2monoacyloglicerolu

2-monoacylglycerol, commonly abbreviated 2-MAG, is an acylglycerol in which a single fatty acid residue is esterified to the second carbon (sn-2) of the glycerol backbone. The fatty acid can vary, giving a range of 2-monoacylglycerols such as 2-oleoylglycerol or 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). The sn-2 orientation distinguishes 2-MAGs from surface isomers where the fatty acid is on the first or third carbon.

Biologically, 2-MAGs are important intermediates in lipid digestion and absorption. Pancreatic lipase hydrolyzes triglycerides at the sn-1 and sn-3 positions, producing 2-MAGs and free fatty acids in the intestinal lumen. The 2-MAGs are readily absorbed by enterocytes and then re-esterified with fatty acyl-CoA to form diacylglycerol and eventually triglycerides for incorporation into chylomicrons and release into the lymphatic system.

Within cells, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) can hydrolyze MAGs to glycerol and free fatty acids, while other enzymes such as monoacylglycerol acyltransferases (MGAT) and diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) participate in re-esterification to replenish triglyceride stores or generate glycerolipids used in membranes.

A notable member of the 2-MAG family is 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), an endocannabinoid involved in signaling pathways. In lipidomics and nutrition science, 2-MAGs are studied as key intermediates in fat digestion, absorption, and intracellular lipid metabolism.