Epigenetics and the endocannabinoid system signaling: An intricate interplay modulating neurodevelopment

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2020

Autores

Gomes, TM (Autor) Outra; da Silva, DD (Autor) Outra; Helena Carmo (Autor) FFUP; Felix Carvalho (Autor) FFUP; Silva, JP (Autor) Outra

Revista

Título: Pharmacological Research

Vol. 162

ISSN: 1043-6618

Editora: Elsevier

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citações

Scopus - 0 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00S-ZBJ

DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105237

Abstract (EN): The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is a complex system comprising endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs), their synthesis and degradation enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors. These elements crucially regulate several biological processes during neurodevelopment, such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Recently, eCBs were also reported to have an epigenetic action on genes that play key functions in the neurotransmitter signaling, consequently regulating their expression. In turn, epigenetic modifications (e.g. DNA methylation, histone modifications) may also modulate the function of eCB system's elements. For example, the expression of the cnr gene in the central nervous system may be epigenetically regulated (e.g. DNA methylation, histone modifications), thus altering the function of the cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1R). Considering the importance of the eCB system during neurodevelopment, it is thus reasonable to expect that alterations in this interaction between the eCB system and epigenetic modifications may give rise to neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review key concepts related to the regulation of neuronal function by the eCB system and the different types of epigenetic modifications. In particular, we focus on the mechanisms involved in the intricate interplay between both signaling systems and how they control cell fate during neurodevelopment. Noteworthy, such mechanistic understanding assumes high relevance considering the implications of the dysregulation of key neumgenic processes towards the onset of neurodevelopment-related disorders. Moreover, considering the increasing popularity of cannabis and its synthetic derivatives among young adults, it becomes of utmost importance to understand how exogenous cannabinoids may epigenetically impact neurodevelopment.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 14