Understanding how arrestin proteins interact with cannabinoid receptors
Official title: Entropic Redistribution Drives the GRK-Independent Binding of Arrestin 2 to the Cannabinoid 2 Receptor
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10898228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body, which could help us understand and improve treatments for mood issues, anxiety, and addiction, using advanced technology to see these interactions up close.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DA060484-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, or addiction issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to mood regulation or cannabinoid receptor signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of arrestin proteins in the signaling pathways of cannabinoid receptors, specifically focusing on the Cannabinoid 2 Receptor (CB2). By exploring how these proteins bind to receptors without the influence of certain kinases, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that govern their function. Patients may benefit from insights into how these interactions affect mood regulation, anxiety, and addiction disorders, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. The research employs advanced techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to visualize these complex interactions at a molecular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for mood disorders and addiction by targeting the mechanisms of cannabinoid receptor signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding GPCR signaling, but this specific approach to arrestin and cannabinoid receptor interaction is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shriver, Thomas — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Shriver, Thomas
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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.