CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor Targets Mitogenic Gi Protein–Cyclin D1 Axis in Osteoblasts
2011
CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor and Osteoblast Growth
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Ofek Orr, Attar-Namdar Malka, Kram Vardit, Dvir-Ginzberg Mona, Mechoulam Raphael, Zimmer Andreas, Frenkel Baruch, Shohami Esther, Bab Itai
Primary Institution: Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Hypothesis
CB2 activation stimulates osteoblast proliferation through a specific signaling pathway.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that CB2 activation enhances osteoblast proliferation via the Erk1/2 and Mapkapk2 signaling pathways.
Supporting Evidence
- CB2 is expressed in bone cells and its activation can rescue ovariectomy-induced bone loss.
- CB2 activation stimulates osteoblast proliferation and increases the number of bone marrow colony-forming units.
- Selective and nonselective CB2 agonists were found to be mitogenic in osteoblast cultures.
- Activation of CB2 enhances CREB transcriptional activity and cyclin D1 mRNA expression.
Takeaway
When certain compounds activate a receptor called CB2 in bone cells, it helps those cells grow and multiply, which is important for bone health.
Methodology
The study involved cell cultures of osteoblasts and various assays to measure cell proliferation and signaling pathways.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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