Nicolas Lee L&S Biological Sciences
Cannabinoid inhibition of mechanosensitive K+ channels
Epilepsy will affect 1 in 26 people throughout their life, and is currently active in about 2.9 million U.S. adults. It remains difficult to treat, with many patients continuing to experience seizures despite being medicated. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, has become prominent in clinical settings for its anti-epileptic effects. Even so, the molecular basis behind CBD’s anti-epileptic effects remain unknown. Recent studies at the Brohawn Lab have illustrated CBD as a potent inhibitor of mechanosensitive two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channels, including TRAAK and TREK-1 that regulate electric signaling in neurons (Docter et. al, 2024). 5 TRAAK mutations have been reported to be related to epileptic and neurodevelopmental disorders in humans (Krygier et. al, 2024). They discovered that these mutants retain sensitivity to CBD, suggesting CBD may be viable for patients with these mutations. This proposed project aims to gain some insight into the molecular basis of CBD’s antiepileptic effects, by determining CBD’s mechanism of inhibition of TRAAK channels.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you so much for supporting my research this summer! I am grateful for the opportunity to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind CBD's inhibition of TRAAK channels, as I am interested in exploring how this could help explain its anti-epileptic effects. This experience will be instrumental in preparing me for a PhD program in neuroscience by allowing me to navigate independent research and connect with my peers.