Characterization of a Mammalian Endocannabinoid Hydrolyzing Enzyme in Physcomitrella patens

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

7-21-2019

Description

The discovery of a mammalian endocannabinoid, anandamide (N-arachidonylethanolamide; AEA or NAE 20:4) in Physcomitrella patens but not in higher plants prompted our interest in characterizing its metabolism and physiological role in the early land plant. Anandamide acts as an endocannabinoid ligand in the mammalian central and peripheral systems and mediates various physiological responses. Endocannabinoid signaling is terminated by a membrane-bound fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Based on sequence identity and in silico analyses, we identified nine orthologs of human and Arabidopsis FAAH in P. patens (PpFAAH1 to PpFAAH9). Predicted structural analysis revealed that all the nine PpFAAH contain characteristic amidase signature sequence with a highly conserved catalytic triad and share a number of key features of both plant and animal FAAH. These include a membrane binding cap, membrane access channel, substrate binding pocket and as well as potential for dimerization. Among the nine, gene expression levels for PpFAAH1 and PpFAAH9 were enhanced with exogenous anandamide treatment. Further cloning and heterologous expression, followed by radiolabeled in vitro enzyme assays revealed that PpFAAH1 activity was optimal at 37 °C and pH 8.0. Furthermore, PpFAAH1 showed higher specificity to NAE 20:4 than to other N-acylethanolamines such as NAE 16:0. Highest in planta amide hydrolase activity was noted in microsomes of gametophyte tissues, suggesting the possibility for membrane localization of active FAAH. Interestingly, when FAAH1 was overexpressed, the moss cultures not only showed reduced growth but their transition from protonemal stage to gametophyte was inhibited, which was rescued in part by exogenous AEA. Unlike overexpressors of AtFAAH1, which showed enhanced growth and hypersensitivity to abscisic acid, PpFAAH1 overexpressors showed tolerance to abscisic acid. Together, these data suggest that the occurrence of anandamide and distinct properties of PpFAAH1 in early land plants have physiological implications that are different from that of higher plants.

Location

Johnson City, TN

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