siRNA knockdown of GPR18 receptors in BV-2 microglia attenuates N-arachidonoyl glycine-induced cell migration

Background: Neurons are known to employ the endogenous cannabinoid system to communicate with other cells of the CNS. Endocannabioid signaling recruits microglia toward neurons by engaging cannabinoid CB₂ and abnormal cannabidiol (Abn-CBD) receptors. The Abn-CBD receptor is a prominent atypical cannabinoid receptor that had been discriminated by means of various pharmacological and genetic tools but remained to be identified at the molecular level. We recently introduced N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) signaling via GPR18 receptors as an important novel signaling mechanism in microglial-neuronal communication. NAGly is an endogenous, enzymatically oxygenated metabolite of the endocannabinoid N-arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA). Our recent studies support strongly two hypotheses; first that NAGly initiates directed microglial migration in the CNS through activation of GPR18, and second that GPR18 is the Abn-CBD receptor. Here we present siRNA knockdown data in further support of these hypotheses.

Findings: A GPR18-targetting siRNA pSUPER G418 GFP cDNA plasmid was created and transfected into BV-2 microglia. Successfully transfected GFP⁺ GPR18 siRNA BV-2 microglia displayed reduced GPR18 mRNA levels and immunocytochemical staining. Cell migration induced by 1 μM concentrations of NAGly, O-1602 and Abn-CBD were significantly attenuated in GFP⁺ cells.

Conclusions: Our data provide definitive evidence that these compounds, characteristic of Abn-CBD receptor pharmacology, are acting via GPR18 in BV-2 microglia. A fuller understanding of the hitherto unidentified cannabinoid receptors such as GPR18; their molecular interactions with endogenous ligands; and how phytocannabinoids influence their signaling is vital if we are to comprehensively assess the function of the endogenous cannabinoid signaling system in human health and disease.