BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Talks.cam//talks.cam.ac.uk//
X-WR-CALNAME:Talks.cam
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Explaining variations in responses to cannabis: molecular findings
  of CB1-5HT2A heteromers in humans - Dr Liliana Galindo (Department of Psy
 chiatry\, University of Cambridge)
DTSTART:20200308T134000Z
DTEND:20200308T142000Z
UID:TALK140860@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Trinity College Science Society
DESCRIPTION:Clinical findings suggested that there is an important variety
  of effects and in many cases\, positive effects and benefits in their men
 tal health. In part\, these differences can be explained by the difference
 s in dose and composition of the cannabis (balance THC/CBD)\, but part is 
 related with individual vulnerability. To explore the possible molecular b
 iological mechanism underline we used in-vitro human cultures of stem cell
 s comparing groups of smokers and non-smokers of cannabis with and without
  a personal history of psychosis. \n\nWe investigated the expression level
 s and functionality of CB1R-5HT2AR heteromers in human olfactory neuroepit
 helial cells of cannabis users and control subjects and determined their m
 olecular characteristics. We also assessed whether heteromer expression le
 vels correlated with cannabis consumption\, personal history of psychotic 
 experiences and the cognitive performance. \n\nInterestingly\, CB1R-5HT2AR
  heteromer expression was significantly positively correlated with the amo
 unt of cannabis consumed\, and negatively with age of onset of cannabis us
 e. A negative correlation was found between heteromer expression levels an
 d attention and working memory performance\, and a positive correlation wi
 th the incidence of psychotic/paranoid. Our findings suggest that the form
 ation of CB1R-5HT2AR heteromers may have a key role in the incidence of ps
 ychotic symptoms and negative cognitive processing. These heterodimers cou
 ld be potential new targets to develop treatment alternatives for psychosi
 s and cognitive impairments related with cannabis use.
LOCATION:Winstanley Lecture Hall\, Trinity College
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR