1: Chem Biodivers. 2007 Aug;4(8):1882-902.

Fatty acid amide hydrolase: from characterization to therapeutics.

Labar G, Michaux C.

Unité de Chimie pharmaceutique et de Radiopharmacie, Ecole de Pharmacie, Faculté 
de Médecine, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue E. Mounier 73.40, B-1200
Bruxelles.

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an integral membrane enzyme within the
amidase-signature family that terminates the action of several endogenous lipid
messengers, including oleamide and the endocannabinoid anandamide. The hydrolysis
of such messengers leads to molecules devoid of biological activity, and,
therefore, modulates a number of neurobehavioral processes in mammals, including 
pain, sleep, feeding, and locomotor activity. Investigations into the structure
and function of FAAH, its biological and therapeutic implications, as well as a
description of different families of FAAH inhibitors are the topic of this
review.

PMID: 17712824 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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