How rare cannabis compounds are made and how they act in the body
Biosynthesis and biological mechanism of minor cannabinoids
This project will make rare cannabis compounds and study how they act on human receptors and in animals to look for possible medical uses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11222291 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use new biocatalytic chemistry to produce rare “minor” cannabinoids so there is enough material to test. The compounds will be tested in human receptor assays and in mouse models to see how they bind receptors and change biological activity. The team will explore interactions between cannabinoid (CB) systems and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors to clarify mechanisms of action. Findings aim to point to promising compounds for future therapeutic development or to improve understanding of safety and effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who use or might use cannabinoid-based therapies for conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, or neurological disorders could be candidates for future clinical studies based on this work.
Not a fit: People not interested in cannabis-related treatments or those seeking immediate personal benefit are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify new cannabis-derived medicines or clarify how minor cannabinoids affect the brain and body, guiding safer and more targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Mainstream cannabinoids like THC and CBD have demonstrated clinical effects in some settings, but most minor cannabinoids are largely untested; early lab data (e.g., CBC phosphate acting on LPA1) suggest novel targets worth following up.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Bradley S — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Moore, Bradley S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.