Zhao-Hui (Joe) Song Laboratory
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About
The current research focuses of Dr. Song’s laboratory are the molecular targets of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are composed of three categories, including phytocannabinoids (the active chemical components of cannabis), endocannabinoids (the cannabinoid-like substances in our body), and synthetic cannabinoids. We are studying the ligand binding and signal transduction mechanisms of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, two proven molecular targets for cannabinoids. In addition, we are investigating GPR3, GPR6 and GPR12, a family of orphan receptors that have been recently shown by us to be novel molecular targets for cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is the major non-psychoactive of marijuana and has been proposed to have therapeutic potentials for a variety of illnesses, including neurological/psychiatric disorders, substances use disorders, metabolic diseases and ocular diseases. Therefore, our research on molecular targets of CBD and other cannabinoids will not only help to understand the mechanisms of action for CBD, it will also explore the viability of these receptors as novel therapeutic targets.
Key Research Areas
- Neurological/Psychiatric diseases/Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Alcohol related liver disease, alcohol use disorders and other substance use disorders (e.g. opiate use disorders)
- Ocular diseases
Current Projects
- CBD as potential treatment for autism spectrum disorders: mechanisms and biomarkers
- CBD as potential treatment for alcohol related liver disease and alcohol use disorders
- Endocannabinoid system as novel therapeutic targets for ocular diseases
- The therapeutic potential and mechanism of action for non-hallucinogenic psychedelics
Team
- Ashly Bailey, Graduate Student, ashly.bailey@louisville.edu
- Riley Freudenberger, Research Assistant, riley.freudenberger@louisville.edu
- Vishaka Motheramgari, Medical Student (physician scientist track), Vishaka.motheramgari@louisville.edu
- Zoe Lung. Medical Student (research distinction track), zoe.lung@louisville.edu
Recent Publications
- Song ZH, Barbas DP, Portoghese PS, Takemori AE. Isolation of kappa opioid receptor with an aminoethyl-nor-binaltorphimine (AE-norBNI) affinity column. Prog Clin Biol Res. 1990;328:69-72. PubMed PMID: 2154821.
- Rezvani A, Hwang F, Song ZH, Lin ET, Way EL. Supersensitivity to electrical stimulation for assessing physical dependence on opioids in isolated tissues. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1990 Jul;254(1):52-7. PubMed PMID: 2366190.
- Song ZH, Takemori AE. Involvement of spinal kappa opioid receptors in the antinociception produced by intrathecally administered corticotropin-releasing factor in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1990 Aug;254(2):363-8. PubMed PMID: 2166788.
- Song ZH, Takemori AE. Involvement of spinal kappa opioid receptors in the antagonistic effect of dynorphins on morphine antinociception. Life Sci. 1991;48(15):1447-53. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(91)90181-a. PubMed PMID: 1672725.
Song ZH, Takemori AE. Antagonism of morphine antinociception by intrathecally administered corticotropin-releasing factor in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1991 Mar;256(3):909-12. PubMed PMID: 1848633.