Endocannabinoid signalling and the neurobehavioural development of forebrain circuits

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The development and emergence of many behavioural profiles occurs within distinct windows during development where there is a high degree of malleability within the brain. The endocannabinoid system, which was discovered as the biological target of THC from cannabis, has been found to be a critical player in both brain plasticity and development. Despite the fact that we know endocannabinoid signalling is important for cognitive and social behaviours, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding the distinct role of endocannabinoid activity in the brain with respect to specific developmental time frames of these behaviours. The aim of this grant is to examine the role of the endocannabinoid system in the development and maturation of the growing brain, with a particular focus on its role in the development of social behaviours (sexual activity, social interaction and play behaviours) and complex cognitive functions. This research will combine analysis of brain architecture and behavioural repertoires to be able to relate changes in brain structure during development with emerging behaviours. Collectively, this research may help us to understand some of the driving forces that shape our brain into the complex organ that it is.