed in the central nervous system, with varying levels in different brain regions.
• They play a role in memory and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and influence movement and neurotransmitter release in the basal ganglia.
• Activation of CB1 receptors affects calcium entry into cells and can be modulated by synthetic ligands, impacting long-term potentiation.

Physiological Distribution:

• CB1 receptors are expressed in various tissues like the pituitary, thyroid, and reproductive organs.
• They are found in metabolism-related cells such as fat, muscle, and liver cells, as well as in the lungs, kidneys, and the retina.
• CB1 receptors are implicated in embryo development and have effects on vision perception, making them widely distributed in the body.

Pharmacological and Medical Applications:

• Selective CB1 agonists and antagonists are used for weight reduction, smoking cessation, and neuroprotection.
• Studies explore allosteric modulation of CB1 receptors and the pharmacology of plant cannabinoids.
• Medical applications include the use of cannabinoid receptor antagonists for brain injuries and the effects of various ligands on CB1 and CB2 receptor activity.

Evolutionary and Research Studies:

• The CNR1 gene is a phylogenetic marker used in exploring mammal phylogeny and identifying major clades.
• Research studies focus on the endocannabinoid system’s role in endocrine regulation, energy balance, and the effects of THC exposure on glutamate receptors.
• Evolutionary studies examine the origins of placental mammals and the phylogeny of rodents through molecular and genomic data analysis.

Cannabinoid receptor 1 Data Sources