A most detailed and valuable research study printed as a letter in the journal Nature, Vol. 539 – available online.

This study demonstrates that at least one G-protein-coupled receptor present on mitochondrial membranes modulates high brain functions such as memory formation through the modulation of intra-mitochondrial G-protein signalling. Considering that G proteins play a central role in the brain, the present data will probably pave the way for a new field of research that deals with the acute effects of mitochondrial activity on brain functioning.

Cannabinoid drugs have several therapeutic potentials30, unfortunately limited by important side effects, such as impairment of memory5,6. The present data suggest that selective targeting of specific subcellular populations of CB1 receptors in the brain might assist in development of safer therapeutics against several brain disorders.

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