GPR55 inhibits the pro-adipogenic activity of anandamide in human adipose stromal cells

Exp Cell Res. 2024 Feb 1;435(1):113908. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113908. Epub 2023 Dec 30.

Abstract

The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) stimulates adipogenesis via the cannabinoid receptor CB1 in adipose stromal cells (ASCs). However, AEA interacts also with nonclassical cannabinoid receptors, including transient receptor potential cation channel (TRPV)1 and G protein-coupled receptor (GPR)55. Their roles in AEA mediated adipogenesis of human ASCs have not been investigated. We examined the receptor-expressions by immunostaining on human ASCs and tested their functionality by measuring the expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) related to the transcription factor-complex AP-1 upon exposition to receptor agonists. Cells were stimulated with increasing concentrations of specific ligands to investigate the effects on ASC viability (proliferation and metabolic activity), secretory activity, and AEA mediated differentiation. ASCs expressed both receptors, and their activation suppressed IEG expression. TRPV1 did not affect viability or cytokine secretion. GPR55 decreased proliferation, and it inhibited the release of hepatocyte growth factor. Blocking GPR55 increased the pro-adipogenic activity of AEA. These data suggest that GPR55 functions as negative regulator of cannabinoid mediated pro-adipogenic capacity in ASCs.

Keywords: Adipocyte; Adipogenic differentiation; Adipose stem cells; Endocannabinoid system; Nonclassical cannabinoid receptor.

MeSH terms

  • Adipogenesis*
  • Arachidonic Acids*
  • Endocannabinoids* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides / metabolism
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • anandamide
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • GPR55 protein, human
  • Arachidonic Acids