Structural basis of THC analog activity at the Cannabinoid 1 receptor.

ABSTRACT: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant Cannabis sativa and approved for emetic conditions, appetite stimulation and sleep apnea relief. THC's psychoactive actions are mediated primarily by the cannabinoid receptor CB₁. Here, we determine the cryo-EM structure of HU210, a THC analog and widely used tool compound, bound to CB₁ and its primary transducer, G_i1. We leverage this structure for docking and 1000 ns molecular dynamics simulations of THC and 10 structural analogs delineating their spatiotemporal interactions at the molecular level. Furthermore, we pharmacologically profile their recruitment of G_i and β-arrestins and reversibility of binding from an active complex. By combining deta

SUBMITTER: Thorsen TS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11711184 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature