Project description:Rat primary astrocytes- were treated with vehicle or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), total RNA was isolated and gene expression in response to THC treatment was studied.
Project description:The goal of the experiment is to identify gene expression changes in engineered heart tissues (EHT) composed of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells treatered with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or THC with genistein.
Project description:The study describes miRNA expression in intact duodenum following chronic delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (M-NM-^T9-THC) administration to SIV-infected rhesus macaques. Chronic M-NM-^T9-THC administration to uninfected macaques significantly and positively modulated intestinal miRNA expression by increasing the total number of differentially expressed miRNAs from 14 to 60 days post infection (DPI). At 60DPI, ~28% of miRNAs showed decreased expression in VEH/SIV compared to none in the THC/SIV group. Furthermore, compared to the VEH/SIV group, THC selectively upregulated the expression of miR-10a, miR-24, miR-99b, miR-145, miR-149 and miR-187 previously shown to target proinflammatory molecules. NOX4, a potent reactive oxygen species generator was confirmed as a direct miR-99b target. A significant increase in NOX4+ crypt epithelial cells was detected in VEH/SIV compared to the THC/SIV group. We speculate that miR-99b-mediated NOX4 downregulation may protect the intestinal epithelium from oxidative stress-induced damage. Twelve age and weight matched male Indian rhesus macaques were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group 1 (n=1) received vehicle (1:1:18 of emulphor : alcohol : saline) and no infection. Group 2 (THC only, n=3) animals received twice daily intramuscular injections of M-NM-^T9-THC and no infection. Group-3 THC/SIV, (n=4) animals received twice daily injections of vehicle and were infected intravenously with 100TCID50 of SIVmac251. Group-4 (VEH/SIV, n=4) animals received twice daily injections of M-NM-^T9-THC similar to group 1 for four weeks prior to SIV infection. Duodenal pinch biopsies were collected before infection and thereafter at 14 and 30 days post infection. All animals were necropsied at 60 days post SIV infection. ~100 ng of total RNA was first reverse transcribed and preamplified according to the manufacturerM-bM-^@M-^Ys recommendation. microRNA expression profiling was performed using TaqMan M-BM-.OpenArrayM-BM-. Human microRNA panels. Data analysis was performed using ExpressionSuiteM-BM-. software. Data was normalized to three endogenous controls (RNU44, RNU48 and snoU6). Delta CT values were calculated by subtracting individual miRNA CT values from an average of all three endogenous controls. Comparisons were made between preinfection and all three treatment groups at 14, 30 and 60 DPI. To determine the effect of chronic THC treatment during SIV infection, comparisons were also made between VEH/SIV and THC/SIV at all three time points.
Project description:Adolescent cannabis use increases the risk for cognitive impairments and psychiatric disorders. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (Cnr1) is expressed not only in neurons and astrocytes, but also in microglia, which shape synaptic connections during adolescence. Nonetheless, until now, the role of microglia in mediating the adverse cognitive effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, has been unexplored. Here, we report that adolescent THC exposure produces microglial apoptosis in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which was exacerbated in the mouse model of 16p11.2 duplication, a representative copy number variation (CNV) risk factor for psychiatric disorders. These effects are mediated by microglial Cnr1, leading to reduction in the excitability of mPFC pyramidal-tract neurons and deficits in social memory in adulthood. Our findings highlight the importance of microglial Cnr1 to produce the adverse effect of cannabis exposure in genetically vulnerable individuals.
Project description:THC, the active ingredient of cannabis has been reported to impair learning and memory in humans and in laboratory animals when administered acutely. Unfortunately, most studies have been performed with young individuals although the activity of the endocannabinoid system changes during the aging process. Here we report that low doses of Δ9-THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) improves learning and memory in old mice, enhances synaptic density, increases the expression of anti-ageing genes and decreases expression of pro-ageing genes in old but not in young animals. Δ9-THC elicited its beneficial effect through the CB1 receptors and increased histone acetylation was crucial for the long lasting effect. Elevation of the cannabinoid signaling may thus represent an exciting new approach to improve brain functions in old individuals.
Project description:Cannabis is commonly used in pregnancy for symptoms of nausea and pain, especially in the first trimester. Cannabis remains a federally illicit drug in the United States, but local legalization trends have resulted in increased availability and a decreased perception of harm. Unfortunately, limited scientifically rigorous information exists to inform decisions on use. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis) can cross the placenta and bind to cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) on the fetus. Because CB1 receptors are expressed in cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, this suggests that THC exposure may impact fetal cardiovascular development. To understand this impact, our group used an established rhesus macaque model of chronic edible THC use during pregnancy. Animals were slowly titrated to a heavy THC dose (2.5mg/7kg/day) for 4 months preconception. Dams continued this daily THC dose throughout pregnancy with c-section delivery near term. Our model showed a decreased heart-to-body weight ratio from THC exposure. We examined the underlying changes in this selective fetal growth restriction of the cardiovascular system through tissue, protein, and gene expression analyses. H istological analysis of coronal sections of the heart and cross sections of the aorta showed no changes in collagen expression or maturity. Western blot analysis of collagen III expression showed no changes in left or right ventricle. Elastin expression was also unchanged in the aorta. To assess transcriptional changes, we performed bulk RNA-sequencing of vascular cells in the fetal aorta, umbilical vein, and umbilical artery, which revealed differentially expressed genes involved in metabolism and inflammation. These results suggest potential cardiovascular harm from in utero THC exposure by altering endothelial metabolism and inflammation.
Project description:Here, we describe new information on changes in the lncRNA landscape and their potential role in the pathogenesis of HIV/SIV induced intestinal epithelial dysfunction. Our study provides relevant novel insights on the protective role of the natural anti-sense lncRNA MMP25-AS1 in the colonic epithelium (CE) and its modulation by long-term controlled delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration during chronic HIV/SIV infection. More specifically, we demonstrate a novel epigenetic mechanism in maintaining intestinal homeostasis by MMP25-AS1 upregulated by THC in CE via direct counteraction of matrix metalloproteinase 25 (MMP25) expression.
Project description:The study describes miRNA expression in intact duodenum following chronic delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) administration to SIV-infected rhesus macaques. Chronic Δ9-THC administration to uninfected macaques significantly and positively modulated intestinal miRNA expression by increasing the total number of differentially expressed miRNAs from 14 to 60 days post infection (DPI). At 60DPI, ~28% of miRNAs showed decreased expression in VEH/SIV compared to none in the THC/SIV group. Furthermore, compared to the VEH/SIV group, THC selectively upregulated the expression of miR-10a, miR-24, miR-99b, miR-145, miR-149 and miR-187 previously shown to target proinflammatory molecules. NOX4, a potent reactive oxygen species generator was confirmed as a direct miR-99b target. A significant increase in NOX4+ crypt epithelial cells was detected in VEH/SIV compared to the THC/SIV group. We speculate that miR-99b-mediated NOX4 downregulation may protect the intestinal epithelium from oxidative stress-induced damage.
Project description:Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and an exogenous ligand of the endocannabinoid system. In previous studies, we demonstrated that a single microdose of THC (0.002mg/kg, 3–4 orders of magnitude lower than the standard dose for rodents) exerts distinct, long-term neuroprotection in model mice subjected to acute neurological insults. When administered to old, healthy mice, the THC microdose induced remarkable long-lasting (weeks) improvement in a wide range of cognitive functions, including significant morphological and biochemical brain alterations. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects, we analyzed the gene expression of hippocampal samples from the model mice. Samples taken 5 days after THC treatment showed significant differential expression of genes associated with neurogenesis and brain development. In samples taken 5 weeks after treatment, the transcriptional signature was shifted to that of neuronal differentiation and survival. This study demonstrated the use of hippocampal transcriptome profiling in uncovering the molecular basis of the atypical, anti- aging effects of THC microdose treatment in old mice.
Project description:The study describes miRNA expression in colon tissue following delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) administration to chronically SIV-infected rhesus macaques. To identify the underlying molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects, we simultaneously profiled miRNA and mRNA expression in colon of chronically simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) administered either vehicle (VEH/SIV; n=9) or Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; THC/SIV; n=8). Relative to controls, differentially expressed miRNAs were ~2 fold higher in VEH/SIV than THC/SIV RMs. Proinflammatory miR-130a, miR-222 and miR-29b, Lipopolysaccharide-responsive miR-146b-5p and SIV-induced miR-190b were significantly upregulated in VEH/SIV RMs. Compared to VEH/SIV RMs, 10 miRNAs were significantly upregulated in THC-SIV RMs, among which miR-204 was confirmed to directly target MMP8, an extracellular matrix-degrading collagenase that was significantly downregulated in THC/SIV RMs. Moreover, THC/SIV RMs failed to upregulate proinflammatory miR-21, miR-141 and miR-222 and alpha/beta defensins, suggesting attenuated intestinal inflammation. Further, THC/SIV RMs showed higher expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-3), anti-inflammatory MUC13, keratin-8 (stress protection), PROM1 (epithelial proliferation) and anti-HIV CCL5. Trichrome mason staining detected significant collagen deposition (fibrosis) in the paracortex and B cell follicular zones of axillary lymph nodes from all VEH/SIV but none of the THC/SIV RMs, thus demonstrating the ability of THC to prevent lymph node fibrosis, a serious irreversible consequence of HIV induced chronic inflammation. Furthermore, using flow cytometry, we showed that THC suppressed intestinal T cell proliferation/activation (Ki67/HLADR) and exhaustion (PD1) and increased the percentages of anti-inflammatory CD163+ macrophages. Finally, while THC did not affect CD4+ T cell levels, it significantly reduced CD8+ T cell percentages in blood at 150 and 180 days post SIV infection. These translational findings strongly support a role for differential miRNA/gene induction and T cell activation in THC-mediated suppression of intestinal inflammation in HIV/SIV and potentially other chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine.