Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Molecular mechanisms of phytocannabinoid-protein interactions in the brain

Award Number: K99AT013581
ORGANIZATION: CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH, NIH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/02/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2028

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Molecular mechanisms of phytocannabinoid-protein interactions in the brain - Project Summary/Abstract Phytocannabinoids are a family of structurally diverse, neuroactive molecules increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential due to regulatory changes and positive clinical data in pain management. However, the corresponding molecular descriptions of these biological activities remain incomplete. This is especially true for minor cannabinoids, like cannabichromenes (CBC-type), which are understudied compared to the “big two,” Δ9-THC and CBD. Furthermore, the proposed “entourage effect,” a hypothesis that combinations of phytocannabinoids may produce enhanced or unique biological outcomes, lacks a clear molecular explanation. Together, rising use and limited molecular insights highlight a critical knowledge gap: we do not know the full landscape of phytocannabinoid-protein interactions, nor how these interactions shape pharmacology. Filling this gap is critical for clarifying Cannabis biology and identifying new therapeutic opportunities in pain management. This proposal defines the molecular basis for phytocannabinoid activity in the brain through interdisciplinary enzymology/biochemical and chemoproteomic approaches. My discovery that CBC-type cannabinoids interact with a kinase that phosphorylates the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) supports the central hypothesis that these compounds modulate pain-relevant signaling pathways. Because chemical modification of AEA regulates its signaling behavior, (i.e. AEA activates cannabinoid receptors while the phosphorylated form (AEAp) engages lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors) this discovery suggests that exposure to phytocannabinoids shifts the balance between endocannabinoid and LPA signaling. Such modulation has significant implications for understanding how phytocannabinoid exposure affects human pain physiology. Building on this foundation, chemoproteomic profiling will be employed to discover and characterize additional protein targets of phytocannabinoids relevant to pain management and to distinguish interactions unique to individual molecules versus combinations. These studies will provide the first molecular framework for understanding the entourage effect, open whole new avenues of biology to pursue related to cannabinoid pharmacology and pain management, and foster the development of an independent research program with significant potential for advancing of the overall mission of the NIH. The proposal is paired with a focused career development plan that complements my existing strengths in enzymology, biochemistry, and natural product biosynthesis with new training in chemoproteomics and brain- relevant cell-based assays. My mentoring team, Dr. Bradley Moore and Dr. Benjamin Cravatt, alongside my collaborators, bring complementary expertise to the proposed research plan. Altogether, the training plan, mentorship team, and scientific proposal have been specifically crafted to provide the technical, conceptual and professional foundation for launching an independent research program at the interface of chemistry, neurobiology, and human health.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $126,003 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO	9500 GILMAN DR	LA JOLLA	CA	92093	SAN DIEGO	USA	Research and Training in Complementary and Integrative Health	000	1	9/4/2026	NEW	$126,003
														Subtotal = $126,003

Grand Total All Awards = $126,003

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Molecular mechanisms of phytocannabinoid-protein interactions in the brain

Award Number: K99AT013581

ORGANIZATION: CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH, NIH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/02/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2028

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer