Lipases

Lipases are esterase enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of ester bonds within hydrophobic lipids. This is a diverse class of enzymes and includes diacylglycerol lipase and lipoprotein lipase (E.C. 3.1.1.34), and endothelial lipase (E.C. 3.1.1.3).

Diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) catalyzes the conversion of 1,2,diacylglycerol (DAG) into the endocannabinol, 2'arachidonylglycerol (2'AG). 2'AG is a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB₁) agonist and is involved in the inhibition of neurotransmitter release. There are two DAGL isoforms; DAGLα and DAGLβ. Both isoforms are associated with the plasma membrane and are stimulated by Ca²⁺. They are found throughout the central nervous system, where they appear to be targeted exclusively to post-synaptic neuronal membranes.

Endothelial lipase (LIPG) is a vascular lipase which is synthesized in endothelial cells. LIPG hydrolyzes the phospholipids of VLDL, chylomicrons and HDL; it also displays triglyceride lipase activity.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), like LIPG, is a vascular lipase, however it is not synthesized in endothelial cells. It is anchored to the capillary endothelium by proteoglycans and catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides to release free fatty acids into the circulation. LPL therefore initiates the processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins such as chylomicrons and VLDL.

External sources of pharmacological information for Lipases :

• BJP Guide

Literature for Lipases

Tocris offers the following scientific literature for Lipases to showcase our products. We invite you to request* your copy today!

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Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands Scientific Review

Written by Roger Pertwee, this review discusses compounds which affect the activity of the endocannabinoid system, focusing particularly on ligands that are most widely used as experimental tools and denotes compounds available from Tocris.

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Lipase Gene Data