Approved Research

The immuno-modulatory role of cannabinoid receptor 2

Lay summary

We aim to elucidate the genotypic significance of CNR2 in phenotypes fueled by inflammation, including cancer, anemia and osteoporosis. Inflammation is implicated in many other diseases, and at least 7% of the global population suffers from such conditions. As much as 40% of all men and women will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime. The endocannabinoid system is known to play a part in the development and progression of these processes. Specifically, CNR2 is expressed on immune and bone cells and regulates said systems by a number of mechanisms-migration, proliferation, and polarization. CB2-/- mice exhibit enhanced bone loss, impaired hematopoiesis, and have an exacerbated inflammatory phenotype in chemically-induced models of cancer and chronic and acute inflammation. In relation to humans, we hypothesize those containing less active isoforms of CNR2 will echo-to some extent-the murine phenotype: an exacerbated immune response, wherein incidence of cancer, bone loss, and anemia is higher. This work is pivotal in expanding our knowledge of protective endogenous systems for precision medicine across many disciplines.

The analysis will take approximately 36 months, as we have multiple fields of study.