# Impact of THC on Extracellular Vesicle Signaling

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2022 · $64,648

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Given the recent increase in cannabis use in the US, there is an urgent need to more clearly understand the
effects of cannabinoids on central and peripheral signaling mechanisms. The main psychoactive component in
cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been shown to act directly on the cannabinoid receptors. These
receptors are expressed in both central and peripheral cellular populations that have been shown to secrete
extracellular vesicles, including the choroid plexus, neurons, glia, and adipocytes. The main goals of this
proposal are to investigate the effects of THC on extracellular vesicle signaling in the brain and blood and to
identify a panel of biomarkers related to THC use. To further validate the selectivity of the biomarker profile, RNA
expression patterns will be compared in the presence of another drug commonly co-used with cannabis, nicotine.
Thereafter, we will determine whether THC’s effects on extracellular vesicle density and RNA cargo can be
attributed to release from dopaminergic cells in the ventral tegmental area, a brain region shown to mediate the
reinforcing and rewarding properties of drugs of abuse. By systematically examining changes in extracellular
vesicle signaling with THC exposure and relating to drug co-use conditions, these studies seek to reveal
important insights into central and peripheral extracellular signaling dynamics. Moreover, this diversity
supplement will support the research and career development training for Ms. Samantha Cheeks. She will
receive individualized mentorship and research training as she discovers the dynamics underlying extracellular
vesicle signaling in the brain. This training opportunity will thereby provide an important foundation for her to
excel in graduate school while acquiring critical tools for her future career as a leading scientist in the field.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10498682
- **Project number:** 3R01DA051831-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** CHRISTIE D FOWLER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $64,648
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-06-15 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10498682

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10498682, Impact of THC on Extracellular Vesicle Signaling (3R01DA051831-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10498682. Licensed CC0.

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