THC Treatment Alters Glutamate Receptor Gene Expression in Human Stem Cell-Derived Neurons

Given the cognitive and behavioral effects following in utero Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure that have been reported in humans and rodents, it is critical to understand the precise consequences of THC on developing human neurons. Here, we utilize excitatory neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and report that in vitro THC exposure reduced expression of glutamate receptor subunit genes (GRIA1, GRIA2, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B). By expanding these studies across hiPSC-derived neurons from individuals with a variety of genotypes, we believe that a hiPSC-based model will facilitate studies of the interaction of THC exposure and the genetic risk factors underlying neuropsychiatric disease vulnerability.