| Chapter title |
Need for Methods to Investigate Endocannabinoid Signaling
|
|---|---|
| Chapter number | 1 |
| Book title |
Endocannabinoid Signaling
|
| Published in |
Methods in molecular biology, January 2016
|
| DOI | 10.1007/978-1-4939-3539-0_1 |
| Pubmed ID | |
| Book ISBNs |
978-1-4939-3537-6, 978-1-4939-3539-0
|
| Authors |
Mauro Maccarrone |
| Editors |
Mauro Maccarrone |
| Abstract |
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are endogenous lipids able to activate cannabinoid receptors, the primary molecular targets of the cannabis (Cannabis sativa) active principle Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. During the last 20 years, several N-acylethanolamines and acylesters have been shown to act as eCBs, and a complex array of receptors, metabolic enzymes, and transporters (that altogether form the so-called eCB system) has been shown to finely tune their manifold biological activities. It appears now urgent to develop methods and protocols that allow to assay in a specific and quantitative manner the distinct components of the eCB system, and that can properly localize them within the cell. A brief overview of eCBs and of the proteins that bind, transport, and metabolize these lipids is presented here, in order to put in a better perspective the relevance of methodologies that help to disclose molecular details of eCB signaling in health and disease. Proper methodological approaches form also the basis for a more rationale and effective drug design and therapeutic strategy to combat human disorders. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
| Country | Count | As % |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown | 10 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
| Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
|---|---|---|
| Other | 2 | 20% |
| Professor | 2 | 20% |
| Researcher | 2 | 20% |
| Student > Master | 2 | 20% |
| Student > Doctoral Student | 1 | 10% |
| Other | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown | 1 | 10% |
| Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 2 | 20% |
| Medicine and Dentistry | 2 | 20% |
| Business, Management and Accounting | 1 | 10% |
| Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | 1 | 10% |
| Social Sciences | 1 | 10% |
| Other | 1 | 10% |
| Unknown | 2 | 20% |