Targeting the endocannabinoid system to suppress mTORC1 hyperactivation in TSC-associated kidney disease

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) promotes renal cyst formation and chronic kidney disease through mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) dysregulation, yet effective treatments remain limited. Using mouse models with Tsc1 deletion in nephron progenitor cells and CRISPR-edited human kidney cells, we assessed the role of the endocannabinoid system in TSC-associated kidney disease. Tsc1 deletion led to significant alterations in endocannabinoid levels and the expression of metabolizing enzymes. These molecular changes were accompanied by receptor dysregulation, characterized by CB1R upregulation and CB2R downregulation in cyst-lining epithelial cells. A similar receptor imbalance was observed in TSC1-deficient human kidney cells, suggesting a conserved pathogenic mechanism. Treatment with the peripheral CB1R antagonist JD5037 significantly reduced mTORC1 activity and c-Myc expression in cultured cells and ex vivo kidney organ cultures. These findings identified CB1R as a potential therapeutic target, linking endocannabinoid dysregulation to TSC kidney pathology.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study reveals for the first time that TSC-associated kidney disease involves significant dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system in both murine models and human kidneys, characterized by altered endocannabinoid levels, enzyme expression changes, CB1R upregulation, and CB2R downregulation in cyst-lining epithelial cells. Treatment with the peripheral CB1R antagonist effectively suppressed mTORC1 hyperactivation and c-Myc expression, identifying CB1R as a novel therapeutic target for TSC-associated renal pathology.