2arachidonoylglycérol

2-arachidonoylglycérol, often abbreviated as 2-AG, is an endogenous cannabinoid and a key lipid mediator in the body. It is a monoacylglycerol and is synthesized from arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. 2-AG plays a significant role in the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling network involved in a wide range of physiological processes.

This molecule acts as a ligand for cannabinoid receptors, primarily the CB1 receptor, which is highly concentrated in the brain and central nervous system, and the CB2 receptor, which is more abundant in immune cells. When 2-AG binds to these receptors, it can modulate neurotransmitter release, influencing mood, appetite, pain perception, memory, and immune responses.

2-AG is produced on demand in postsynaptic neurons and acts retrogradely, diffusing back to presynaptic terminals to regulate the release of other neurotransmitters. This retrograde signaling mechanism is crucial for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory formation. It is also involved in the regulation of inflammation and energy balance.

The levels of 2-AG in the body are tightly regulated by enzymes responsible for its synthesis and degradation. Diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) is the primary enzyme responsible for synthesizing 2-AG, while monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the main enzyme that breaks it down. Dysregulation of 2-AG levels has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders.