Membrane lipids are key-modulators of the endocannabinoid-hydrolase FAAH

We report that FAAH dimer is stabilized by the lipid bilayer and shows higher membrane binding affinity and enzymatic activity within membranes containing both cholesterol and the natural FAAH substrate, anandamide (AEA). Additionally, colocalization of cholesterol, AEA, and FAAH in mouse neuroblastoma cells suggests a mechanism through which cholesterol increases the substrate accessibility of FAAH.

Source: BJ Cell - November 12, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: E Dainese, G De Fabritiis, A Sabatucci, S Oddi, C Beatrice Angelucci, C Di Pancrazio, T Giorgino, N Stanley, M Del Carlo, B Cravatt, M Maccarrone Tags: BJ Biomolecules Source Type: research