A Complete Endocannabinoid Signaling System Modulates Synaptic Transmission between Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons

Melissa J Asher, Hannah M McMullan, Ao Dong, Yulong Li, Stanley A. Thayer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulates synaptic function to regulate many aspects of neurophysiology. It adapts to environmental changes and is affected by disease. Thus, the ECS presents an important target for therapeutic development. Despite recent interest in cannabinoid-based treatments, few preclinical studies are conducted in human systems. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide one possible solution to this issue. However, it is not known if these cells have a fully functional ECS. Here, we show that hiPSC-derived neuron/astrocyte cultures exhibit a complete ECS. Using Ca2+ imaging and a genetically encoded endocannabinoid sensor, we demonstrate that they not only respond to exogenously applied cannabinoids but also produce and metabolize endocannabinoids. Synaptically driven [Ca2+]i spiking activity was inhibited (EC505 48 ± 13 nM) by the efficacious agonist [R(1)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl)methyl]pyrolol [1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-yl]-(1-naphthalenyl)methanone mesylate] (Win 55,212-2) and by the endogenous ligand 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG; EC50 5 2.0 ± 0.6 mm). The effects of Win 55212-2 were blocked by a CB1 receptor-selective antagonist. D9-Tetrahydrocannabinol acted as a partial agonist, maximally inhibiting synaptic activity by 47 ± 14% (EC50 5 1.4 ± 1.9 mm). Carbachol stimulated 2-AG production in a manner that was independent of Ca2+ and blocked by selective inhibition of diacylglycerol lipase. 2-AG returned to basal levels via a process mediated bymonoacylglycerol lipase as indicated by slowed recovery in cultures treated with 4-[Bis(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)hydroxymethyl]-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 4-nitrophenyl ester (JZL 184). Win 55,212-2 markedly desensitized CB1 receptor function following a 1-day exposure, whereas desensitization was incomplete following 7-day treatment with JZL 184. This human cell culture model is well suited for functional analysis of the ECS and as a platformfor drug development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)100-112
Number of pages13
JournalMolecular Pharmacology
Volume103
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work was made possible by National Institutes of Health grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse [Grant DA07304] (to S.A.T.) and the National Institute of Mental Health [Grant MH122193] (to S.A.T.) and support from the Viral Vector and Cloning Core/Viral Innovation Core [Grant P30 DA048742-01A1].

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article

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