Mitochondrial CB1 Receptor (mtCB1) as an Integrative Node for Energy Metabolism, Epigenetic Regulation, and Oxidative Stress: A Conceptual Framework

This repository presents a conceptual and integrative framework proposing the mitochondrial cannabinoid receptor type 1 (mtCB1) as a central state-switching node linking energy metabolism, oxidative stress regulation, and epigenetic control. Since its identification within mitochondria, mtCB1 has been shown to directly modulate respiratory activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cellular energy allocation. Rather than treating mtCB1 as a purely inhibitory receptor, this work conceptualizes it as a dynamic switch that enables transitions between complementary metabolic states: energy-conserving, stress-adaptive suppression and energy-expanding, restorative activation. The framework integrates multiple regulatory layers, including mitochondrial respiration, ROS signaling, NAD⁺ homeostasis, mTOR–sirtuin crosstalk, autophagy, and epigenetic stabilization via chromatin remodeling complexes. Near-infrared (NIR) photobiomodulation is incorporated as a functional counterbalance to mtCB1-mediated suppression, highlighting a bidirectional architecture of cellular regulation. This work does not claim direct causal validation. Instead, it provides a systems-level explanatory model intended to unify existing observations across neuroscience, aging biology, and metabolic research. The framework is presented as a modular theoretical node designed to be cited, extended, challenged, or recombined within distributed scientific inquiry. The repository includes: a full manuscript (PDF), an integrated visual model (Figure 1), a plain-text explainer designed for both human and AI readers, and supporting metadata. Version 1.0 represents an initial conceptual release.