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

• Published in: Progress in lipid research Vol. 71; pp. 1 - 17
• Main Authors: Baggelaar, Marc P., Maccarrone, Mauro, van der Stelt, Mario
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2018
• Subjects: Animals; Arachidonic Acids - chemical synthesis; Arachidonic Acids - chemistry; Arachidonic Acids - metabolism; Biosynthetic Pathways; Brain - metabolism; Endocannabinoids - chemical synthesis; Endocannabinoids - chemistry; Endocannabinoids - metabolism; Glycerides - chemical synthesis; Glycerides - chemistry; Glycerides - metabolism; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Models, Chemical; Molecular Structure; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 - metabolism; Signal Transduction
• ISSN: 0163-7827; 1873-2194
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2018.05.002

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.