Cannabinoid Receptor Signal Transduction Pathways

Abstract

The cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 each couple to intracellular G proteins in order to transduce agonist binding into a cellular response. Signalling by the two receptors can differ markedly, as indeed can signal transduction through each individual receptor in response to various ligands. The divergence of signalling is regulated at various stages—from G protein coupling to activation of effectors, and in many cases appears to be cell type specific. This review will initially examine the ability of CB1 and CB2 to activate G proteins, and then look at downstream pathways, both G protein dependent and independent, that are activated by these receptors.