Expression and Function of Cannabinoid Receptors CB1 and CB2 and Their Cognate Cannabinoid Ligands in Murine Embryonic Stem Cells
2007

Cannabinoid Receptors in Murine Embryonic Stem Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jiang Shuxian, Fu Yigong, Williams John, Wood JodiAnne, Pandarinathan Lakshmipathi, Avraham Shiri, Makriyannis Alexandros, Avraham Shalom, Avraham Hava Karsenty

Primary Institution: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School

Hypothesis

CB1 and CB2 play regulatory roles in the hematopoietic differentiation of ES cells and that endocannabinoids are important for the survival of ES cells.

Conclusion

The study reveals that cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are crucial for the survival and differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • CB1 and CB2 receptors were significantly induced during the hematopoietic differentiation of murine ES-derived embryoid bodies.
  • Endocannabinoids were found to be involved in the survival of murine ES cells.
  • Treatment with cannabinoid ligands increased hematopoietic differentiation of ES cells.

Takeaway

This study shows that certain receptors in stem cells help them grow and change into different types of cells, which is important for making blood cells.

Methodology

The study used RT-PCR and Western blot analyses to examine the expression of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids in murine embryonic stem cells and embryoid bodies.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0000641

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication