The expression of cannabinoid-related genes in multiple disease cell lines

The endocannabinoid system comprises a series of ligands and receptors that have putative roles in regulating physiological and cognitive processes such as pre- and post-natal development, appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. Besides the endocannabinoids, these endogenous receptors are also capable of mediating the pharmacological effects of phytocannabinoids, which are derived from the cannabis plant. We sought to interrogate a panel of cell lines, representative of multiple human diseases, to characterize their cannabinoid-mediating gene expression. We found all lines expressed one or more gene product that rendered the cell potentially responsive to cannabinoids. Moreover, the expression profiles differed between normal and cancerous cells, as well as between cells derived from the brain, pancreas, and skin. Taken together, given the presence of one or more of these mediating gene products, our findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for phytocannabinoids.