Structure Function of CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor

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 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Structure-function characterization of a key protein component of the endocannabinoid system, the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), is the central focus of this research proposal. It aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the structural basis of CB1 function, with the ultimate translational goal of establishing a robust structure-based drug design (SBDD) program based on experimentally determined 3-dimensional structures. The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of lipid ligands, receptors, and metabolic enzymes involved in a wide range of important physiological processes, including nociception, inflammation, sleep, and drug addiction. As with other G protein coupled receptors, CB1 can exhibit preferential signaling events in response to different ligands. This functional selectivity offers the opportunity to discover new medications with improved pharmacological profiles, enhanced therapeutic properties and reduced side effects. The study will provide the structural basis for the design and development of functionally distinct CB1 selective compounds as useful pharmacological tools and/or leads for the future development of therapeutics. Several crystal structures will be solved to better understand molecular recognition, signaling, and to assist in the design of novel compounds that could then serve as prototypes for later generation leads and drug candidates. The study has three specific aims: (1) Design and synthesize covalent ligands representing key classes of cannabinergic ligands that have been shown to have distinct functional profiles, (2) Develop a better understanding of the CB1 orthosteric binding site by solving the 3D structure of several receptor-ligand complexes, and (3) Develop a better understanding of the CB1 active state by solving the structure of the CB1 signaling complex.