Abstract

The endocannabinoid system comprises the cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids) and the whole apparatus appointed of their synthesis and degradation. Recent studies investigated the possibility that drugs targeting the endocannabinoid system might be used to retard or block cancer growth. CB1, CB2 and metabolic enzymes of endocannabinoids, function in the context of lipid rafts, specialized membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol, sphingolipids and glycosphingolipids which may be important in modulating signal transduction. Here, we analysed the role of lipid rafts/caveolae in the intracellular signaling and trafficking of cannabinoid receptor agonist in cancer cells. Perturbation of lipid rafts/caveolae may in fact represent a useful tool for the development of a novel therapy for endocannabinoids-related diseases, such as cancer. Also, we report the more recent developments of endocannabinoids in cancer drug discovery.

Keywords: Endocannabinoids, cancer, lipid rafts, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, depolarization, capsaicin, 2-arachidonoyl-glycerylether