CBD triggered broad gene expression changes in leukemia cells affecting immune, stress, and cell death pathways

What the researchers found

CBD treatment at its IC50 (17.69 microM) induced 3,518 DEGs at 12 hours and 3,433 at 4 hours. Key changes included upregulation of metallothionein-regulated oxidative stress responses (MT1, MT2, SLC30A2) and p53-mediated apoptosis genes (TP53TG3, DDIT4, BBC3, CHAC1, NOXA1, DAPK2). Pathway enrichment identified type I interferon activation, PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling, Toll-like receptor signaling, and alterations in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis.

Why it matters

Chronic myeloid leukemia treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib can develop resistance. Understanding how CBD affects leukemia cells at the molecular level could identify complementary pathways to overcome resistance or enhance treatment effects.

The numbers in context

CBD IC50: 17.69 microM. DEGs at 4 hours: 3,433. DEGs at 12 hours: 3,518. Key pathways: type I interferon, PI3K-Akt-mTOR, Toll-like receptor signaling. Key gene families: metallothioneins (MT1, MT2), p53 pathway (TP53TG3, DDIT4, BBC3, CHAC1, NOXA1, DAPK2).

How the study worked

Imatinib-sensitive K-562S chronic myeloid leukemia cells were treated with CBD at its IC50 concentration (17.69 microM) for 4 and 12 hours. RNA sequencing was performed, and differentially expressed genes were identified and analyzed through pathway enrichment analysis.

What this study cannot tell us

In vitro study in a single cell line (K-562S), which may not represent the heterogeneity of CML in patients. Only imatinib-sensitive cells were tested. The CBD concentration (IC50) may not be achievable in patient plasma. Transcriptomic changes do not necessarily translate to protein-level or functional effects.

How to read the evidence

Single in vitro cell line study using RNA sequencing, providing mechanistic insight but far from clinical application.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

The breadth of transcriptional changes (over 3,400 genes) suggests CBD has far-reaching effects on leukemia cell biology rather than acting through a single pathway. The convergence on immune modulation, apoptosis, and metabolic processes aligns with known cannabinoid biology but provides the first detailed transcriptomic map in CML cells.

Questions still open

• Would CBD show similar effects in imatinib-resistant CML cells? Can achievable plasma CBD concentrations produce meaningful effects on these pathways? Would CBD enhance imatinib efficacy in combination treatment? Do these gene expression changes translate to actual cell death in more complex models?

Common questions

Read the original research

Bioinformatics differential expression analysis of the effect of cannabidiol in chronic myeloid leukaemia cell line.

Global medical genetics, 12(4), 100076

Citation

Donchev, Petar P; Danova, Svetla T. (2025). Bioinformatics differential expression analysis of the effect of cannabidiol in chronic myeloid leukaemia cell line.. Global medical genetics, 12(4), 100076. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gmg.2025.100076

Explore the wider topic

• CBD Oil Quality Guide: How to Avoid Snake Oil
• Anxiety After Quitting Weed: When to Consider Medication
• Cannabis for Chemotherapy Nausea: What the Evidence Actually Shows
• Cannabis for Chronic Pain: What the Research Actually Supports
• Cannabis and Epilepsy: The Epidiolex Story and What It Means
• Does CBD Actually Work for Anxiety? What the Evidence Shows
• Does CBD Help with Weed Withdrawal? What Studies Show
• CBD vs THC: The Differences That Actually Matter
• The Proven Medical Benefits of Cannabis: What Research Supports
• Quitting Weed Before Surgery
• Weed and Medications: What Changes When You Quit
• Quitting Weed During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
• Quitting Weed While Pregnant: What You Need to Know
• Cannabis and Older Adults: Risks Seniors Should Know
• Cannabis and Breastfeeding: THC in Breast Milk