2-Arachidonoylglycerol: A signaling lipid with manifold actions in the brain

Marc P Baggelaar, Mauro Maccarrone, Mario van der Stelt

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-17
Number of pages17
JournalProgress in Lipid Research
Volume71
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2018
Externally publishedYes

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

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