Cannabinoid Signaling: An Avenue from Molecules to Therapeutic Targets

The Gordon Research Seminar on Cannabinoid Function in the CNS is a unique forum for graduate students, post-docs, and other scientists with comparable levels of experience and education to present and exchange new data and cutting-edge ideas, and build long-lasting networks with the next generation of scientists in the cannabinoid field.

The endocannabinoid system is one of the most ubiquitously expressed neuromodulator systems in the brain. Cannabis contains more than 140 cannabinoids that can interfere with the physiological functions of the endogenous cannabinoid system and some cannabinoids have been identified as promising therapeutics. Accordingly, the past few years have seen global changes in legalization, increased cannabis consumption and expansion in cannabinoid pharmaceutical trials. Those worldwide initiatives enhance the urgent need to understand the impact of cannabinoids on signaling and neurobiological mechanisms.

Therefore, the major goal of the 2021 Gordon Research Seminar on “Cannabinoid Function in the CNS” is to provide and discuss new insights into the cannabinoid research and address pending societal, scientific, and medical challenges. The conference will explore cannabinoid signaling from molecules, networks and systems to therapeutics development. It will provide opportunities for trainees to present their work in poster format and include a selection of short talks distributed in two main sessions led by young scientists. The seminar will feature two keynote lectures delivered by Dr. Yasmin Hurd and Dr. Markus Heilig. Finally, different career paths in the cannabinoid field will be discussed with a mentorship panel composed of diverse senior scientists from academia and industry.