Coordinated epigenetic dysregulation of CNR1 and FAAH genes drives endocannabinoid system dysfunction in anorexia nervosa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder with limited biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. We investigated endocannabinoid system (ECS) dysregulation in AN through integrated epigenetic and genetic analysis of saliva.

Methods

We analyzed DNA methylation patterns of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) genes, characterized genetic polymorphisms, and quantified expression of exosomal microRNAs targeting these genes in AN patients versus healthy controls.

Results

We discovered a novel bidirectional epigenetic dysregulation of the ECS: CNR1 promoter hypermethylation coupled with FAAH promoter hypomethylation. This dual-target mechanism systematically impairs endocannabinoid signaling by simultaneously r

SUBMITTER: Gilardini F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12771889 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature