The biological functions of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in cancer

Cancer is a metabolic disease marked by disruptions in lipid metabolism, which significantly influences tumor development. The synthesis and breakdown of lipids, governed by various enzymes, play a vital role in this process. One notable enzyme, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), hydrolyzes monoacylglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids, thereby generating protumorigenic lipid-signaling molecules that facilitate tumor growth and malignancy. MAGL's primary substrate, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, acts as an agonist for endocannabinoid receptors and serves as a precursor for arachidonic acid, which is critical in producing pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins. Dysregulation of MAGL expression has been associated with various cancer types. This review summarizes current knowledge of MAGL's role in cancer progression and proposes MAGL as a promising target for cancer therapy.