Abstract
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is a signaling lipid in the central nervous system that is a key regulator of neurotransmitter release. 2-AG is an endocannabinoid that activates the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. It is involved in a wide array of (patho)physiological functions, such as emotion, cognition, energy balance, pain sensation and neuroinflammation. In this review, we describe the biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of 2-AG and how chemical and genetic perturbation of these pathways has led to insight in the biological role of this signaling lipid. Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of modulating 2-AG levels in the brain.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-17 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Progress in Lipid Research |
Volume | 71 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.Keywords
- Animals
- Arachidonic Acids/chemical synthesis
- Biosynthetic Pathways
- Brain/metabolism
- Endocannabinoids/chemical synthesis
- Glycerides/chemical synthesis
- Humans
- Lipid Metabolism
- Models, Chemical
- Molecular Structure
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Signal Transduction