Marijuana to Moss: Discovery of Plant Endocannabinoids
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
1-1-2015
Description
The elucidation of the binding of marijuana’s psychoactive compound, (-)-D9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), to specific membrane receptors, in the early 1990s, led to the identification of endogenous arachidonate-based lipids that activate cannabinoid receptors in mammals. While the metabolic and signaling pathway for these 20 carbon N-acylethanolamines (NAE) and their derivatives has been well characterized in mammals, thus far, only 12-18 carbon NAEs have been identified in plants and their metabolic pathway has been partly characterized. In plants, NAEs have been shown to modulate a number of physiological processes, including seed and seedling development and ability to respond to stress; however, the mechanisms by which they function remain to be elucidated. Our recent identification of a 20C NAE (arachidonylethanolamide) in moss provided us with an exciting possibility to identify receptor-mediated endocannabinoid signaling responses in plants that is akin to mammals. In this seminar, I will provide insights into the past, present and future aspects of plant endocannabinoid research.
Location
Athens, OH
Citation Information
Kilaru, Aruna. (false). 2015. Marijuana to Moss: Discovery of Plant Endocannabinoids. University of Ohio, Athens, OH. https://www.ohio-forum.com/2015/04/pbio-colloquium-marijuanna-moss-discovery-plant-endocannabinoids-april-17/