Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Title : | Cannabinoid Receptor Signaling in Megakaryocyte Development: Significance in Neuro-Immune Regulation |
Area of research : | Life Sciences & Biotechnology |
Principal Investigator : | Prof. Ravi Kumar Gutti, University Of Hyderabad, Telangana |
Timeline Start Year : | 2023 |
Timeline End Year : | 2026 |
Contact info : | guttiravi@gmail.com |
Details
Executive Summary : | Megakaryocytes (MKs) belong to myeloid lineage which produce platelets that are responsible for normal blood clotting. Thrombocytopenia defined as a low platelet count disorder can increase the risk of hemorrhage. Various signaling pathways such as TLR, TGFβ and Wnt including thrombopoietin pathway are known to play a role in megakaryocyte maturation and platelet release. The molecular mechanisms underlying the development have not been elucidated, and lack of such knowledge has significantly impaired our ability to understand and treat the bleeding disorders effectively. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex physiological network involved in creating homeostasis and maintaining human health. Studies of the last 40 years have shown that endocannabinoids (ECs), with their set of receptors, function as one of the most important physiological systems in human body. ECs and cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) are found throughout the body: in the brain tissues and immune cells. Plethora of research highlight the role of endocannabinoids in neuronal differentiation and associated disorders. However, most immune cells and hematopoietic cells do express these bioactive lipids (ECs) and their receptors but adequate amount of research is not available on the role of endocannabinoid system in immune and hematopoietic cells, more specifically on megakaryocyte. We anticipate that the studies proposed here will identify newer insight of endocannabinoid system in immune and hematopoietic cells such as megakaryocyte (platelet producing cells). Characterizing the pathways will help in defining main pathways involved in developmental megakaryocytopoiesis and give a better understanding of megakaryocyte disorders and enhance our understanding of megakaryocyte biology as a whole. The broad objectives of the study include 1- To characterize the contribution of endocannabinoid and cannabinoid receptors in MK development. 2- To establish the pathway through which cannabinoid receptor regulates MK development. This study on characterization of ECs may provide new mechanistic insights and therapeutic targets for hematopoietic defects potentially associated with other disorders which can provide newer insights of neuro-immune interactions. |
Total Budget (INR): | 42,49,696 |
Organizations involved