My lab is interested in the enzymes that synthesis 2-AG, the major endocannabinoid in the body. We have provided genetic evidence for 2-AG regulating adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus and subventricular zone, and demonstrated that drugs that promote eCB signalling can prevent the normal age-related dramatic decline in neurogenesis.  The current recent focus of the lab is on the development of neurotrophin receptor agonist antibodies that can cross the blood brain barrier to promote neuronal survival in neurodegenerative disease states.

Please see my Research Staff Profile for more detail.

Key Publications:

• Bisogno et al., 2003. Cloning of the first sn1-DAG lipases points to the spatial and temporal regulation of endocannabinoid signaling in the brain. Journal of Cell Biology. 
• Gao et al., 2010. Loss of Retrograde Endocannabinoid Signaling and Reduced Adult Neurogenesis in Diacylglycerol Lipase Knock-out Mice. Journal of Neuroscience.  
• Maccarrone et al., 2014. Programming of neural cells by (endo)cannabinoids: from physiological rules to emerging therapies. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.

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Key Collaborators:

• Dr Gareth Williams, King's College London
• Dr Frank Walsh, Ossianix