Serine hydrolase that hydrolyzes arachidonic acid-esterified diacylglycerols (DAGs) to produce the principal endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) ( ). Preferentially hydrolyzes sn-1 fatty acids from diacylglycerols (DAG) that contain arachidonic acid (AA) esterified at the sn-2 position to biosynthesize 2-AG ( ). Has negligible activity against other lipids including monoacylglycerols and phospholipids . Plays a key role in regulating 2-AG signaling in the central nervous system (CNS). Regulates 2-AG involved in retrograde suppression at central synapses. Supports axonal growth during development and adult neurogenesis. Plays a role for eCB signaling in the physiological regulation of anxiety and depressive behaviors. Regulates also neuroinflammatory responses in the brain, in particular, LPS-induced microglial activation (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane, Postsynaptic density membrane, Early endosome membrane, Cell projection, Dendritic spine membrane
Cycles between the cell surface and an intracellular endosomal compartment. Internalized by early endosomes via a clathrin-independent pathway before transport back to the postsynaptic membrane surface in a PKC-dependent manner.
Highly expressed in brain and pancreas.