A review on the monoacylglycerol lipase: at the interface between fat and endocannabinoid signalling

Together with anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) constitutes one of the main representatives of a family of endogenous lipids known as endocannabinoids. These act by binding to CB(1) and CB(2) cannabinoid receptors, the molecular target of the psychoactive compound Delta(9)-THC, both in the periphery and in the central nervous system, where they behave as retrograde messengers to modulate synaptic transmission. These last years, evidence has accumulated to demonstrate the lead role played by the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in the regulation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels. Considering the numerous physiological functions played by this endocannabinoid, MAGL is now considered a promising target for therapeutics, as inhibitors of this enzyme could reveal useful for the treatment of pain and inflammatory disorders, as well as in cancer research, among others. Here we review the milestones that punctuated MAGL history, from its discovery to recent advances in the field of inhibitors development. An emphasis is given on the recent elucidation of the tridimensional structure of the enzyme, which could offer new opportunities for rational drug design.