Hebert-Chatelain 2019b MiP2019

Mitochondria get stoned by cannabinoid receptors.

Link: MiP2019

Hebert-Chatelain E (2019)

Event: MiP2019

Cannabinoid receptors (CB₁) are powerful regulators of brain physiology and cognition. These inhibitors of synaptic transmission are activated by exo-cannabinoids (such as the psychoactive THC from Cannabis sativa) and endocannabinoids (that are produced directly in human cells). As other G protein-coupled receptors, CB₁ are classically seen as plasma membrane proteins ideally located to convert extracellular stimuli into intracellular responses. Recent evidence however demonstrated important roles for intracellular CB₁ in higher brain functions. Notably, CB₁ receptors are functionally present in mitochondrial membranes (mtCB₁) in different types of brain cells. Activation of mtCB₁ slows down complex I activity, oxygen consumption and mitochondrial trafficking in several cell types. The impact of mtCB₁ activation on higher brain functions appears however cell type- and brain region- specific. Although it is well known that chronic mitochondrial dysfunctions can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, these novel findings highlight the role of acute modulation of cell type-specific mitochondrial activity in brain physiology and behavior.

• Bioblast editor: Plangger M, Tindle-Solomon L

Labels: MiParea: mt-Membrane, Pharmacology;toxicology 

Tissue;cell: Nervous system 

Affiliations

Canada Research Chair Mitochondrial Signaling Physiopathology, Univ Moncton, Canada