The Role of Sterol Carrier Protein 2 in the Endocannabinoid System

• Published in: The FASEB journal 2012-04, Vol.26 (S1)
• Main Authors: Osademe, Anwuri, Sosa-Gonzalez, Sonia, Miller, Briana, Leachmon, Gabriella, Osademe, Ngozi, Cobb, Michaun, Gonzalez, David, Johnson, Carol, Liedhegner, Elizabeth Sabens, Hillard, Cecilia J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0892-6638; 1530-6860
• DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.lb260

Abstract only The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in diverse disorders such as anxiety, addiction, eating and memory disorders. The ECS is found throughout the body and consists of two lipid signaling molecules, N‐arachidonylethanolamine (AEA) and 2‐ arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), and their target receptor, CB1R. In the brain, these ligands bind to CB1R and modulate the release of neurotransmitters from nerve cells resulting in changes in synaptic transmission. Disorders result when levels of AEA and 2‐AG are either too high or too low. While 2‐AG is synthesized at the plasma membrane (PM), AEA is produced in the ER and may require an intracellular carrier protein to move through the cytoplasm to the PM where it is released. The lipid binding protein, sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP‐2) is hypothesized to transport AEA due to its ability to bind to membranes and its nonspecific hydrophobic binding pocket. This proposed binding pocket is composed of 2 alpha helices, 3 beta sheets and the core hydrophobic amino acid residues F13, F27, F35, F37 and F80. The Messmer SMART Team (Students Modeling A Research Topic) created a model of SCP‐2 using 3D printing technology. Understanding the structure of SCP2 and how this protein might regulate AEA and 2‐AG levels could lead to possible new treatments for debilitating mood, appetite, memory and anxiety disorders. Supported by grants from NIH‐SEPA and NIH‐CTSA