RNA sequencing analysis found significant upregulation of CB2, TRPA1, TRPV3, and other endocannabinoid-related genes in psoriatic lesional skin compared to healthy controls, with no changes in non-lesional skin.
Dermatologists, psoriasis researchers, and companies developing topical cannabinoid products.
CB2 upregulated and PPARG downregulated in psoriatic lesions only
What the researchers found
In psoriatic lesional skin, CB2 (CNR2), TRPA1, TRPV3, PPARD, GPR18, and several serotonin receptors were significantly upregulated, while PPARG, TRPV4, PPARA, and GPR12 were significantly downregulated compared to healthy controls. Non-lesional psoriatic skin showed no significant differences from healthy skin.
Why it matters
The finding that endocannabinoid receptor expression changes only in active psoriatic lesions, not in unaffected skin, suggests these changes are tied to active disease rather than a systemic predisposition, making them potential therapeutic targets.
The numbers in context
Upregulated in lesional skin: CNR2, TRPA1, TRPV3, PPARD, GPR18, ADORA2A, HTR3B, HTR3A. Downregulated: GPR12, PPARG, TRPV4, PPARA, HTR1A. No significant changes in non-lesional vs. healthy skin.
How the study worked
Differential gene expression analysis using bulk RNA sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Compared endocannabinoid receptor expression between psoriatic lesional skin, non-lesional skin, and healthy controls.
What this study cannot tell us
Database-derived RNA expression data, not from a controlled experiment. Bulk RNA sequencing cannot identify which specific cell types within the skin show expression changes. Gene expression does not necessarily reflect protein-level receptor function.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary: bioinformatic analysis of public RNA data identifying expression patterns, not yet validated at the protein level or in clinical trials.
When this study was published
Published 2026.
The bigger picture
Topical cannabinoid treatments for psoriasis are being explored commercially, but the scientific rationale has been unclear. This study provides molecular evidence for which endocannabinoid targets are actually altered in psoriatic skin, potentially guiding more targeted topical formulations.
Questions still open
- Would CB2-targeting topical cannabinoids reduce psoriatic inflammation? Why is PPARG downregulated in lesional skin, and would PPARG agonists improve psoriasis? Could these expression changes serve as treatment response biomarkers?
Common questions
Could cannabis-based treatments help psoriasis?
Are endocannabinoid changes in psoriasis limited to affected skin?
Read the original research
Differential Expression of Endocannabinoid Receptors in Lesional and Non-Lesional Skin of Psoriasis Patients: Insights Into Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Targets.
Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 30(1), 56-61
Citation
Turk, Jaime N; Kirchhof, Mark G. (2026). Differential Expression of Endocannabinoid Receptors in Lesional and Non-Lesional Skin of Psoriasis Patients: Insights Into Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Targets.. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 30(1), 56-61. https://doi.org/10.1177/12034754251355199
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