PROJECT SUMMARY The cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor is a promising pharmacotherapeutic target for many diseases as evidenced by a large body of preclinical and clinical data showing efficacy treating drug dependence/addiction, pain, obesity/metabolic syndrome, and others. Unfortunately drugs developed that target the CB1 receptor either directly or indirectly have had limited success, i.e. dronabinol produces undesired psychoactivity, rimonabant produces depression/suicidal ideation, and PF-04457845 did not demonstrate efficacy. Important considerations in the therapeutic vs. nontherapeutic effects of CB1 activation are the various signaling pathways that contribute to either of these. Allosteric modulation provides an additional vector through which the CB1 receptor can be manipulated for therapeutic gain. This study proposes to 1) examine novel structural analogs of established CB1 allosteric modulators for their ability to alter orthosteric ligand binding, function, and signaling bias; 2) characterize G protein subtype-dependent coupling by orthosteric and allosteric ligands; and 3) assess the effects of CB1 allosteric modulators in assays of cannabinoid activity. My goals for this career development award are to build on my laboratory’s capabilities and prepare for independence as a principal investigator in the behavioral and molecular pharmacology of drug abuse. Under this award I will receive training in grantsmanship, laboratory management, budget management, and responsible conduct of research. These career development activities will include one-on-one training with co-mentors as well as workshops to provide me with necessary training to successfully compete for R01 funding and develop a highly productive and efficient independent research program.